Kōwhai News Term 3 Week 7

Kia ora koutou /  Mālō e lelei


Happy Tongan Language Week!


Kōwhai Talent Quest

Some of our tamariki have been rehearsing for the Kōwhai Talent Quest which will be held sometime at the end of term. It will be a wonderful opportunity for them to perform and the most striking performances will have the chance to perform at one of our Junior Celebration Assemblies.


Ukulele/Recorder

We will be finishing our ukulele and recorder lessons next week. Kōwhai children have done exceptionally well to learn a new instrument with our wonderful music teachers, Roger and Josie.



Discovery

Last Thursday, we had an amazing open-air concert at Discovery. Check out the photos below:





We have also been putting out a compliment box for everyone to write kind messages to other people in our hub. Anna read some of them out during our team hui and we have seen a lot of lovely reactions. 


Maths

We have been learning about probability and chance over the last two weeks. Here is a cool game called The Sludger that you can play with your child and practise thinking about the likelihood of something happening.


Junior Celebration Assembly

Congratulations to those who received their Kete certificate and/or Citizen of the Week award at our assembly last week.




Cyber Safety

This week, we have started our Cyber Safety unit for Inquiry. The children have enjoyed learning about keeping our online identity and private information safe.


Have a lovely weekend!


The Kōwhai team.


Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto School Newsletter Rāmere (Friday) 2 September, 2022

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

The first two days of September have definitely been warm and Spring-like! Long may that continue!

There was great excitement in our Junior playground today as our long-awaited whare arrived and was eagerly unwrapped by a group of Kahikatea students! This new piece of equipment will be enjoyed by many children!

If you come visiting outside of school hours, please remind your children that the whare and the two teepees are not for climbing on.




A special thank you to Bruce Aldridge for answering our call for help in the Newsletter last week and giving his skills and time to help repair our seat. Much appreciated!

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal

Important Dates

Wed 7 Sep - School Photos
Wed 7 Sep - Board Election Day
Mon 19 Sep Staff Only Day (School Closed)
Thu 22 Sep - BOT Meeting (5.30-7.30pm - te Rūma Kaimahi - Staffroom)
Fri 23 Sep - PTA Disco 
Wed 28 Sep - PTA Meeting (7.30-9.30pm in the Green Room)
Fri 30 Sep - Last day of Term 3
Mon 17 Oct - First day of Term 4
Tue 25 Oct - Netsafe Workshop for all whānau - St Martins School, 7pm

Term Dates

Citizen of the Week

Louis English - Year 3

Louis, you are a shining example of all our school values. The positivity and interest you bring to all learning is wonderful, and you persistently continue until your tasks are complete. Your inclusive nature has helped you make strong friendships quickly, and you continually encourage and build up all those you interact with. You bring fun, joy and light to all you do. Ka pai Louis!

School Notices

Y7/8 Ski Trip

Yesterday life in Kauri hub began before the sun even came up! The year 7/8 team travelled to Mt Hutt for their annual trip to the ski slopes. We had a large number of beginning skiers as well as some seasoned pros, and some who had never seen snow before. After a focused morning of lessons with instructors, children had plenty of time to practice their skills and have fun with friends. We were amazed by how many beginners were given the green light by experienced skiers to use the chairlift and try out the more challenging tracks. A day of laughter, learning and many yawns on the bus trip home. A huge thank you to all the parents and staff who made this wonderful experience possible! 

Kete Values Week 

Starting from last week the Student Council are running activities to support and encourage our school values and use fun but challenging activities to instil this. Each week we will run a series of lunchtime and classroom activities. Last week we celebrated 'We Care' and it was a big success. This week we'll be celebrating 'We love Challenge' where students of all ages will be given an opportunity to participate in an obstacle course which will be set up for use on Friday lunchtime. We also have a series of classroom activities which the teachers will share with the students, further in the week. Following 'We love Challenge' we will celebrate 'We love Learning' where again there will be interactive tasks that teachers will later in the week share with the students.  

School Photos 

Photos will be taken on Wednesday the 7th of September, these will be done in home groups throughout the day.  Each child will have an individual and a home group photo, as well as any other school groups (Te Whānau Tahi, Student Council, etc.). There are no sibling photos being taken.

Lost Property - a lost taonga!


Please come to the Office to collect this, it appears to have been broken and left in the playground.

Returning Sports Uniform

Winter sport is coming to an end with the majority of students no longer participating. Can we please have sport uniforms that are no longer required returned to the Office.
Cross country and football have finished. Basketball finishes at the end of this term, and only one team each for hockey and netball is still playing. All other sports uniforms should be returned.
(Please see the image below of the various Sports Uniform)

Online Safety Workshop

Te Kura O Hato Matini - St Martins Primary School are hosting a free event for all local parents and whānau about keeping young people safe online. Netsafe's Relationship & Education Advisor, Paula Wistrand, will be talking about the risks, challenges and opportunities of digital technology, and the practical ways we can all help young people to be safe online. The session will look at how parents and whānau can support and enable children and young people to navigate online opportunities, challenges and complexities. 

This will be a great chance to get educated on how we can keep our tamariki safe, and we would encourage you to consider attending.

Tennyson St Safety Measures

Thanks to everyone who has lobbied the Community Board over a long period of time around the Tennyson St crossing area. Special thanks to Ester Vallero, who has driven this lobby for a number of years. Thanks to Cleo Hopkinson (Y8) and Matthew Macdonald (BOT Chair) who spoke at the recent submissions meeting.

Scholastic Lucky Book Club


Issue 6 is Out Now! As you know, we have opted to go digital for our lucky book club so you can see the latest issue online, by clicking here. Or, click on the link below for more information on how to order:

Congratulations to...

Cashmere High School Scholarship winners:

Lola Harris has been jointly awarded the Cashmere High School Sports Scholarship for 2023
Quinn Clarke and Zoe Winsor have been awarded a Cashmere High School Leadership Scholarship for 2023.

Cantamath participants and award recipients

On Wednesday, August 24th our problem-solving teams took part in the Cantamath competition. A big well done to Noah, Weaver, Rose and Frida (Year 7) and Quinn, Fergus, George and Ben S (Year 8) who took on the challenge of solving 20 very tricky problems in 30 minutes, amidst much noise and distraction that comes with the competition. Special congratulations to the Year 8s who scored 75 out of a possible 100 points. 

Another part of Cantamath is the project competition. Here our kura excelled, with a large number of highly commended and excellence awards. We were extremely proud of Noah Palmer who received an outstanding award (only two of these were awarded) for his dynamic model of a trebuchet.

As Cantamath has not gone ahead for several years due to Cantamath, some of our Year 8s entered two projects - as their Year 7 projects were selected to go into a competition that did not go ahead last year. 

Excellence Awards:

Dynamic Models:
  • Noah Palmer (Outstanding)
  • Rowan Hopwood
  • Fergus Macdonald
Maths Photography:
  • Stella Gillman
Publicity Motif:
  • Daniel Webster
  • Lilian Shelku
Static Models:
  • William Pooch
  • Caitlin McIntosh
  • Lillie Neame
Written Work:
  • Ella Coleman
  • George Smith (Year 7 and Year 8)
  • Quinn Clarke (Year 7 and Year 8)
  • Freya Braun

Highly Commended Awards:

Dynamic Models:
  • Weaver McDaid
  • Timon Spill
Maths Posters:
  • Lillie Neame
  • Emma Elphick
Overall Theme (Maths in entertainment):
  • Weaver McDaid
Publicity Motif:
  • Lola Harris
Static Models:
  • Harvey Graham
  • Katya Atlas
  • Keanna Hakeagaiki
  • Lola Harris
  • Oliver McLachlan
  • Stella Gillman
  • William Pooch
Written Work:
  • Alfie Moore
  • Ashlyn Taffs
  • Frida Corin
  • Jemma Sutherland
  • Ben Scalan

PTA News

BOT Update

Last chance to vote for your Board of Trustees members. There are 3 positions available. Please see below the candidates and their profiles again. Please check your spam for any missed emails from CES that include the voting link.

Voting closes this Wednesday the 7th of September at 4pm.

Community Notices

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

The Great Canterbury Duck Race 2022

On Sunday 6th of November, the Great Canterbury Duck Race will enter its 5th year. Entry to the event is free to the entire community, enabling everyone to have a fun time along with raising much-needed funds for Life Education Trust Canterbury.
There are 3 exciting races starting from the Bridge of Remembrance down the Avon River and past the Terrace Steps to the finish line at Hereford St Bridge.


Purchase a $10 community race duck and $5 will go towards your school's next Life Education visit. Ducks can be purchased at:

Hosting Cashmere High International Students

Performing Arts

Studio One Performing Arts, your local dance school, is currently giving Ballet (R.A.D.), Jazz, and Contemporary (APDA) lessons in your area. The school’s director is teacher, choreographer & ex-ballet dancer Patricia Paul A.R.A.D. (London). Ballet lessons from 3 years through to Advanced, and all levels in Jazz and Contemporary starting from age 7. For all enquiries please phone 03 372-9191 or email info@studioone.co.nz

Torpedo7 Friends & Family for Southern Schools

Offer begins Friday 16th of September!

Up to 60% off for everyone!

The Deal: Save up to 60% off
Valid Dates: 16th September – 2nd October 2022

How to redeem: 
In-store - Show the above flyer. Store staff will either scan the barcode or enter the 3 digit code below the barcode.
Online - See the promo code on the flyer to use at the online checkout: 94A92F91

Terms and Conditions: Discounts are off RRP. If the product is already on promotion customer will receive the lower offer or promo pricing. Not all products are eligible for a discount. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.  Excludes Burton, Electronics, Freight, Gift Cards and Workshop Services.

VALID FROM 16/09/2022 – 2nd October 2022

Climb a tree - get one free


Coming up on Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 September on behalf of NZArb, The Tree People is proud to support the South Island Tree Climbing Competition at Orton Bradley Park.

Throughout both days there will be a separate tree climb event set up, especially for children.
Under the guidance of qualified arborists, children can put on a harness and be supported to climb or swing in a tree.

The first 50 children to give it a go will receive a free native tree from Trees for Canterbury.

We invite your community to come along, give it a go, and feel what it's like. Everyone is welcome to stay a while and watch the professionals in action as they compete in 5 different technical challenges.

Please note that Park entry requirements mean no dogs are permitted, and a $5 entry fee applies.


See our website https://www.elementsnature.co.nz/  or Facebook page
Bookings are through https://elements.aimyplus.com
For more info email elementsprogrammes@gmail.com

Kauri Whānau Weekly Update: Term 3 Week 6

In this post:

  • Final reminders for ski day
  • Duathlon
  • Assemblies
  • Self-Defence
  • Cantamaths Results
  • From The School for Young Writers.
  • Book Character Day photos

Final reminders for tomorrow's ski day:

  • Be at school by 5:50, meeting on Sandwich Rd
  • Masks for the bus
  • Please give breakfast at home before coming to school
  • Check the previous post for the clothing list. Sunglasses or goggles are essential.
  • Bring a substantial lunch and a water bottle.
  • No money or money cards. The mountain is cashless and we are avoiding an inequality situation between who has and who hasn't got a money card.
  • Please leave cell phones at home. If they must come, these need to be handed in before getting on the buses or in cars.
  • We will send out a notification to confirm our arrival time back at school. We expect it will be around 6pm.
  • A big thanks to those who lent skis and boots for our dryland sessions. If you have yet to pick these up, please do so today if possible.
  • An early night tonight, please

Duathlon:

Our school duathlon is next Tuesday. All competitors were given a paper notice with a course map and race details on Tuesday. A number of our students will also be helping with the running of this event. Spectators are most welcome.

Assemblies:

We are holding assemblies every second week for Year 5-8. Parents are now welcome at assemblies. Please wear a mask. This week we will be presenting Excellence awards from Cantamath. Highly Commended awards will be handed out at our next team hui.

Self-Defence:

This week our self-defence classes started for Year 8 girls and those who are non-binary. These classes are taken by Lynda Maindonald from Self-Defence NZ. This nation-wide programme has been running for a number of years and is always very well received. The children will have three sessions between now and the end of term, with a total of five hours of tuition. 
We are going to provide a parallel opportunity around keeping ourselves safe for the Year 8 boys on Friday afternoons. Each Year 8 boy will get two sessions. Sessions will include:
- How to stand up to peer pressure
- How to move/stand with confidence
- What kinds of situations have the potential to escalate and why 
- How body language/eye contact/tone can affect the outcome of a situation
- How to de-escalate a situation

Cantamath Results:

On Wednesday, August 24th our problem-solving teams took part in the Cantamath competition. A big well done to Noah, Weaver, Rose and Frida (Year 7) and Quinn, Fergus, George and Ben S (Year 8) who took on the challenge of solving 20 very tricky problems in 30 minutes, amidst much noise and distraction that comes with the competition. Special congratulations to the Year 8s who scored 75 out of a possible 100 points. 

Another part of Cantamath is the projects competition. Here our kura excelled, with a large number of highly commended and excellence awards. We were extremely proud of Noah Palmer who received an outstanding award (only two of these were awarded) for his dynamic model of a trebuchet.




As Cantamath has not gone ahead for several years due to Cantamath, some of our Year 8s entered two projects - as their Year 7 projects were selected to go into a competition that did not go ahead. 

Excellence Awards:

Dynamic Models:
Noah Palmer (Outstanding)
Rowan Hopwood
Fergus Macdonald

Maths Photography:
Stella Gillman

Publicity Motif:
Daniel Webster
Lilian Shelku

Static Models:
William Pooch
Caitlin McIntosh
Lillie Neame

Written Work:
Ella Coleman
George Smith (Year 7 and Year 8)
Quinn Clarke (Year 7 and Year 8)
Freya Braun

Highly Commended Awards:

Dynamic Models:
Weaver McDaid
Timon Spill

Maths Posters:
Lillie Neame
Emma Elphick

Overall Theme (Maths in entertainment):
Weaver McDaid

Publicity Motif:
Lola Harris

Static Models:
Harvey Graham
Katya Atlas
Keanna Hakeagaiki
Lola Harris
Oliver McLachlan
Stella Gillman
William Pooch

Written Work:
Alfie Moore
Ashlyn Taffs
Frida Corin
Jemma Sutherland
Ben Scalan

From The School for Young writers

Creative Nonfiction = True Stories Well Told
For our latest Write On Magazine competition, we invite young writers from Year 4 to Year 10 to write a piece of creative nonfiction that draws us closer to nature. Theme: It's Only Natural. 

The Rules: 
1.You can spin out a true story, present an article, write a memoir but you can't make stuff up — that's the "Nonfiction" bit. 

2."Creative” means we want you to use the techniques writers use to tell stories, but about real creatures, places, people and events, in a way that engages and entertains.
3. Word count: up to 400 words
4. Deadline September 20th

Prompts, tips and more information here. 

We also welcome open submissions for Issue 59 of Write On by the end of term of any form of writing, whether or not it matches our theme, It's Only Natural. 
See submissions here: https://www.schoolforyoungwriters.org/write-on

Some Book Character Day Pics ...






Kahikatea News Term 3 Week 5

Tēnā koutou!

It is incredible to think that we are entering Week 6 already! So much amazing learning has been happening in our hub.


The word of the week

Our word of the week in Week 5 was KINDNESS. 

Kindness is "the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate" (Oxford Dictionary)

Some of our beautiful tamariki demonstrated kindness this week by creating a card for a friend or loved one. It was wonderful to see the thoughtfulness that they used.

A video that has a kindness song is below...



Te Reo Māori focus

Over the past two weeks, we have been working on different ways to greet people and also how to say how we feel. During our waiata, we have been singing the 'Ata mārie' song, which has been wonderful to support our tamariki in learning Māori greetings. 

Here it is so you can sing along at home...







Book Character Day

Book character dress-up was held on Friday 19th of August and it was amazing to see all of our tamariki proudly strutting their stuff in super fun costumes. Even the teachers dressed up!

We were also lucky enough to have a visit from Sandy. She was dressed in her 'Guess How Much I Love You' pajamas and she read us the story. 


Toys at school

We have had a number of toys (including bag toys) make an appearance at school this term. We ask that all toys stay home. We know how special they are to you and we don't want to see them broken or lost. There are lots of awesome things for you to play with at school, including amazing outdoor spaces that the school has. 

Shoes

The Kahikatea teachers have been noticing a lot of students walking around the school without shoes on. Shoes are important for keeping our feet safe and clean. Kahikatea students are not to be outside in the playground without their shoes on. When in the hub, the expectation is that the students have shoes on (or slippers) unless their shoes are very wet or dirty.

Cultural Presentations

As part of our fortnightly celebration assemblies, children have an opportunity to share with the junior school their culture via a presentation. These presentations are done in the form of a slideshow, in which the family receives a template to fill in. They require adult input and support. 
If your child is interested in getting up and presenting a cultural presentation, please contact your child's homegroup teacher for more information. 


Photos

Here are some photos of our amazing tamariki hard at work.


















Ma te wa, 
Amber, Krystal, Emma, Katie, Lisa, Kerilea, Kate & Jan

Koru Team News Term 3 Week 5

 Kia ora, e te whanau,

This term is whizzing by! Can you believe we are halfway through Term 3 already?

It was great fun seeing all the children and teachers dressed up for Book Character Dress Up Day on Friday of Week 4. There were some amazing costumes!

Nicola dressed as Pete the Cat with his Four Groovy Buttons.
Georgia made a beautiful Cinderella!
Elizabeth was a very Fancy Nancy!
In the Koru hub, we have been busy exploring different play provocations during our Learning Through Play. Last week we introduced our theme, for the next 2 weeks, by performing a role play of visiting the vet. The children loved the little 'show' and it gave them lots of ideas to incorporate into their play last week. They have set up a seating area for the sick animals, and their owners, where they wait for their appointment time. There are forms to fill out about the sick pets and even an x-ray machine. We have talked about how we don't need to have the exact object for our play, but can use any item, to represent something we may require by using our imaginations. 
A variety of pets receiving treatment at the vets.
The line up of patients to get through for the morning.
A happy dog, and his owner, after a vet visit to fix his leg.

Each week our kura has a 'Word of the Week', which is a focus across all teams. This week's word is 'kindness'. Throughout the week, we have lots of discussions about what the word means and how we can demonstrate the word in and out of the classroom. We love seeing how the children are displaying the word of the week throughout the day, and how they use the word to describe situations that happen during their play. It's always so neat hearing our learners use previous 'words of the week' in their explanations and discussions with teachers and peers too. Next week's 'Word of the Week' is 'resilience'.

This group demonstrated many of our past 'words of the week' in their play as they built this train set up. These included: inclusion, respect and kindness! Ka pai, team!
Showing kindness and respect for others' ideas.
Taking turns and showing inclusion, by reading together.
We loved hearing, "We are taking turns on the trolley." 
Showing off his cool ball skills with one of our new balls.

Reminders:
  • If you'd like to be included in our hub Friendship List then please email your child's Home Group teacher with your contact details, including your name, phone number and email address. The Friendship List will be coming out shortly.
  • Our amazing Calendar Art artworks have been finished, so keep an eye out for how you can view these, and order items online, in the next few weeks. You're going to love the results of the children's hard work and focus!
  • Reading folders are sent home Monday-Thursday and are to be brought back to school each day. We are really noticing the progress the children are making in their literacy when they are practising at home. Thank you for your support with this!
  • Library folders and poetry books come home on Fridays.

We hope you are all having a lovely weekend together, and we look forward to the week ahead. 

Ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou,

Georgia, Elizabeth, Nicola, Stacey and Jeanette