Beckenham School Newsletter, Friday 12 August, 2016

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Building Update - some news at last...

We are extremely pleased to be able to advise that the building consent for our building programme was lodged with Council this week. Given that the original date for this was supposed to be February, this feels like it is a significant milestone.
We are now in a position to be able to share with you the plans for the building, along with a new (still draft) programme time frame. We will relaunch the 'building blog' and get information up on there next week.

Learning Conferences

Learning Conferences will be happening on Tuesday 30th August and Thursday 1st September (Week 6). School will close at 2pm on both days to allow teachers to begin the conferences at 2:15pm. If you need your child supervised until 3pm, please let Jacky in the office know. If your child normally attends BOSCO on these days, they will begin operating at 2pm.
The purpose of the learning conference is for your child and their point of contact teacher to share your child’s learning with you; to celebrate what they are doing well, and to highlight the areas of their learning that have been identified as possible next steps. Together you will be able to select areas that you all agree need to become the goals to continue to focus on.
We do expect that all children attend their learning conference with their family, to be part of the learning conversation. You are always welcome to contact your child's teacher to make another time (at any time of the year) to discuss anything about their learning and life at school.
To book your learning conferences, please go to:
and enter the code b3tj4

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Fri 12 Aug
2:45-3:15pm PTA Uniform Room open
12:30 - 3:00pm Winter Sport - final week

Tue 16 Aug
ICAS Maths

Thu 18 Aug
Yr 7 & 8 Ski trip to Mt Hutt

Fri 19 Aug
Spellathon Testing (all cards need to be back before this date)

Wed 24 Aug
4pm (Y7) & 5pm (Y8) Cantamath at Horncastle Arena
7:30 - 8:30pm PTA Meeting, All Welcome

Thu 25 Aug
9:00am - 3:00pm Strum Strike Blow at Horncastle Arena
10:00am - 3:00pm Canterbury Winter Tournament at North Hagley Park

Fri 26 Aug
8:45-9:15am & 2:45 - 3:15pm PTA Uniform Room open
9:15 - 9:45am Celebration Assembly
7:30pm PTA Comedy Bingo Evening

Tue 30 Aug
2:00 - 6:30pm Learning Conferences.  School closes at 2:00pm.

Thu 1 Sep
2:00 - 7:30pm Learning Conferences.  School closes at 2:00pm

Term Dates

Click here to view the 2016 and 2017 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Constantin Gorny - Year 6

Constantin, you are an extremely enthusiastic and motivated student who always approaches learning with a smile. You are a self-motivated learner and always strive to do your best in all areas of school. You are an active member of our hub and are always willing to contribute your ideas to class discussions. Thanks for being such a great role model. Well done Constantin!

Sharing our Learning

Kauri Team

20/40 Hour Famine:  In term 1 Kauri Whanau did an inquiry about refugees.  In term 2, just under half of our team signed up to the the 20 or 40 Hour famine through World Vision. Interest was particularly high this year, because the Famine was all about supporting refugees in Syria. We learnt that four million people have left Syria, on a long and dangerous journey. Their journey was the equivalent of walking further than the length of NZ. Through giving up something for the weekend, such as food or technology, the children in Kauri Whanau raised money for the people they had been learning about. This money is going to a refugee camp in Azrad. Over the next year 80 000 Syrian children will return to school thanks to World Vision. Last week Harley, from World Vision, visited our hub to thank us for raising $1570. We have got 70 kids back to school in Syria. What a fabulous way to show that we can make a difference!


Sharing our writing: In the last week of term 2, we wrote collaboratively in the Intermediate Hub. We were blown away with the quality of the writing. Daisy and Rosie started with a photo of soldiers marching and created this poem.


I trudge through the squelchy mud
Stained with bodies and blood 
Poppy fields stretch far and wide
Only to be seen by those who survive 
Memories swell inside my brain
Of all the men who died in pain
I think again what got me here

What made my loved life disappear
It was those men who have a title
Who handed me an evil rifle
Then ordered us to kill and kill
Then they get cross when we don’t fulfill
Their words which are full of spite
But don’t they see, we don’t want to fight
They tell us to do it for the Queen
But we don’t want to become a killing machines
Not even for the royal highness
You see I don’t want to minus
The population of this earth 
How many lives is victory worth?
Can’t we all just call it quits?
Come on people use your wits!
We could put down our guns
Then all the death will be done
Don’t they see that this isn’t fair
For them to sit down and declare
That little boys must go and fight
All day long then all through the night
They are sending us to a certain death 
They don’t care if we breathe our last breath
They don’t care if our mothers cry 
They don’t care if we have to say goodbye
Why oh why does there have to be war
No one should visit death's front door
No one should live in fear
So why can’t peace live here?

Celebrating our leaders: At our recent celebration assembly, many leadership awards were presented. It was exciting to acknowledge our first Gold leaders for 2016.


Each year we recognise one outstanding Year 8 leader, by nominating them for a Sir Peter Blake leadership award. Peer feedback and teacher observation are used to reach a decision for this special award. This year the recipient was Daniel Hawkey-D’Aeth. Daniel is an amazingly positive young leader, who sees the best in every situation. He has heaps of initiative and often rallies his peers together whenever he sees a need or opportunity. He is recognised by his peers for his inclusiveness, always listening to the ideas of others and ensuring everyone has a voice. Daniel's vibrant personality and inclusiveness ensure he is always surrounded by friends, seen as a role model and often looked towards as a leader by his peers.

Initiative Rewarded: We were so proud to hear about the wonderful initiative shown by one of our Junior Neighbourhood Support Leaders earlier this year. While waiting on the street for a family member, this young man witnessed a crime unfolding in front of him and had the quick thinking to video the event, in a surreptitious manner. He took his evidence to the police and this resulted in an arrest. Tu meke Anekin! Sometimes good actions are rewarded. This story was passed on to Blue Light, and Anekin is on his way to Auckland for a day at Rainbow’s End. What a fabulous role model.

Wood needed: One of our Year 7 & 8 passion groups are currently planning murals to paint on sheets of wood, to bring extra colour and fun to the Champion Street school site. Our designs will be based on the work of Burton Morris, with a kiwiana flavour.


We need several sheets of plywood for the project, around12mm thick and in a variety of sizes starting at 1metre square. If you are able to help us out, please send an email to nicky.dunlop@beckenham.school.nz

School Notices

ICAS Science: 

Congratulations to all the children who sat the ICAS Science test. The following children received outstanding results. Year 5: Gemma York-Credit. Year 6: Adam Barton-Credit. Year 7: Amelia Cannon-Credit, Kaia Joergensen-Distinction, Sadie McLoughlin-Distinction, Rosie Zinzan-Dickie-Distinction and Daisy York-High Distinction.

Soup: 

If your child would like to purchase soup again next Wednesday, please send them with $2 and they can order it before school from in front of the office.  They will have a choice of tomato, pumpkin or chicken.

Free Dental Care for Children

One of our Community Dental Service preventive mobiles will be visiting your school soon.
We will be aiming to see that all school age children enrolled with the Community Dental Service have their dental check-up in the dental mobile while it is there.
The dental therapist will not only be checking the children’s teeth but will also Xray, clean, and apply protective treatments (including fluoride) if required.
If your child requires further dental care such as fillings they will bring home a ‘Care Plan’ which will explain what dental care and appointment times are required. When you receive the ‘Care Plan’ please contact our Call Centre as soon as possible as you will need to arrange a time to bring your child to one of our Community Clinics for this dental care. Please let us know ASAP if you do not wish your child to have any of this care, you can talk to the staff in the mobile or phone/email our Call Centre.
If you wish to be present at your child’s check up this will need to take place at our community clinic so please phone/email our Call Centre to make an appointment. Please contact our Call Centre if you want further information on the Community Dental Service, to enrol your child or if you have any specific questions about your child’s dental care (a dental therapist will call you back). To contact our Call Centre: phone 0800 846 983 / email commdental@cdhb.health.nz
Year 8 students: all year 8 students enrolled with the Community Dental Service are transferred
from the Community Dental Service to a FREE private dentist from year 9 until their 18th birthday.
To help with this transition please ensure you have informed your child of their family dentist (not
orthodontist). This will enable us to transfer your child onto the correct dentist for year 9 onwards.
More information will be sent home after their year 8 check-up.

PTA News

Enjoy last years ‘Improv Night’? ….well here’s another opportunity to laugh your socks off!!!

Join Jack & Kitty, from the bowling club, for a night of hilarity & a dash of bingo at the PTA Bingo Night: Friday 26th August

Loads of prizes up for grabs & delicious Kiwiana food on offer….how could you resist such FUN, don’t delay- Book your tickets NOW.

Limited numbers, we will SELL OUT

All funds raised go towards improving the Hall PA system,






Sports News

Winter Tournament

True to its name, the winter weather arrived in time for our South Zone Winter Tournament, which was played on Monday 1 August. With 15 teams participating, we were very grateful to all of the coaches who were able to help out on the day.

Passing and shooting, the netball players battled and pivoted, scoring and defending on the netball courts. Well done to all four teams, with three teams placing third and one team placing sixth.

The year 5 and 6 rugby team were up against some mighty opposition, with every game proving to be a challenge. Utilising speedy wingers and tenacious forwards, saw the team achieve very close results. Great job team on placing fifth.


With six football teams, playing 5-a-side, there were plenty of fast paced games to enjoy. Adjusting to the small pitches and different way of playing took some doing, however teams soon found their stride and went on to score goals and corners. Well done to the year 7 and 8 teams who placed first and two fourths (in different grades) and great work to the year 5 and 6 teams who placed first and second (in different grades).

Bobbly rugby fields, set a challenge for the hockey players, particularly those used to the smooth surface of astroturf. Swift passing and controlled dribbling ensured goals were scored, along with solid defending to prevent goals at the other end. Great work all four hockey teams, with placings of second, fourth and two sixth placings.

Special congratulations to the year 7 and 8 Football Red team and to the year 7 and 8 Hockey Red team. They have both qualified to compete in the Canterbury Winter Tournament being held on Thursday 25 August, representing our south zone.

Sincere thanks to all of our coaches who made it possible for us to take so many teams to the tournament: Jarred Skelton, Caitlyn Downing, Sonja Sintmaartensdyk, George York, Katie Chapman, Sarah Freeman, Jenni Adams, Nicky Dunlop, Leone Scott, Jacky Sargent, Fred Simpson, Kate Inwood, Ashley Tough, Jonny Inwood, Tyler Logan and Rod Gray.

Winter Sport for Friday 5 August

What excitement it was to walk off the bus into sleety, icy, snowy rain on Friday. After sheltering for five minutes, the sky cleared, the sun shone and the games were on! For the second time that week, the players battled on, trying hard and  supporting each other. Congratulations to these players for earning Player of the Day for their team:
Y 5/6 football red - Joel Kingham
Y 5/6 football black - Daniel Smith
Y 7/8 football red - Isaac Macdonald
Y 7/8 football black - Maddy Ferguson
Y 5/6 hockey red - Charlotte Strahl
Y 5/6 hockey black - Aliya Phiskie
Y 7/8 hockey red - Amelia Cannon
Y 7/8 hockey black - Isla Hindin
Y 5/6 netball red - Emily Eade
Y 5/6 netball black - the whole team!
Y 7/8 netball red - Nese Duane
Y 7/8 netball black - Breeze Bower-Okeroa
Y 5/6 rugby red - Sam Rogers

"Red Netball Team, who compete each Friday at Winter Sport, and competed at the Winter Sport Tournament last Monday"

Community Notices

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

Street Dance Workshop: August 14th, 90 min workshop teaching the fundamentals of moonwalk, robot, footwork, body strengthening, hip hop & beginners breakdance.  Sth City Youth Centre, 18 Bath Street, 1:30-3pm.  Koha donation.  Contact Nel on 0226259963. nel.ccity@gmail.com

Baby Rabbits
I’m reluctantly looking for indoor homes for baby rabbits, as I’m unable to cope with all the bunnies I have.
I have four babies ready for new homes, and they will be small to medium sized bunnies.  Mum is a chocolate mini lop/Netherland cross, although she doesn’t have lop ears, and dad is a Netherland cross.  I don’t want to profit at all, so my babies are free to the best homes available.  I’ll gladly provide an excellent advice sheet from At the Vets, who are brilliant with rabbits and guineas, as well as some hay, and as much advice and support as I can.
If anyone is interested and would like to meet my babies, please feel welcome to ring me on home 980 8395 or 027 215 9076.  Work e-mail is rebecca@runacres.co.nz
Rebecca Bayliss (Selwyn-Jack’s mum)

GIRLS CRICKET STARTS IN TERM 4 – Register now or in September
Girls love playing cricket – they enjoy making friends with new girls their own age, they love learning new skills, they thrive in being part of a team and they pick up the great values that the game can teach.
Fortunately we have enough girls playing that we do have several girls only grades.
St Albans Cricket Club has more females playing cricket than any other club in Chch. We currently have 3 women in the NZ team – more than any other club in NZ and we have plenty of younger girls as well. We really value and look after our females!

Our registrations open in September but you can register early if you wish. Ideally we are looking for girls in year 4-8 to play cricket. Sisters can usually be in the same team, as can friends.

Season starts – mid October (after school holidays) but registrations are open from now to September.  The season lasts till the end of March and we stop over the Xmas school holidays.
Games – are Saturday morning 9-12. These are usually played at Hagley Park. All players guaranteed to bat and bowl each week.
Grades – there are 3 girls only grades at the junior level ( 1. A Year 3,4,5 girls grade   2.  A Year 5/6 girls grade and   3. A year 7/8 girls grade ). There is flexibility within the grades to move girls based on ability and friends/ family.
Gear – all gear and coaching provided by the club. We also provide shirts and caps.
Cost – Subs are approx. $100 per girl for the season
Practice – we practice at Hagley Park – usually on a Thursday 4-530pm (this does depend on the team members availability)
Parents – you may be interested in coaching , umpiring, scoring or managing – if so , let me know. We are always looking for parents who are happy to get involved with a team. Alternatively you may just want to watch your daughter – that’s fine too.

If you are interested in knowing more or registering your daughter
Email : barry@denver.co.nz or call or text  021 336837

S’martTouch 2016
Spread the word! It’s time to sort out your teams for touch rugby. Entries will open on the
22nd August and close 23 rd September (the last day of term).

See the following flyer for dates, times and costs.

Steps to register:
1. Get a team organised and appoint a team manager and coach.
2. Team manager enters online using the URL address www.sporty.co.nz/smarttouch
3. On the Smarttouch home page fill out the touch team manager sign up form and
submit it.
4. You will then receive an email giving you the link to enter your player details.
5. Please remember payment is made to the team manager and there is to be one
team payment.

The competition is social MIXED and you need to have a minimum of 3 girls and 3 boys on
the field at any time (NZ Touch Rules), except yr 0-2. A good number to have is 8-10 in a
team.
Grades: Year 0-2, Year 3-4, Year 5-6, and Year 7-8.

We are all looking forward to a great season.
From the Smarttouch Team

(Touch Canterbury Affiliated Module)



Junior Indoor Sports: Entries now open.Enter online at www.actionindoorsports.com.
Netball 7 aside $45 per team per game, football 6 aside $39 per team per game.Ages 7 - 18 years, starting term 4.






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