We encourage you to read through this Social Story before our trip next Friday.
Toys/Bag Toys and Lanyards
We have noticed a proliferation of bag toys, toys on lanyards and soft toys generally. Please remind your child/children that toys like these do not need to come to school. When they go missing children can become very upset and it can impact their ability to focus on their school day.
Thank you for supporting us with this request.
Learning Through Play
Our learning through play sessions are held on Monday and Wednesday afternoons and after morning tea on Fridays.
The amazing tamariki in team Kahiaktea have been demonstrating:
Friendliness
Resilience
Respect
Wall Displays in Team Kahikatea
Here are some of the display in our hub - come on in and check them out the next time you are at school!
This week we learnt about financial literacy with Jeff, a guest educator from ASB Bank.
Jeff was lots of fun and used interactive activities and practical examples to teach the children about important financial concepts such as saving, budgeting, and managing money. The students were actively engaged, asked questions, and participated with great enthusiasm in the lessons.
Emma Nahna Visit
We are fortunate to have the wonderful Emma Nahna, Speech-Language Therapist and Literacy Consultant, coming to run a whānau workshop this term. Emma is extremely knowledgeable and an engaging speaker. Her mission is to support educators and parents “...to grow every child into a successful reader and writer.”
Emma will be running a whānau workshop on Thursday 23rd March at 5:30pm for our Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto whānau. The first hour and a half will cover the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of structured literacy across the school and how you can support your learner at home. The last half an hour of the session will emphasise the importance of continuing to follow a structured literacy approach into the senior levels of the school, and will delve into morphology (the study of the forms of words) and syntax (the arrangement of words to create sentences).
If your child is bringing home Pip and Tim books then they are working through the structured literacy programme. We have recorded some videos to support your understanding of what our structured literacy stages look like and to explain what you can do to support your learner at home. You can access the videos from the links below:
Finally, we ask that you ensure that your child brings a reading folder to school every day so they can take their literacy books home to read. The folders help to protect our precious books from damage so that we have them in use for longer. Also, your child will need to have a library folder if they want to issue any library books as Anne, our librarian, has a strict policy of only issuing books to those who have a folder. If you are not sure which day is library day for your child, please ask your homegroup teacher.
We Get There Together - Mā tātou katoa te waka e hoe
We'd like to thank all of our whānau for your collective contribution to our school and tamariki, and we recognise all the big and small ways in which you all support each other and make a difference. The wrap-around of care and support in our community, makes it a great honour to be a part of, and leads the way for all of our children to support each other in the same way.
"Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa. Let us keep close together, not far apart."
This week, is Foster Care Awareness Week, and while it has not been a part of discussions within the classroom, it is still worth recognising and giving a big mihi to all of our whānau who are care experienced, supporting tamariki in a care or whāngai setting, or in general look out for all of our tamariki as you would your own. It takes a village to raise a child!
Year 7/8 Camp
This week was our Year 7/8 Wainui Camp, and it sounds like everyone had a very successful week. These opportunities could not happen without the support of our whānau, camp volunteers, and the Kauri (Year 7/8) team, who have put so much mahi in over the weeks leading up to camp, as well as during the week, to ensure our tamariki get to experience such memorable moments together. We hope our Year 7/8 whānau get to enjoy hearing about some of these from your tamariki, in between plenty of rest and washing over the weekend!
With our senior students away enjoying camp this week our Pōhutukawa (Year 5/6) students have been up for the challenge, and have done an incredible job in stepping into the leadership roles and supporting across all areas of our kura.
Cyclone Gabrielle fundraising...
The final total of funds raised by the non-uniform day for Cyclone Gabrielle was $1524.80. We have sent this to the Hawkes Bay Primary Principals Association to pass on to the schools and their communities hardest hit by the cyclone. We have passed on our best wishes and support to those affected and we received this reply back:
"Many thanks for your school's wonderfully generous donation to the cyclone relief in our region. We have received amazing support from throughout New Zealand. This donation from Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto is an incredible gesture. The Hawkes Bay Primary Principals Association will meet this week to try and distribute the funds we have received to date - an overwhelming amount.
We shall let you know how the money is shared amongst the most affected schools.
The way the whole country has responded to this catastrophe is incredible - although I am sure the experience of the earthquakes in Canterbury means that you have a clear understanding of what this type of scenario brings.
Thanks again for your school's community aroha for our region. Could you please pass on our gratitude to the Beckenham tamariki and whānau."
Lastly, please note that school is closed this Thursday, the 16th of March - please see the notices below for further details.
I wish you all a safe and relaxing weekend.
Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki / Principal
Important Dates
Upcoming Events
Term 1
Thu 16 Mar - School Closed - Teacher Strike Action
Wed 22 Mar - PTA Meeting - All Welcome (7:30 – 9:30pm in The Green Room)
Mon 1 - Wed 3 May - Year 5/6 Camp - Living Springs
Mon 5 Jun - King's Birthday (School closed)
Fri 30 Jun - Last day of Term 2
Citizen of the Week
Hayley Rose Ruyters - Year 6
Hayley Rose, it is such a pleasure to have you in the Pōhutukawa hub. You radiate positivity and this is very evident in your desire and the effort you put into being the best learner you can be. Your organisational skills and help around the hub are always gratefully received. Ka rawe, Hayley Rose.
BOT Update
School Closed on Thursday 16th of March
As you have probably heard via the media today, both primary and secondary teachers have made the decision to strike this Thursday, the 16th of March. As we will have no teachers on-site, the board has no option but to close the school for the day.
Thank you in advance for your understanding of this. We do appreciate that this will be inconvenient for you.
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Board of Trustees
School Notices
House Shirt Price increase
Due to price increases of both the shirts and screen printing, we are going to increase the price of our house shirts to $30 from Monday the 13th of March.
Book Club is out now!
By participating in Book Club, not only are you encouraging your child to be a reader... a percentage of the total order will be given back to our school in rewards, to spend on additional educational resources!
If you would like to take a look at what is available, please click the link here. This is a reminder again that we no longer send home the physical brochures, however, we do have one newspaper-style copy available in the Office if you would like to view it in that format instead. Ordering is done online via the Loop App, and all information regarding this can be found on the link above.
Book a School Tour!
If you have never had the opportunity to have a tour of the school, or if you would like another look at how the school works, we are offering a series of dates from Friday 17th to Thursday 23rd March. Our amazing School Ambassadors are looking forward to having the opportunity to show you around.
Launched in 2022, Unity Week is a coordinated approach to remember and honour the lives lost in the tragic March 15 Christchurch Mosque attacks, while also promoting a socially cohesive society, with the belief that everyone, regardless of their background or community, should feel welcome, respected, and loved for who they are and where they come from.
The Unity Week website (https://www.unityweek.co.nz/) can connect you to a range of fantastic upcoming events and resources.
PTA News
Hot Cross Buns
There's just one week left to get your orders in. You can fill in the paper order form or order online here: https://forms.gle/NkEy3XPA9fmUQMdn7
The PTA will be collecting forms/money from by the flag pole from Wednesday to Friday next week before school.
Thanks for your support
Community Notices
(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)
Sydenham Rugby Club
We have a couple of events coming up for our junior players to give rugby a go if they are not sure about committing to it. Please visit this link to find out more.
(Note that the transition event is directed at those players who have previously played rip rugby and will be trying tackle for the first time. The other event is for any players, new or potential)
Week 5 already! It is fabulous seeing all of our beautiful tamariki so settled into the Kahikatea Hub and doing some fantastic learning.
Nuts at school - Whānau notice
We are aware that the Kahikatea team has students with nut allergies. Therefore we are asking that if nuts/nut-based products aren't necessary for your child's lunchbox please consider not including them.
The team is also aware that some children have other dietary requirements and their diet may need to be nut-based, so will need nut products to be included in their lunch box.
When the term starts, the teachers will remind the children that at school we eat our own food rather than share with others, along with reminders about handwashing and putting food wrappings in their lunch boxes to take home. This will also include washing their hands after eating nuts to remove any potential residue.
If you have any questions please contact your child's Homegroup teacher.
Thank you for your support as 'We Get There Together'.
Word of the week
Our word of the week is RESPECT.
Respect means that you accept somebody for who they are, even when they're different from you or you don't agree with them. Respect in your relationships builds feelings of trust, safety, and well-being.
Math Focus
This week in maths, some of our learners learned about capacity and how different containers hold different amounts.
They estimated how many teddies/cubes would fit into different containers, they measured by filling the containers, and they counted the teddies/cubes to check how close their answer was to their estimate.
It was wonderful to hear the rich discussion about the best way to count the teddies. Depending on how big the pile was, sometimes they counted in 1s, skip counted in 2s, skip counted in 5s and when the pile looked enormous, they skip counted in 10s.
Spare Yarn
During Learning Through Play sessions, we would love to teach some children (who are interested) how to do finger knitting.
Finger knitting is a calming activity that has many benefits for young children. It builds dexterity and strength in those small muscles which control the hand, fingers, and thumbs. These same muscles are the muscles we use to write, so strengthening them is extremely important.
Finger knitting also encourages creativity (the creations students can make with their completed finger knitting are endless), hand-eye coordination, concentration, and perseverance.
In order for us to do this we need some yarn. It doesn't have to be a full ball (small amounts are welcome), or fancy (just regular is fine). The thicker the yarn, the easier it is for children to manipulate.
If you have some spare at home that you wish to donate, please bring it into the Kahikatea Hub.
Boxes and Containers
We would love clean boxes and containers for box construction. Children love constructing with boxes and containers and it is amazing to see all the creative creations that our tamariki come up with.
Don't fill your recycling bin with them - send them our way!
Literacy Videos
Your learner will have brought home a literacy pack in the last week. If you haven't received one, please get in touch with us.
We have recorded some videos to support our whānau with understanding what our literacy stages look like and what you can do to support your learner at home.
Click on the links below to access videos at your child's stage. There are two videos to look at.
If you have never had the opportunity to have a tour of the school, or if you would like another look at how the school works, we are offering a series of dates from Wednesday 15th to Monday 20th March. Our amazing School Ambassadors are looking forward to having the opportunity to show you around.
With our number of New Entrant students increasing each week, Georgia McKenna shifted from three days a week to full-time in the Koru team this week.
This has meant that we needed another part-time teacher in the Koru team, and we are delighted to welcome Nicola Reddecliffe back to our staff in this part-time role.
Nicola Reddecliffe - Koru Team
The 'water slide' is now a 'regular slide again!
A huge thanks to Richard Scott from our Board of Trustees for his tenacity and determination in trying to get our drainage issues sorted. There was HUGE excitement today when a team of workers from DRAINWORKZ rolled in and completed the first stage of the drainage work for our slide area.
The gravel top is a temporary stage and we will eventually be getting this covered with the same matting that is over the new playground. There is also quite a bit more drainage work to be done, but, as you can see, there was great joy in being able to finally use the slide again!
Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki
Important Dates
Upcoming Events
Term 1
Mon 6 - 10 Mar - Walk or Wheel to School week
Mon 6-Fri 10 Mar - Year 7/8 Camp - Wainui
Fri 10 Mar - South Zone Swimming Sports (Y5-8), Wharenui Pool
Wed 22 Mar - PTA Meeting - All Welcome (7:30 – 9:30pm in The Green Room)
Thu 6 Apr - Last day of Term 1
Fri 7 Apr -School Holidays begin (School closed)
Term 2
Mon 24 Apr - Staff Only Day (School closed)
Tue 25 Apr - ANZAC Day (School closed)
Wed 26 Apr - First day of Term 2
Mon 1 - Wed 3 May - Year 5/6 Camp - Living Springs
Mon 5 Jun - King's Birthday (School closed)
Fri 30 Jun - Last day of Term 2
Citizen of the Week
Saxton Harris - Year 4
Saxton, you are a super focused learner who puts 110% into all you do. You persistently and bravely tackle challenges and support those around you to do the same. Kind and courteous, super helpful, always responsible and reliable, and with a superb sense of fun - Saxton, you are amazing! Thank you and tino pai tō mahi!
School Notices
Staff car damage yesterday (Thursday 2nd March)
Unfortunately. one of our staff had her car backed into yesterday, whilst parked on Sandwich Road between the entrance and exit to the staff carpark.
She owns a black Kia Sportage and quite a bit of damage was done to the front of her vehicle. If anyone knows anything about it, or saw anything, she would appreciate hearing from you, via office@beckenham.school.nz
School tours are coming!
We know that during COVID, a number of families were never offered the opportunity to have a school tour and to be shown around. For other families, you have come in and enrolled during a holiday period and haven't ever had a proper look around either. And for others... it may be quite a long time since your child started school, and you'd love to have another look around!
So - keep a look out next week for an email inviting you to book a tour with a couple of our amazing school ambassadors! We are just waiting for the booking system to be set up, and then we can confirm the dates.
Beckenham Park Spraying
We were made aware during the week that there was spraying going on in Beckenham Park. We have spoken with the council and they have confirmed the regular spraying was done early Monday morning. This is done with an Organic herbicide. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the spraying of Beckenham Park, please direct these to the council.
Walk or Wheel to School Week
Next week from Monday 6 March to Friday 10 March 2023, our school is participating in Walk or Wheel to School Week, brought to you by Christchurch City Council. This fun and action-packed week is to promote walking and wheeling to school. There are daily themes and prizes up for grabs for students who participate. For more information head over to the Christchurch City Council webpage. We can’t wait to get started next week!
If students walk or wheel to school 3 mornings or more during the week they will go in the draw to win spot prizes. Cards that students need to fill out if they are participating will be sent home (pictured below). Tamariki (children) need to write both their name and hub on this card.
"Footpath Manners"
When scootering or walking to school, it is important that we stay aware of the needs of other people using the footpath. In NZ, we have a convention of keeping to the left so that people in both directions can use the footpath.
We know that when people are walking and talking, it is easy to lose awareness of others, and this is even trickier for children. Please would you talk with your children about 'footpath manners' and being aware of other people who also need to use the footpath. We will be talking about this at school too.
Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival
A message from The Lions Christchurch Schools' Music Festival Team... Singers and musicians from Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto can now apply for an audition to join a Representative Group - Junior & Senior Choir, Concert Band, or Orchestra.
Applications are made online on the Festival website here. We ask that the parents make the application so that they are aware of the rehearsal and performance commitments.
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Whānau Workshop - Structured Literacy across all year groups
What: Literacy Parent Education Event on Structured Literacy from Year 1 to Year 8
Presented by: Emma Nahna (Sound Foundations for Literacy)
Where: Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Hall
When: Thursday 23rd March 2023, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Who: All whānau/ caregivers across the school are invited.
We are fortunate to have the wonderful Emma Nahna, Speech-Language Therapist and Literacy Consultant, coming to run a whānau workshop this term. Emma is extremely knowledgeable and an engaging speaker. Her mission is to support educators and parents “...to grow every child into a successful reader and writer.”
Emma will be running a whānau workshop on Thursday 23rd March at 5:30pm for our Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto whānau. The first hour and a half will cover the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of structured literacy across the school and how you can support your learner at home. The last half an hour of the session will emphasise the importance of continuing to follow a structured literacy approach into the senior levels of the school, and will delve into morphology (the study of the forms of words) and syntax (the arrangement of words to create sentences).
Sports News
Swimming Sports
Our Year 5-8 school swimming sports was held on Monday the 27th of February at Wharenui Aquatic Centre. It was wonderful to see students embrace our value of "We Love Challenge" and get into the water to compete. There was an amazing display of swimming and wonderful encouragement and support from everyone. Many thanks to all of the parents who came along to help with the running of the day.
PTA News
Order Hot Cross Buns!
Order your yummy hot cross buns now! Ordering for our fundraiser is up and running - you can fill in the paper order form or order online here. Thanks for your support!
Weetbix Tryathlon
It was great to see over 40 Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto kids participating in the Weetbix Tryathlon. A big thank you to Ruth Blane for all her hard work and David Blane for excellent bbq skills! Congratulations to all the tamariki, ka pai!
Community Notices
(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)
Hoon Hay School - part-time caretaker needed
We have a vacancy for a part-time Caretaker for 2 days per week (Monday and Tuesday).
Hoon Hay Te Kura Kōaka is seeking a fit and active handy person to look after our school grounds and buildings two days a week (Monday and Tuesdays, 6.30am - 2.00pm).
Hoon Hay Te Kura Koaka is a warm and welcoming primary school in South West Christchurch. We are currently looking for a caretaker who will work with the Principal and School Board to ensure the grounds and buildings are well maintained two days a week. The position includes a wide range of duties to help provide a school environment that our whole community can enjoy and be proud of.
We are seeking someone who is physically fit and active and who relates well to both adults and children and has the required skills and experience to complete the following:
Ensure our school grounds are kept to a high standard
Lawn mowing
Gardening
Have good handy person skills and capabilities
Be able to ensure compliance with Health and Safety regulations
Emergency cleaning
Ability to effectively prioritise work Is a self starter and can work unsupervised
Be able to work positively alongside staff and primary aged students Have initiative and a can-do attitude
Have a strong sense of pride in your work
Hold a current, full drivers licence.
This position is for two days (7 hours on a Monday and Tuesday), with some flexibility to swap days when required. Start time is 6.30am. The pay rate is negotiable depending on relevant skills and experience. Work conditions are as per the School Caretakers’ and Cleaners’ Collective Agreement. The short-listed candidate will be vetted by NZ Police.
If this sounds like you, please complete the Application form, along with your CV and cover letter prior to 9am, Friday 10 March 2023, and send to office@hoonhay.school.nz
If you have any problems with viewing this attachment, please email office@hoonhay.school.nz.
Thank you
Christchurch Boys' Choir
Do you know a boy who likes to sing? Christchurch Boys' Choir has vacancies and is auditioning now. You don't have to go to a certain school, be in a choir already or have a singing teacher. You only need to know the National Anthem and be free on Monday after school. Email us for an audition at musicaldirector@christchurchboyschoir.co.nz or fill out the Google form at https://forms.gle/qWWPYkn6kAvKmmJ17.
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