Principal's Patch
As-salāmu 'alaykum - peace be upon you
Friday 22nd March was a day where, across our nation, each of us paused at some point and recalled the change that has happened in our country since the previous Friday.
Thousands of people gathered in Hagley Park, to show their respect for those who lost their lives and their loved ones just one week ago. Around the country, people paused and showed their respect in different ways.
Out of this dark event in our history, we need to find a way to move forward, both for ourselves, for our children and for those in our community who have been singled out in this act.
In our schools we have as our guiding document, the New Zealand Curriculum. This curriculum is underpinned by a Vision, Principles and Values.
Out of this dark event in our history, we need to find a way to move forward, both for ourselves, for our children and for those in our community who have been singled out in this act.
In our schools we have as our guiding document, the New Zealand Curriculum. This curriculum is underpinned by a Vision, Principles and Values.
Values are deeply held beliefs about what is important or desirable. They are expressed through the ways in which people think and act.
Every decision relating to curriculum and every interaction that takes place in a school reflects the values of the individuals involved and the collective values of the institution.
The values on the list below enjoy widespread support because it is by holding these values and acting on them that we are able to live together and thrive. The list is neither exhaustive nor exclusive.
Students will be encouraged to value:
- excellence, by aiming high and by persevering in the face of difficulties
- innovation, inquiry, and curiosity, by thinking critically, creatively, and reflectively
- diversity, as found in our different cultures, languages, and heritages
- equity, through fairness and social justice
- community and participation for the common good
- ecological sustainability, which includes care for the environment
- integrity, which involves being honest, responsible, and accountable and acting ethically
An event such as happened last Friday, forces us as individuals, as a community, and as a nation, to deeply question and explore our values and the way that our actions demonstrate these values on a day to day basis.
At school we often talk with children about being a 'bystander' - someone who watches an event without getting involved, even when they know that what is happening is wrong and doesn't align with their values. As a nation this last week, we have seen many examples of being an 'upstander' - someone who steps forward and says 'this is wrong and I will support you'. Our challenge, as individuals, as a community, and as a nation, is to carry this behaviour forward into the future and not let it be something that we do just to make ourselves feel better, but to truly act on our values and show courage and integrity by always stepping forward and being an upstander.
Whilst we are not specifically talking with the children about Friday's events, we always try take opportunities to talk with them about showing respect, tolerance, empathy and understanding for others.
At school we often talk with children about being a 'bystander' - someone who watches an event without getting involved, even when they know that what is happening is wrong and doesn't align with their values. As a nation this last week, we have seen many examples of being an 'upstander' - someone who steps forward and says 'this is wrong and I will support you'. Our challenge, as individuals, as a community, and as a nation, is to carry this behaviour forward into the future and not let it be something that we do just to make ourselves feel better, but to truly act on our values and show courage and integrity by always stepping forward and being an upstander.
Whilst we are not specifically talking with the children about Friday's events, we always try take opportunities to talk with them about showing respect, tolerance, empathy and understanding for others.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to all of the families who have been impacted by the events of 15th March.
He aha te mea nui o te ao
What is the most important thing in the world?
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
It is the people, it is the people, it is the people
Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki
Important Dates
Upcoming Events
Mon 25 Mar - Canterbury Duathlon at Ruapuna SpeedwayWed 27 Mar - PTA meeting at Beckenham, 7:30pm start. All welcome
Thu 28 Mar - BOT meeting at Beckenham. 5:30pm start.
Thu 4 Apr - Canterbury Swimming sports - Selwyn Aquatic Centre
Thu 4 Apr - Mufti Day - Purple Heroes for Epilepsy
Thu 4 Apr - Mufti Day - Purple Heroes for Epilepsy
Term Dates
Click here to view 2019 term dates.Citizen of the Week
Jayda Taylor - Year 6
Jayda, you have displayed amazing engagement so far this year and it is clear that You Love Learning. You show tremendous initiative and your eagerness to learn and contribute ideas is a great example for everyone in the team. Ka rawe tō mahi!School Notices
Cellphones and Smart watches
Please remember that cellphones, and smart watches that can receive or transmit, are not permitted to be brought to school by students in Years 1-6 and kept on them, or in their bags during the day. If you wish your child to bring a device such as this to school so that you can communicate with them either before or after school, please remind them to hand the device into the office at the start of the day, and collect it at 3pm.
PB4L (Positive Behaviour 4 Learning)
In term 4 of 2018, our school staff voted to embark upon a school-wide journey with PB4L. Positive Behaviour for Learning is an evidence-based initiative from the Ministry of Education. Its purpose is to foster a positive school environment through positive relationships and the deliberate teaching of positive behaviours. The programme sits alongside our school values, charter and existing restorative practice behaviour model. We have established a team, led by Anna and Nigel, that includes a teacher representative from each teaching team, a teaching assistant, a Board member and a parent. In time, we will seek to gain student representation.
You can learn more about this programme from the PB4L page on the MOE website.
Last Friday demonstrated to us that we had done a very good job of ensuring that our children and our staff were clear about our procedures and what was required of them during a lockdown. What we became aware of, is that we haven't done enough communication with parents and caregivers as to your role during a lockdown. We had also not thought enough about the scenario that a lockdown might begin just before the end of school, where we could end up with over 100 caregivers (and 2 or 3 dogs) locked into the admin building with us!
During a lockdown we are expected to lock all doors and windows, turn off lights, and keep everyone away from windows - i.e. out of line of sight. In our learning spaces, this was very easy to achieve in the theatre spaces and small offices we have. Our learning spaces all have internal toilet access too which is a luxury that many schools did not have. However, our admin, library and staffrooms are covered with windows and it was not possible, with the number of people that ended up in there, to satisfactorily achieve the expectations of a lockdown.
We will always do our very best to communicate regularly and clearly with you, across as many platforms as possible. We are following the directions of police during a lockdown and may not deviate from these. During a lockdown, no one may enter or leave the buildings. Parents need to stay away from the school and follow the directions that are sent out. This will enable us all to do our jobs to the best of our abilities, with the shared goal being to keep all of the people in the school safe.
This year, UNSW Global has moved ICAS assessment dates to Term 3. This means that entry due dates are much later than in previous years. If you are interested in entering your child to compete in these optional competitions we will be gathering entries from mid-Term 2. Keep an eye out on future newsletters for more information.
For our first mufti day of the year, the Student Council are raising funds for and awareness of epilepsy. Come dressed as a Purple People Eater, a grape, a superhero, Barney the Dinosaur - anything PURPLE. Your gold coin donation will go to Epilepsy New Zealand, who support New Zealanders living with epilepsy.
Lockdown Procedures
As you may have read in the news over the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Education and NZ Police will be working with schools to do a full review of the lockdown processes and procedures of all parties.Last Friday demonstrated to us that we had done a very good job of ensuring that our children and our staff were clear about our procedures and what was required of them during a lockdown. What we became aware of, is that we haven't done enough communication with parents and caregivers as to your role during a lockdown. We had also not thought enough about the scenario that a lockdown might begin just before the end of school, where we could end up with over 100 caregivers (and 2 or 3 dogs) locked into the admin building with us!
During a lockdown we are expected to lock all doors and windows, turn off lights, and keep everyone away from windows - i.e. out of line of sight. In our learning spaces, this was very easy to achieve in the theatre spaces and small offices we have. Our learning spaces all have internal toilet access too which is a luxury that many schools did not have. However, our admin, library and staffrooms are covered with windows and it was not possible, with the number of people that ended up in there, to satisfactorily achieve the expectations of a lockdown.
We will always do our very best to communicate regularly and clearly with you, across as many platforms as possible. We are following the directions of police during a lockdown and may not deviate from these. During a lockdown, no one may enter or leave the buildings. Parents need to stay away from the school and follow the directions that are sent out. This will enable us all to do our jobs to the best of our abilities, with the shared goal being to keep all of the people in the school safe.
ICAS Assessments
Student Council News
Purple Heroes Day for Epilepsy - Thursday 4th April 2019 - Gold coin donation
Sports News
Zone Swimming Sports
We had an amazing day at Zone Swimming with 28 students from Pōhutukawa and Kauri. The students' demonstration of sportsmanship was exceptional. My favourite moment was hearing them cheering like crazy for Toby, (I had to do a quick mental check as I was sure that we didn't have a Toby with us - we didn't). A child from another school had fallen behind the pack. The children had found out his name and were chanting 'Let's go Toby! Let's go' all the way home. They did this a lot, cheering for every competitor.Results:
Freestyle
Year 8 Girls: 1st Charlotte O'Connor
Year 6 Girls: 1st Zoe Clarke
Year 5 Girls: 2nd Stella Gillman
Breaststroke:
Year 8 Girls: 3rd Gemma York
Year 8 Boys: 2nd Ben Evans
Year 7 Boys: 1st Thomas Lyall
Year 6 Boys: 2nd Fergus McMillan
Year 5 boys: 2nd William Pooch
Breaststroke
Year 8 Girls: 1st Charlotte O'Connor
Year 7 Boys: 3rd Ben Newton
Year 6 Boys: 1st Cooper Reddecliffe, 2nd Connor Ingram
Butterfly
Open Boys: 2nd Thomas Lyall
The top two go through to Canterburys in Week 9.
Hanmer 4 Hour Mountain Bike Race
Race report by Paolo Reid
Huxter Mountain Bike Relay
We are promoting the Huxter Mountain Bike Relay again this year. This fun, team event is being held on the 5th of April at Mclean’s Island and is open to years 5 - 8. Children complete laps of a non-technical, single-track course with the aim of completing as many laps as they can within the allotted time. Children may compete as a team, (two children) or as an individual. While we encourage and support children to participate in this event, a teacher will not be present at the event. Therefore, transport and supervision of the children participating is the responsibility of the caregiver.The cost is $25 for a team or $15 for an individual.
This year entries are being made through the school. To enter, please email Jenny with the child’s name and year level. Payment of entry fees should be made to the office at the time of registering your entry. Entries close on the 29th of March.
For more information visit the Huxter Mountain Bike facebook page or email Jenny on jenny.diggle@beckenham.school.nz.
PTA News
TOP TEAM:
It is with great pleasure to announce Beckenham's Top Team for 2019 is "The Reddies"It was a close competition with only 2 points between 1st & 2nd
2nd Place- "Bad As Dads"
3rd Place- "The ABs"
Best Dressed - "The Black Cats" ( who had the highest tower Sports Canterbury have ever seen-1.2m)
Thanks to all the competitors who braved the drizzle & cold. Take a LOOK at ALL the Action shots of the day....TOP TEAM CHALLENGE 2019 Again thanks to our roving photographer, Gail Harris from Platform Design Ltd
A HUGE shout out to ALL the helpers- whether you sizzled a sausage, donated baking, set up/ packed up or scored on a top team station, today could not have happened without your contribution.
Thanks again to Cory Harris, from www.peaktraining.co.nz , for leading the energetic warm up!! Finally thanks to Sarah, from Sport Canterbury for your expertise & patience.
BECKENHAM BOOTY:
We are proud to announce the launch of BECKENHAM BOOTY - a Car Boot Sale located in the Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto car park every LAST SUNDAY of the monthThe first car boot sale will be on SUNDAY 31st MARCH, 9am-11am.
Whether you are a 'Marie Kondo' wanabee & want to set free those items that no longer "spark joy"
OR love searching for those treasures amongst other people's "loot in their boot"
Make sure you are there for the first ever BECKENHAM BOOTY & let's Re-cycle, Re-use and Re-wear
A HUGE shout out to Platform Design Ltd for supporting the PTA with another amazing design. We really appreciate all the wonderful work you do
BOOK in your car boot NOW- $25, spaces are limited.
PTA SURVEY:
It’s that magical time again when we ask YOU for your thoughts & ideas. How, when & if you can assist with any of our planned events for 2019. And most importantly, how you would like those raised funds spent.The PTA SURVEY 2019 is out NOW. Thanks in advance for answering our questions
Community Notices
(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)
Jennian Homes Fun Run - Mother's Day
Sunday 12th May 2019. South Hagley Park, Deavs Avenue, chCh. 9:00am. Join us for a run, walk or stroll this Mother's Day.It'll be a great start to the day and you'll be doing your bit to help beat heart disease.
Register online at jennianmothersdat.com
are now open!
Monday 15th April – Thursday 18th April
Closed Friday 19th April (Good Friday)
$52 for the week.
Email: info@starfishswimschool.co.nz
Or phone us at: 03 3381795
2 Nash Road, Aidanfield
Host Families needed
OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS TO EXPERIENCE A NEW CULTURE AT HOME, IMPROVE THEIR LANGUAGE STUDIES, MAKE NEW FRIENDS, REDISCOVER AND SHARE THE BEAUTY OF NEW ZEALANDIn April, May, June and July we will be receiving exchange students from France, Denmark, Finland and Germany. Our new arrivals will live with a host family and attend a local school for 3, 5 or 10 months. As we plan for their arrival, we are keen to hear from suitable families who might be interested to host a student.
Host families come in all shapes and sizes, backgrounds and ages.
Hosting an exchange student can be a truly rewarding experience. It allows a family to experience a foreign culture first hand, be exposed to a new language and pass on a bit of our own culture. They might even make a friend for life!
All students have at least basic levels of English, would attend a school in your local area and live the life of a local.
If you have any questions about hosting an exchange student or would like to view profiles of students arriving from other countries, they can call our office on 0800 440 079 or visit our website. Our staff members will be happy to discuss which student might be best suited to their family. No obligation.