What a whirlwind of a term! We are so proud of how our tamariki managed themselves this term, coping with changes in various levels and heading back into online learning. It has been a lovely couple of weeks back in the hub to end the term. Next term is a shorter term with lots of events, such as Athletics. We will send out information around these as they come up.
Term 4
Next term is a summer term so the students will need to bring their hats back to school for play. Please remind them of this.
Next term the home groups will be moving spaces.
The new spaces will be as follows:
Nick - The Nook
Quynh - The Theatre
Meagan - The Breakout space
Laura - The Pathway
Rowe - The Atrium
Term 4 will start on Monday the 18th of October.
Here are a selection of photos from Term 3.
We hope you have a relaxing holiday, and keep safe and happy.
The Kōwhai Team - Laura, Nick, Rowe, Quynh and Meagan
Unlike our colleagues, friends and whānau in Auckland, we managed to make it to the end of term 3 at school, albeit at Level 2. Our staff would like to thank you for your patience and support with continuing to drop and collect children at the gate each day and to only come onto the site to visit the office if you absolutely have to. We also appreciate everyone wearing masks at the gate.
It is currently very difficult to predict what the COVID situation will be next term, so whilst we will hope for the best, we will assume that there is a good chance that we will still be operating at Alert Level 2.
We did have a lovely Celebration assembly today, out in the courtyard with each hub sitting separately from the others. It's the first whole school assembly we have had since August 2nd so the sun and warmth were very much appreciated. If your child received a certificate, their teacher will have taken a photo to email you.
Social Media and your child
We have noticed a significant increase in issues being reported to us at school about out-of-school activity on social media platforms that is becoming increasingly tricky for our young people to navigate. This is not just in our Year 7/8 area, but through Year 5&6 and to some extent, also in Year 3/4
One of the new platforms being used is 'Messenger Kids'. (Years 6-12) This is a new platform through Facebook Messenger, designed to have strong parental controls built-in. However, these controls are only effective if parents actually monitor them and work with their child to help them understand what kinds of comments and messages are appropriate and what isn't.
If you want to learn more about how to monitor your child's Messenger Kids, there is a great link here from Netsafe.
We have also become aware of unmonitored conversations out of school hours between students on a platform designed for 13years + called 'Discord'. This is often a platform associated with gaming, including the very popular 14years plus game 'Fortnite' which we know many of our students play.
This 2019 article "The Dark side of Discord' is a very important reminder to caregivers that 'gaming does not equal safe'. A useful anaology might be that we wouldn't send our children into the city, unsupervised and let them talk with anyone they met without any worries or fears for their safety. Therefore, when our children are online, we need to assume that they are potentially in a world where they can meet and talk with anyone, unsupervised. Even when they are talking with their friends, without supervision, conversations can quickly take on negative and harmful directions including bullying, sexual comments, racist slurs, threats of harm, and encouragement to self-harm.
We encourage you to use the holidays to engage with your child's online activity and ensure that you have a full and ongoing understanding of what they are involved in.
I wish you all a safe and relaxing next couple of weeks. We look forward to seeing you all back in Term 4.
Ngā mihi nui
Sandy and the team
Important Dates
Upcoming Events
Term 4
Week 1:
Mon 18 Oct - First day of Term 4
Thu 21 October - Year 5-8 Parent Information evening - 'Sexuality and Relationships' topic for Term 4
Fri 22 Oct - Welcome to School Assembly (9.15 - 9.30am followed by Morning Tea for whānau, if we are at Alert Level 1)
Week 2:
Mon 25 Oct - Labour Day (School Closed)
Tue 26 Oct - Staff Only Day (School Closed)
Wed 27 Oct - PTA Meeting (7.30 - 9.30pm) Dessert Evening - All Welcome
Thur 28 Oct - Year 5 - 8 Athletics
Fri 29 Oct - Celebration Assembly (12 - 12.30)
Sun 31 Oct - PTA Halloween Picnic in the Park - BYO Food & Blanket
Week 3:
Wed 3 Nov - Board of Trustee's Meeting (5.30 - 7.30)
Week 4:
Thur 11 Nov - Year 0 - 4 Athletics
Fri 12 Nov - Canterbury Anniversary Day (School Closed)
Otis, your lust for learning and fun is infectious. You have an inquisitive and creative mind. We love the way you share your knowledge and insights with us. Otis, you are a kind and loyal friend, a dedicated leader and have an awesome sense of humour. Keep doing all the wonderful things that make you, you!
School Notices
Diversity Group
Our Diversity Group meets once a week on Fridays in the Kauri Hub. Our current project is creating posters with uplifting messages to display in our hubs.
Speeches
A huge congratulations to our zone speech finalists. Both children delivered their persuasive speeches incredibly well to a very engaged, socially distanced audience. The speech topics were Gender Equality in Sport, a well-researched exploration on gender disparity in sport, and Why Sport is Bad for You, an ironic yet convincing speech, given by a very talented sportsperson.
ESOL News
It was lovely weather for gardening this week and Kahikatea students planted out strawberries, vegetables and summer bedding plants.
Kōwhai students worked hard to tidy up and weed the garden under the apple trees.
Koru students talked about the things they like most about Spring.
Sun hats will be needed again next term
Please remember to hunt out your child's school sunhat in readiness for Term 4. Your child will need a named, plain red or black, bucket or wide-brimmed hat every day next term.
Uniform reminder
Please check that your child is coming to school in uniform each day. We have worked hard to make our uniform a cost-effective and fully accessible option, and we do expect that all chidlren will wear uniform every day. Fundamentally, this is plain black on the bottom half, and plain red on the top half. Sunhats need to be plain red or plain black bucket or wide-brimmed hats.
jumpers or polar fleeces need to be plain red.
There is also the option of the black and white gingham dress or culottes.
Sports News
Athletics
Term 4 is athletics season at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto.
In the past, we have organised this as a whole school event. It is awesome to see the whole school out at the park participating in their events and it is fantastic for school spirit. We know this can also be easier for whānau who have children across year levels.
This year, Covid has factored in our decision making and this has been the deciding consideration that has led us to hold two separate events for 2021.
Thursday 28th October - Year 5 - 8 athletics
Thursday 11 November - Year 0 - 4 athletics
More information to come on these two events.
If you would be able to support in the running of the Year 5 - 8 athletics day, please email Jenny.
PTA News
Congratulations! We made it to end of term 3! Thanks to everyone who supported the Readathon - we have had our lucky draw and someone from each hub will be taking home a book voucher to keep the reading going.
Next term we have a few things to let you know about.
We need new helpers in the PTA as lots of people are moving on as their kids age out. Our meeting on Wednesday 27th will be a dessert evening! So please come along if you are curious about what we do and want to know more - or you just want to eat cake!
On the31st of October we are planning a relaxed Halloween picnic in the park- come along in your costumes before trick or treating- or come along to avoid the trick or treaters at your place! It will be BYO food and blanket.
Calendar Art order forms will be out early next term! Get in quick for great Xmas pressies.
Keep safe and have a wonderful holidays!
Community Notices
(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)
Walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations now available at The Princess Margaret Hospital
In response to an increase in demand to get vaccinations sooner, a walk-in option is available at The Princess Margaret Hospital in Cashmere from 20 September until 3 October.
Drop-ins are welcome anytime 2pm – 8pm, on weekdays, or 10am – 3pm on weekends. We can accommodate up to 300 drop-ins each day. This is in addition to our booked appointment capacity.
We are pleased to now be able to provide this option for people who have not yet booked their appointments and for people who’d like an earlier appointment.
We ask people who take up the chance to drop-in to The Princess Margaret Hospital remember to cancel any booked appointments no longer needed.
We recognise that school holidays are coming up and for those planning to travel, having at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can provide them with an additional level of protection. We continue to encourage proper hand hygiene, use of masks or face-coverings and scanning.
Low Sensory COVID Vaccine Bookings
We are very pleased to announce that bookings can now be made for the Low Sensory Covid 19 Vaccination Clinics hosted by Nurse Maude, supported by Autism NZ.
The sessions will be held in the Ballroom of Nurse Maude, at 24 McDougall Ave, Christchurch. This is a quiet location with features to make the vaccination experience as relaxed as possible.
We would like to highlight that family members from the same household, and any carers, are also eligible to be vaccinated – you just need separate bookings for each person at the same or adjacent times.
Also, you can book either your first or second Pfizer dose through this invitation.
If you have any questions, contact Debra or Karen at Autism NZ.
Explore has provided some very useful documents that can be downloaded off their website above.
These include:
Supporting people through the vaccination process
First-then
Social script
Square breathing exercise
What to expect on the day
Please feel free to contact us at Autism NZ for more support. You can also email us with any information you would like us to pass on to help support you best during your visit.
The clinic is low sensory which includes low lights, less sound, more time and less people, to create a calmer environment.
Debra Lord
LEGO and Social Group Coordinator
Outreach Coordinator
250 Westminster St, Christchurch Park, Mairehau, Christchurch 8013
+64 3 343 2225 + 021 0858 9616
debra.lord@autismnz.org.nz
autismnz.org.nz
PO Box 21273, Edgeware, Christchurch 8143
Walking in Harry Ell's Footsteps
10 October, 9.30am - 2pm, at the Sign of the Bellbird. Join a walk on the Port Hills which focuses on the conservation efforts of Harry Ell and the Summit Road Society. Harry Ell is recognised as one of Christchurch's first conservationists. It is thanks to his legacy that we have the network of reserves on the Port Hills, the Summit Road and the four rest houses. This event is free. Phone: 03 349 3409.
Jewellery Making Classes for Kids
This school holidays Workspace Studios is offering special classes for kids to learn some amazing techniques in our professional jewellery workshop!
We are running the classes in two age Piwakawaka (6-10) and Kereru (10+)
Pendant Making
Use our copper or brass shapes to make your own pendant.
Learn to texture the metal with hammers, punches and letter stamps, then use coloured pencil to colour it how you like. The final step is choosing cord to turn it into something wearable. Kids are welcome to bring beads from home to add to their piece.
Ring Making
Create your own ring stack from copper/brass and silver in this super fun workshop.
Learn to measure your finger, cut metal to length and texture it with hammers and punches. Then solder the ring into a circle using a jewellers torch and finish with sandpaper and polishing. Students will create one ring in copper or brass and one in sterling silver. They can be worn on a cord or chain instead of the finger if preferred.
**Note to parents** this class uses fire! Please ensure you feel confident your child can follow instructions safely before enrolling them.
Our Generation Give participant teenagers, from across the city and the plains, are as passionate about making a difference as we are. We have been highly impressed by their dedication and enthusiasm to make Greater Ōtautahi Christchurch better.
We are thrilled to share that they have developed a fun way for you to support local charities whilst helping them learn more about philanthropy.
Who Gives a Duck is their upcoming fundraising event, a rubber duck race in the heart of central Christchurch, with a prize for the winning duck.
Donate a Duck to 'enter' the race then watch in person, or via live stream, as they race down the Ōtākaro/Avon River.
The race is being held on Monday 11 October, 2021, starting at the Bridge of Remembrance.
Brannigans, Jarden and The Christchurch Foundation collectively will match the first $10,000 NZD raised.
Please note that Covid restrictions may require changes in how this event is run.
Any school term that includes a Covid stay-at-home period is a term that isn't the easiest for staff and students. So, we hope you have some plans in place to unwind and reset.
Perhaps we'll see you at one of the Biketober events? Or exploring the city as part of the Passport Competition?
Some years ago, we changed the name of our Year 8 end-of-year formal event from 'Year 8 Prizegiving' to "Year 8 Graduation'. The intent behind that was to make more of a celebration of every Year 8 student who was leaving the school. To some extent, we have achieved this and we would like to make some further changes to support this graduation being about all of our Year 8s and the end of their primary schooling.
Another factor in the change is that the graduation ceremony has grown in size, as our numbers in Years 7/8 have increased over the past few years, leading to a ceremony that seems to be getting longer with each passing year.
To that end, we are going to remove the 'prizegiving' part of the programme from the Year 8 Graduation, and, for this year, spread the acknowledgment of Year 8 prizes through a series of whole-school Celebration Assemblies that we plan to hold weekly through Term 4. The prizes and awards that are given out will be the same, it will just be the timing that changes.
If your child is going to be getting a prize or award, you will be notified in advance, so that you will be able to attend if you would like to (subject to us being at Alert Level 1).
Sexuality and Relationships Education
Next term, starting in week 3 we will be teaching our health unit on sexuality and relationships education. On Thursday October 21st, we will be having a parent information evening, starting at 7pm in our hub.
Zone Speech Competition
Zoe and Lola represented our kura extremely well at South Zone Speech Competition on Monday evening. They both spoke superbly and their speeches were very well received. Congratulations to Zoe who was placed second.
Athletics
Our athletic sports will be held on Thursday October 28th, from 9 until 3. If you are able to help, even for part of the day, please email Jenny.
What a wonderful few weeks we have had back at school since lockdown! The children have shown greater independence and many are now happily walking in small groups or pairs from the gate to Hangere and Kōmanawa by themselves. They are also unpacking their bags independently and making sure that lunchboxes, drink bottles and reading folders end up in the right places. Mīharo, tamariki!
Structured Literacy:
We continue to see fantastic progress in literacy groups, and we would love to see some learning continue over the school holidays, where possible. It is an absolute joy to see the children's excitement when they have learnt to read and write a new letter sound, heart word, or have successfully read a new book. We love seeing the children shine with pride when they realise they have made such great progress in their learning.
We love books!
Learning Through Play:
The children have continued to strengthen their connections with their friends, both within the classroom spaces and out in the playground. They are making impressive connections between their social and emotional behaviours and our school values. They are encouraged to reflect on their social conversations and their relationships with their classmates, and problem solve together wherever necessary. We are constantly impressed by the level of maturity and wisdom they bring to these situations.
Showing 'We Care' towards one of our little ones on his transition to school visit.
Getting the dolls ready for bed at the end of the day ('We Care' and 'We Get There Together').
Ensuring that all's tidy and organised in the Family Corner before home time ('We Care' and 'We Get There Together').
What a scrumptious looking meal for the dollies (also 'We Care')!
This week, during our Learning Through Play, the children have also been involved in learning about how wheels have made our lives easier. They have created some amazing roads and bridges, both collaboratively and independently. They have incorporated a wide variety of vehicles, road signs and community spaces into their designs.
'We Get There Together' and 'We Love Challenge'.
Wheels galore. How interesting - abstract art! ('We Love Challenge')
An impressive set up here ('We Love Learning').
A collaborative 'community' created here by two possible future town planners ('We Get There Together').
Rocket ships ('We Get There Together').
Some children have even designed creative costumes which could be our next generation winners of the World of Wearable Arts competition.
'We Get There Together' and 'We Love Challenge'.
Dancing down the cat walk!
Wellbeing:
This week we have continued our Te Whare Tapa Wha learning, with a focus on Whenua (place, our roots and the environment). The children showed great enthusiasm for caring for our environment, when they undertook some weeding in various garden areas around our school. They actively engaged in understanding the importance of caring for our whenua. They also learnt how to plant a seed (soaking it first) and then how to care for the seedling once it has sprouted. Today they planted new little seeds and they will bring these home and take special care of them, over the holidays. They have demonstrated the 'We Make a Difference' kete value, by taking action and contributing to our community. We are proud to see some children taking this even further, by volunteering their time during play breaks, picking up rubbish, then putting it in the correct bin.
Fairy Gardens:
Our Koru tamariki are very excited to be taking on the responsibility for one of the raised garden beds at the front of our school. Our plan is to turn it into a fairy garden, and some of the children have begun collecting small items to help with this fun little project. One of our wonderful parents has created some beautiful fairy homes (see below) to get us started next term. Other items such as small stones, shells, gemstones, nuts and seeds, little pine cones, a little terracotta pot or two, tiny furniture and maybe a wee statue or two, would be great additions to develop the fairy garden area. If you Google 'Fairy Gardens' you will find lots of other wonderful ideas. All contributions will be greatly appreciated.
Aren't they CUTE?! Thank you so much :)
Literacy and Maths learning over the holidays:
As mentioned above, it would be really valuable if the children were to incorporate little moments of both literacy and maths practice throughout the two week holiday. Please find links below which might help support the children's learning in these areas.
Heggerty Phonemic Awareness videos (this is just the first of many videos which you are able to access on Youtube, and Heggerty is the Phonemic Awareness programme which we follow at Beckenham te Kura o Pūroto)
Ideas to help your child learn and understand the difference between 'teen' and 'ty'
Subitising - finding out about and having fun with this skill
More Maths plans using offline activities (these plans can be carried out without access to computers, and include mathematical problems to solve, projects to work on and basic facts to practise, and they also include notes for parents).
We hope you have a wonderful holiday with your tamariki, and we look forward to reconnecting with you all again in Term 4.
Ngā mihi mahana,
The Koru Team: Elizabeth, Nicola, Chelsea, Tracey and Stacey
We look forward to Daylight Saving beginning this weekend, and the start of longer, (and we hope) warmer days as we head into the holidays at the end of next week. Please check your alarms and clocks on Sunday night so that everyone is on time for school on Monday!
Daylight saving begins when clocks at 2am go forward by 1 hour to 3am on 26 September 2021.
Home groups for 2022
We will soon be starting to look at the organisation of home groups for 2022. We have not yet finalised which teachers will be teaching in which teams, and, as always, there is likely to be a small amount of movement. We have a highly competent and dedicated staff, who work extremely collaboratively together and we are confident that all of our teachers are able to work successfully with all of our tamariki. Because of that, we do not engage in discussions with whānau about 'choosing teachers'. If you have information you want to share with me about any specific needs you want us to be aware of in relation to your child's emotional and social wellbeing, please email me directly at principal@beckenham.school.nz. We will add your thoughts to the wider information that we consider as we make up homegroups.
Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal
Important Dates
Upcoming Events
Week 10:
Fri 01 Oct -Last day of Term 3
Fri 01 Oct - Celebration Assembly (if we are at Level 1 - 12-12.30pm)
Term 4
Week 1:
Mon 18 Oct - First day of Term 4
Fri 22 Oct - Welcome to School Assembly (9.15 - 9.30am followed by Morning Tea for whānau)
Andi, you are such a compassionate and caring person. You have made many positive gains in your two years in the Kauri hub. Your peers look up to you and when you smile, the room lights up. You have put so much effort into your learning this year and this is reflected in the tasks that you accomplish. Pai ki a koe Andi!
School Notices
Sunhats will be needed again next term
Please remember to hunt out your child's school sunhat in readiness for Term 4. Your child will need a named, plain red or black, bucket or wide-brimmed hat every day next term.
Dental Care during the School Holidays
The Community Dental Service will be providing dental care for children enrolled with our service during the upcoming school holidays. The clinics will offer check-ups, treatment and relief of pain sessions by appointment only. To make an appointment please call/email our Contact Centre which operates between the hours of 8am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday throughout the holidays.
The following Dental Clinics will be open during these school holidays:
Northcote Clinic, 24, Tuckers Road, Casebrook,
Hillmorton Clinic, Hillmorton Hospital, Sylvan Street
The clinics will offer appointments between 8.15am and 4.15pm for school age and preschool children. If your child has dental pain because of an accident, please contact your dentist in the first instance.
To book an appointment at one of our clinics please:
Here are some questions that are designed to help your tamariki and rangatahi (children, and young people) have a kōrero about the different things that make them feel good.
What do you like to eat to give your body energy?
What activities make you feel calm?
What is your favourite song?
What's your favourite animal?
What activities do you like to do to move your body?
What is a favourite whānau memory that you have?
Where is your favourite place to visit with your whānau?
What is something that makes you smile?
ESOL Update
Lately, some of the ESOL students have been sequencing and re- telling the story of The Three Little Pigs.
Koru and Kahikatea groups have been busy weeding the raised gardens ready to do some planting.
The Kōwhai group welcomed some special visitors...some extra cute wee spring lambs. The children also completed Spring artworks.
2022 New Entrant Enrolments
Do you, or one of your neighbours, have a pre-schooler turning five in 2022?
Are they enrolled in a school yet? If not, please contact us (or your local school) about enrolment asap. It helps schools significantly with their staffing and planning if we know in advance who to expect at school the following year!
You can find enrolment information and forms on our website.
The deadline for Gifted Learner Award applications has been extended to 4pm on 30 September 2021, due to the changes in Alert Levels.
WHAT ARE THEY ALL ABOUT?
The Gifted Learner Awards can be used to challenge learners to try something new, or extend them in areas they're already involved in and passionate about.
Applicants can include tamariki in early learning through to high school students.
Applications can be for an individual or a group of learners, and can provide funding of up to $2,500 per individual or $5,000 per group (to be used within a 12-month period).
A very very big thank you for those of you whom returned cards and money this week. We really appreciate you supporting this fundraiser. A grand total of $4230.80 was raised this year!
Listen out at assembly next week to see if your name is drawn out for a Whitcoulls voucher.
Picnic in the Park
Family Picnic in the park on the 31st of October! We did have our ever-popular quiz scheduled for the 30th, but due to COVID uncertainty, we have decided to change it from a fundraiser into a BYO picnic in the park on Sunday 31st. More details will follow soon!
Calendar Art
Keep your eye out for our Calendar Art Fundraiser. The students have been busy creating masterpieces, which are soon to be turned into easy Christmas gifts! We are hoping to be able to open orders before the end of term - watch this space (and your children’s bags).
With thanks from your PTA
Community Notices
(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)
Rollickin' School Holiday Kids Gelato Class
The classes cater for 8-12 year olds & we share all our gelato making top tips & secrets.
There’ll be a little info session, part science lesson, a video, hokey pokey smashin’, chocolate drippin’, gelato whippin’, gelato taste testing, colouring in and a Free Scoop gift card for their next time visit. Promise lots of lickin laughs.
There’s 10 weekday classes during the school holidays:
The Gaia Collection is a YES business that wants to help protect and spread awareness about New Zealand’s wildlife. They have created a unique line of wooden earrings in the shape of some of this endangered wildlife with $5 from every pair sold going towards Forest and Bird’s Fairy Tern Project.
To make a further impact, they have created the Community Collection Challenge. An event running from 11th-17th October, where they are challenging all New Zealanders to clean up their communities. You can register to be apart for $5pp with all proceeds going towards Forest and Bird's Fairy Tern Project.
For more information about The Gaia Collection head to their website https://thegaiacollection.mystorbie.com and for more information about the Community Collection Challenge and how to register head to the “CCC” page.
Draw Like an Artist
The "Draw Like an Artist" camp will be held at St Margaret's College during the school holidays, starting on Tuesday October 12th and running until Thursday October 14th.
The camp is ideal for young people who have a dream of becoming a published illustrator or anyone who wants to improve their artistic skills.
The camp is non-residential, and runs from 9am to 4pm each day.
The course fee is $195.00, which includes a discount for early registration.
The number of places on the camp is strictly limited.
Thumbelina is a beloved tale from Hans Christian Anderson about a tiny girl, no bigger than a thumb, who slept in a bed made from a walnut shell with a rose petal blanket. The story has been adapted by Jeff Clark into a delightful play that will be performed by the Canterbury Children's Theatre company at the Malthouse Theatre every Saturday and Sunday during the October school holidays. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.malthouse.co.nz
