Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter Rāmere (Friday) 2 December 2022

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

These past two weeks have been a real celebration of our tamariki and their talents.

We were privileged to enjoy two fantastic concerts last week, and they showcased some of our amazing, talented students. Thank you to the String instrument students and Ensemble, and also Ferndale Kapa Haka. You were both outstanding! 

Thank you to everyone who came along to our Whānau Rōpū Hui & Kapa Haka performance on Wednesday. Whakawhanaungatanga (the process of establishing relationships & relating to each other) is an important part of having a strong school community, and culture. It was really good to have so many whānau here to share kai and support our tamariki performing.




Our tamariki were treated to a wonderful final dress rehearsal of the Year 7/8 production yesterday afternoon. Completely written and choreographed by the students int he Year 7/8 team, this production will be extremely popular with whānau as it takes you on ' A Walk Through The 80s'! There will be two performances next week - on Monday and Tuesday evening, starting at 7pm. Entry by gold coin donation.

It's hard to believe that we are in December already, and that we have just one and a half weeks of school remaining. Please remember that school finishes at 12:30pm on Thursday 15th December.

As many families begin to prepare for the Christmas season, those who would like to add a small bit of Christmas bling to their uniform next week are welcome to do that!


Supporting transitions for all our tamariki

Children who will be moving into new teams for next year are currently in the process of having transition visits to their new buildings, and are meeting the teachers who are in each team at the moment. On the final morning of the year, all of the children will find out who their home group teacher is for the following year, and then each group will go together and spend time with their new teacher/team. Children will bring home a letter on that day, that will have information for you about their new team, their teacher, and about how to book a Learning Conference for the start of 2023. 

School starts next year with two days of Learning Conferences on Tuesday 31st January and Wednesday 1st February, then classes begin on Thursday 2nd February.

Ngā mihi nui

Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki (Principal)

Important Dates

Mon 5 Dec Year 7 & 8 Production (7.00 - 8.00pm in the Hall)
Tue 6 Dec -  Year 7 & 8 Production (7.00 - 8.00pm in the Hall)
Thu 8 Dec - BOT Meeting (5.30 - 7.50pm - Rūma Kaimahi/Staffroom)
Fri 9 Dec - Final Celebration Assembly (9.45-10.30am)
Wed 14 Dec - Year 8 Leavers Graduation - 11am - 12noon, followed by Leavers' Lunch
Thu 15 Dec - Last day of Term 4 - School closes at 12:30pm

Term Dates

Citizen of the Week

Luigi Vallero Reid - Year 8

Luigi, you are such a personable and friendly character. You make a difference by enriching discussions with your deep thinking and broad knowledge. Luigi, you shine as an advocate for diversity. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and encouraging inclusion in others. Our kura is a better place for having you in it. 

School Notices

A Walk Through the 80s!

Next Monday and Tuesday, Year 7 & 8 take to the stage to share their many and varied talents as they present: 'A Walk Through the 80s'. We would love you to join us for what promises to be an entertaining evening. Gold coin donation at the door. 

Community Dental Service - December/January Holiday Clinics

Congratulations to our Y8 Award Winners...

Mathematics Cup: Fergus Macdonald

Fergus your passion for all things maths is quite contagious. You love nothing better than a rich problem to immerse yourself in and you are always keen to share your solutions. You have created two amazing Cantamath projects and earned an excellence award this year with your dynamic wave model. You were part of the team that won the local Cantamath competition in Year 6 and also achieved an impressive result this year. You have qualified for the Final Challenge in Otago Problem Solving in Year 7 and again in Year 8. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and supporting others with their learning too. Tu meke, Fergus!  

Radcliffe Award for Special Contribution to Drama: Katya Atlas 

Katya, your love of everything theatrical is commendable. You earned the respect of your team members and became a role model in Theatre Sports. You were creative, witty and effortlessly ‘improv’d’ your way to an incredibly competitive second place. When you perform, your talent, energy and smile light up the room. Your connection to drama outside of school keeps you busy and always performing. You come by your talent honestly and I imagine we will see your name up in lights one day! As William Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage.” Well, Katya, the world is yours!  

Special Contribution to Music: George Smith and Tahere Taylor 

George, you are a wonderfully talented bass and guitar player, who shows dedication to refining your skills and a real enthusiasm for performing. Watching you jam along, having the time of your life, and being totally immersed in the music brings so much joy. Isn’t that what music is all about? Your development has gone from strength to strength this year and you embrace opportunities to perform and share your music with others. This has included performances with The School’s Music Festival, accompanying guitar with Te Whānau Mahi Tahi, and our Kauri production. Thank you for sharing your music with us. 

Tahere, we love listening to you play guitar and sing our hub. Your voice is a real show-stopper and your technical ability on the guitar is enviable. Tahere, you approach music learning with gusto and focus. Your ability on the guitar has progressed in leaps and bounds this year and is a testament to the time you dedicate to practicing at home. Your music contributions have included performances outside of kura, accompanying guitar with Te Whānau Mahi Tahi, and our Kauri production. Thank you for sharing your music with us.   

Social Sciences Cup: Quinn Clarke  

Quinn, throughout your primary school years, you have shown great enthusiasm for learning about our world and the people and cultures within it. As a junior, you would take great pride in being able to identify the flag that was flying each day. Fast forward to your senior years and you continue to demonstrate impressive knowledge and insight in the subject of social sciences. You bring a blend of curiosity, understanding and deep thinking, which enables you to drive a rich discussion on a range of topics including electric cars, world leaders and a range of real-life and hypothetical social issues. You have maintained your enthusiasm and dedication to Kapa Haka into your senior years, demonstrating a commitment to learning about te ao Māori.   

Taylor Cup for Sportsmanship: Lola Harris

Lola, your dedication and mahi on the sports field has been rewarded with impressive results over the years. While there is no denying your ability as a sports person, it is not what you’ve achieved but how you’ve achieved it that we are recognising today. Lola, you play sport with the utmost integrity and humility. When it comes to proving your capabilities on the sports field, you let your playing do the talking. Kāore te kūmara e kōrero mō tōna ake reka. The kūmara doesn't speak of its own sweetness. It just is. Instead, you use your voice to build others up. You are bursting with compliments to your team and recognition for your opponents. Lola, you lead by example. Your actions set the tone within a team for others to rise to. Lola, you have proved over the years that when it comes to good sportsmanship, you know no other way to be than exceptional. It has been a privilege to share your sporting experiences with you. 

Taylor Cup for Sportsmanship: Quinn Clarke 

Quinn, you have demonstrated an insatiable enthusiasm for sport throughout your primary school years. You are a talented and versatile sports person. At every event and every game, you play to win, striving to give your best and do your bit as part of a team. This tenacity shows respect to your teammates and to your opposition, while your honesty and level head shows respect to the rules of the game. When things don't go your way, you keep your head high, embrace the challenge in front of you and continue to support those around you. A favourite quote of mine says that the sign of a good sportsperson is when ‘they walk off the court and you really can’t tell if they won or lost (because) they carry themselves with pride either way.’ This describes you perfectly. It has been a privilege to share your sporting experiences with you.  

Contribution to Māori culture: Niamh Wolt

'Me he korokoro tūī' – Like the sweet throated tui bird.  
‘Te manu e kai ana i te miro, nōna te ngahere. Te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga, nōna te ao.’  
- The forest belongs to the bird who feasts on the miro berry, the world belongs to the bird who feasts on learning' 
 
Niamh, these two whakataukī about manu exemplify your mahi this year as a performer and one of our kapa haka leaders.  There is no doubt you are a performer, whose voice, presence and gracefulness have made you an amazing role model for others, and a delight for others to watch and listen to. You express and honour the kaupapa of our various waiata and haka with a voice that is strong, clear and beautiful.  When sweetness is needed, you are a sweetie! When a challenging presence is required you are fierce.  You don’t miss a beat, fully engaged, listening, watching, thinking, learning and absorbing as we practise, and totally “in the zone” when we perform. Not only have you brought these amazing things to Te Whānau as a performer, you have been dedicated, positive, organised, dependable and humble in your leadership role. 
Ngā mihi, wahine toa!  

Contribution to Māori culture: Tahere Taylor

“Ko Mauao te maunga, ko Tauranga te moana”  
Your maunga wears the reflected light of the dawn, but you, Tahere, shine with a light that comes from within.  Everyone can see it – the kaiako, the tamariki and the wider whānau here at Beckenham.  
 
Your feet, like a maunga, are grounded firmly within te ao Māori. Throughout your time at Beckenham you have been able to share the mātauranga that comes from this, in the classroom, the sports field, and on stage. This is where we have seen you shine. Your contributions have been numerous. Your commitment. Your leadership by example. Your hearty voice, your ferocious haka, your pukumahi. Te ihi me te wehi. Playing the guitar to manaaki our rōpū. Your humbleness. Listening, responding and looking for ways to enhance the mana of others. Your presence had such a valuable impact on the mauri of individuals, and the group as a whole. 
The mana and esteem in which you are held by both adults and children is indisputable. Keep shining. Haere tonu e hoa. 
 
Ko ngā pae tawhiti whaia kia tata. Ko ngā pae tata, whakamaua kia tina.  
The potential for tomorrow is determined by what we do today.

Sports News

Canterbury Athletics 

A huge congratulations to the tamariki who represented our kura and zone at Canterbury Athletics on Wednesday. We had an impressive 21 athletes qualify for this event across a range of disciplines. The children lived out our school values as they competed against very strong competition. A huge congratulations to everyone on an awesome achievement. 




Mountainbike Passions Rōpū

PTA News

Community Notices

(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)

Community Helpline

1737 - free text and phone counseling 24/7 
Youthline – 0800 376 633 or free text 234 
Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
Anxiety New Zealand - 0800 269 4389
What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (5–18-year-olds).
thelowdown.co.nz –or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626


Brain Play teaches online after-school science & technology classes to Kiwi kids aged 5 - 13, from right across the country! Online topics this term include 3D printing, coding, animation, STEM experiments, LEGO & more. Free trials available for new students. Check out our timetable on our website and use the form to get in touch - https://www.brainplay.co.nz/

Have a Go Session!

On Sunday 11th of December we would like to hold a ‘Have a Go’ session. If you know anyone who might be interested in giving surf a go please invite them down to our normal session from 9.30-11am. I have also included a flyer if you know of any schools, community groups or facebook pages that might be interested in sharing the event.

Kelly Sports Summer Holiday Programmes

Bookings for our upcoming Kelly Sports Summer Holiday Programmes at Hillview Christian School are now available online. 

The focus of our Programmes is to ensure kids are active throughout, with a great mixture of games and activities to suit everyone. WINZ Subsidies are available for families that qualify and we have options of Half Day sessions, School Day sessions and Full Day sessions available.

To register and for more information please visit www.kellysports.co.nz/christchurch-east or contact Adelma on chch@kellysports.co.nz for more information.


Kahikatea News – Term 4, Week 7

Kia ora e te whānau,

Wow, these final weeks are just speeding by! We have been having a lot of fun in Kahikatea and we hope that you are all well.


Word of the Week

This week, we have been focusing on Empathy.

We have been discussing with the students that:

Empathy is being able to know how someone else is feeling, even when you aren't in the same situation. Sometimes, in more simple words, we explain that empathy is being able to "put yourself in someone's shoes" and see things from their view.


Transitions

On Tuesday and Friday afternoons this week, our students have been taking part in some transitions to help prepare them for next year.

Current Year 1 students --- 2023 Year 2 Students in Kahikatea

Current Year 2 students --- 2023 Year 3 Students in Kōwhai

During these transitions:

The 2023 Year 2 students remained in Kahikatea and were joined by the Koru Hub for a Learning Through Play session. These sessions allowed 2023 Year 2 students to meet some of the tamariki that will be in their hub next year.

The 2023 Year 3 Students went through to Kōwhai for some fun. This allowed them to begin to make connections with some of the teachers and students that will be in their hub next year.


Arts Rotations

We are still enjoying our arts rotation! By the end of this, all home groups will have had two lessons in each of the arts strands; music, visual art, dance, and drama. The kids have been having so much fun during these lessons and we have all loved teaching these areas!






New Junior Playground

We have had so much fun exploring the new junior playground over the past couple of weeks! We are loving seeing the kids enjoying it during break times, as well as after school!









More photos from the week:














Ngā mihi nui,

Team Kahikatea

Katie McFarlane 
katie.mcfarlane@beckenham.school.nz

Emma Hayes-Smith
emma.hayes-smith@beckenham.school.nz

Krystal Hunt
krystal.hunt@beckenham.school.nz

Megan Harris
megan.harris@beckenham.school.nz

Lisa Collier
lisa.collier@beckenham.school.nz

Kōwhai News Term 4 Week 7

Kia ora koutou,

This term has been full of excitement! We have recently had a big focus on transitioning in preparation for 2023. The Year 4 children have had a visit to the Pōhutukawa team and the Year 3s have had Discovery with the Year 2s. All the visits have been very successful so far and enjoyed by all!

Playground

Our new junior playground opened recently and is very popular. Here are some photos of the children's favourite playground activities. 





Concert

We were privileged to enjoy two fantastic concerts last week which showcased some of our students' musical talent. Thank you to the students who performed. You were outstanding!





Kapa Haka Performance

On Wednesday, the Year 3/4 Kapa Haka group performed 5 songs at the Community Picnic and they were amazing. The children really rose to the occasion and gave it their all. Thank you to all the whānau who came to support them.




Book Return

As the school year draws to a close, we kindly ask that all Pip and Tim books are returned to school by the end of next week.

Have a great weekend!


Kauri Whānau Weekly Update: Term 4 Week 7

 In this post:

  • Key dates
  • Production next Monday and Tuesday
  • Top Team next Monday
  • Corsair Bay next Friday
  • Relationships and Sexuality
The end of the year is racing towards us! Below is a reminder of key dates:
  • Wednesday, Nov 30:  Canterbury athletics
  • Wednesday, Nov 30: Whānau picnic and Kapa haka concerts. Picnic and games from 5pm. Te Whānau Mahi Tahi perform at 6:30pm.
  • Monday, Dec 5: Top Team in the afternoon (see below)
  • Monday, Dec 5: 'A walk through the 80s' opening night (see below)
  • Tuesday, Dec 6: Last technology session for the year
  • Tuesday, Dec 6: 'A walk through the 80s' final night 
  • Friday, Dec 9: Final assembly starting at 9:45am.
  • Friday, Dec 9: Corsair Bay trip (see below)
  • Tuesday, Dec 13: Year 8 pool party, 4-6pm
  • Wednesday, Dec 14: Leavers' assembly and lunch, 11am - 1pm (Year 8s finish)
  • Thursday, Dec 15: Last morning for Year 7

'A Walk Through the 80s' Production, Dec 5th and 6th:

This week we are putting the finishing touches on our production and will be performing for the school on Thursday afternoon. All children performing on stage need their costumes at school by Thursday.

The children are very much looking forward to performing for you next Monday and Tuesday nights, starting at 7pm. Children are to come already in costume and meet in the hub at 6:30pm. Caitlin will send out a separate message about the dancers. 

Please encourage family and friends to come along and enjoy an entertaining evening. We will not be selling tickets prior, simply turn up on the night with a gold coin donation. You are welcome to come both evenings if you would like to. 



Top Team Monday, Dec 5th:

We are looking forward to an afternoon of fun and fabulous teamwork next Monday. Top Team arrive with all their gear late morning and the fun begins at 1:30. Some of the activities involve water so children need to bring clothes to change into. We suggest a rash top, polypro, house shirt or quick dry t-shirt and quick dry shorts. Sunhats and sunscreen will also be required. Pack a towel too. Many thanks to the adults who have volunteered to help; we will see you on the park at 1:10 for the briefing.

Corsair Bay, Dec 9th:

Next Friday after morning tea we head to Corsair Bay. Swimming, a walk to Cass Bay, games on the beach and chilling with friends will be the activities of the day. Children are to come to school in uniform. It would be best if they had their togs on underneath their uniform. They are to bring:
  • togs and towel
  • sunhat
  • sunscreen
  • lunch (friends may arrange to bring a shared lunch and this needs to be nut-free)
  • water bottle
  • inhaler (if required)
  • Optional: picnic rug, non-electronic game such as cards, wetsuit, sunglasses
We should be back at school by 3pm. 

Relationships and Sexuality:

We are currently looking at the 'growing and changing' section of relationships and sexuality. We have discussed changes at puberty and how to manage these changes. We have learned about the male and female reproductive systems and are moving on to conception and the consequences of sexual activity, which includes talking about contraception. 




    Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter Rāmere (Friday) 25 November 2022

    Principal's Patch

    Kia ora koutou

    With only two and a half weeks of the school year to go, there is still a lot of learning and celebration to get through!
    It was a momentous day on Monday to finally be able to open our new Junior Playground. We are grateful to the Ministry of Education for the funding that made it possible, to Richard Scott from our Board, and Richard Garner (Logic Group - project manager) who over-saw the project, and to PLAYCO for making it all happen!
    We were grateful for sunny weather for the opening, after a very wet spell over the weekend, and our newest 5-year-old, who had only started school on the 1st of November, had the honour of cutting the ribbon and declaring - 'This playground is now OPEN"


    All of the children have been getting plenty of opportunities for exploring the playground and are practicing skills of turn-taking, patience, and of supporting and encouraging one another as they use the different pieces of equipment.

    Whānau Picnic and Kapa Haka Concerts - this Wed 30 Nov

    The student council are holding an event on the 30th of November, the Whānau Rōpū Picnic
    event from 5:00 - 7:00.We will have mini-games and prizes up for grabs. You can bring your own picnic. Our Kowhai, Pohutukawa and Kauri Kapa Haka groups will be performing at the following times:
    Year 3-4 - 5:30
    Year 5-6 - 6:00
    Te Whānau Mahi Tahi -  6:30
    We will also play music and hope students can bring families to the community event. 
    - From the Student Council

    Ngā mihi nui
    Sandy Hastings
    Tumuaki (Principal)

    Important Dates

    Wed 30 Nov - Whānau Rōpū Picnic and Kapa Haka performances (see below for more info)
    Fri 2 Dec - Celebration Assembly (10 - 10.30am)
    Thu 8 Dec - BOT Meeting (5.30 - 7.50pm - Rūma Kaimahi/Staffroom)
    Fri 9 Dec - Final Celebration Assembly (9.45-10.30am)
    Wed 14 Dec - Year 8 Leavers Graduation - 11am - 12noon, followed by Leavers' Lunch
    Thu 15 Dec - Last day of Term 4 - School closes at 12:30pm

    Term Dates

    Citizen of the Week

    Clarel Caen - Year 4

    Clarel, you are a hardworking and motivated learner and always try to do your best. You consistently demonstrate a positive attitude and are a great friend to others. You have wonderful self-management skills and are an excellent role model. You are extremely reliable and make a positive difference in our hub. Well done, Clarel!

    School Notices

    Whānau Survey - please contribute your perspective... 

    Over the next 2 to 3 years we will be further developing our understanding of gifted learners and how we meet their needs at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto. This survey is part of the initial process and helps us with our planning and direction. We encourage all whānau to complete this survey which will be open until Monday 28th November.

    Christchurch School of Music

    Your child can learn to play a string instrument at school with the CSM Outreach Strings Programme. Children who learn music build confidence, increase their learning abilities, sharpen organisational skills and gain valuable social, physical and academic skills. Most importantly learning an instrument in the Outreach Strings Programme is fun. In the strings programme we teach violin, viola and cello.

    Students receive a lesson each week (either individual or in a group of two) and will also have time in a small ensemble. Lessons and the ensemble happen during school time.

    Your child will play in concerts at their school and in concerts organised by the Christchurch School of Music with other orchestras, ensembles and groups. The Outreach programme works closely with the CSM Junior Symphony Orchestra (JSO) and all Outreach strings participants are invited to attend the JSO camp each year.
    What will it cost?
    We teach in your child’s school for 32 sessions throughout the year. Each term can have a different number of lessons depending on the other activities happening at the school and children’s timetables. The cost for the Outreach Strings Programme is $572.00 per year. This is invoiced by term ($143.00). We can also arrange a weekly payment plan if that suits better. If you have a community services card you may be eligible for a 50% discount on the base fee. This is dependent on the availability of grant monies.

    Hiring an Instrument
    You can hire an instrument from CSM. The cost for a violin is $140 per year ($35.00 per term) and a cello is $240 per year ($60 per term). You can also hire instruments from Sedley Wells and KBB Music. Your school may also have instruments available.

    Enrolling
    Go to www.csm.org.nz/enrol and choose the Outreach Strings Programme.

    Christchurch School of Music
    60 Ferry Road
    T: (03) 3661 711
    E: office@csm.org.nz
    or the Outreach Strings Coordinator Anne Robinson at annejohnrobinson@gmail.com

    Issue 8 of Book Club is here!


    This exciting Issue of Book Club has all the best books to get festive for the holidays and to be ready for summer holiday reading!

    It's the last issue for the year, so make sure you place your orders on time to ensure you have books for Christmas gifting and school holiday reading.

    Issue 8
    Opens - Monday 14 Nov
    Closes - Monday 12 Dec

    Lost Property

    All items in the Lost Property need to be claimed before the end of term. This also a reminder to name all items coming to school with your tamariki. Any items clearly named (first and last) are returned to the child's teacher directly. 

    Congratulations to...

    Congratulations to our two Theatre Sports teams for their competitions on Saturday 5th November at Rangi Ruru Girls High School. Zoe Winsor, Ashlyn Taffs, Cleo Hopkinson, Oliver Mclachlan and Lachy Mcleod were amazing with their wit and working together to create great improv. Emma Reedy, Stella English, Haile Harmer-Campbell, Reagan Maule, and Katya Atlas were humorous and provided great entertainment while on stage. They were runner-ups in their heat. Both teams worked from the beginning of Term 2 to perfect their skills. Well done to you all!


    PTA Update

    Help needed please!

    Our Uniform room is open this year on Mondays and Fridays after school for 20 minutes or so.
    We are in danger of having to close it as our wonderful Jaana who has volunteered for many years is off on a new adventure! 

    We are looking for a kind person to take on a shift once a week. It does not have to be a certain day and could even be in the morning before school. It's very easy and a great way to get to know lots of people in the school community. 

    It's a great service for the school, so please do email us at pta@beckenham.school.nz or message us on Facebook. 

    Ngā mihi 
    The Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto PTA

    Community Notices

    Community Helpline

    1737 - free text and phone counseling 24/7 
    Youthline – 0800 376 633 or free text 234 
    Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
    Anxiety New Zealand - 0800 269 4389
    What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (5–18-year-olds).
    thelowdown.co.nz –or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626