Principal's Patch
Kia ora koutou
It's hard to believe that the end of the first term is already here! What a busy and exciting term it has been.Looking ahead to Term 2
During Term 2 our learning focus is on "Sustaining our Wellbeing". Each team will have their own particular focuses within this broad topic, and there will be some consistent school-wide areas of focus, including exercise (particular focus on Cross-country), hydration, healthy eating and sleep.With regard to sleep, we will be implementing a programme for children in Years 3-8 that has been designed by the University of Canterbury, as a strategy for building resilience and wellbeing. When the programme begins, there will be take home activities that parents will be encouraged to engage with. The goal of the programme is to encourage children to have a better awareness of their own sleep needs and patterns, and to begin to develop some self-management in their own wellbeing around bedtime routines and the importance of sleep in their daily lives. No doubt there will be lessons for us as adults to reflect on also!
Reporting to Parents in Writing and through Learning Conferences
After our student led learning conferences in Term 3 last year, we sent out a detailed questionnaire for caregivers to give us feedback.
We had 120 responses which gave us some very rich feedback.
On a scale from 1 (Not at all) to 5 (Extremely well), the following responses were received to this question:
We were quite pleased to see 68% of people were very satisfied or extremely satisfied, and we could identify some areas for improvement.
When we compared this to the next question, we could see that around 44% of the respondents weren't finding the conferences as beneficial, from the parent perspective, as we would have hoped.
The respondents shared lots of really valuable feedback with us about what they really liked about the learning conferences, and about how we could improve, and of course, there was a wide variation of perspective from people who absolutely loved it, and a few who really didn't!
This year, we will be trying something a little bit different, to try and meet the different needs of parents, and to still ensure that we are empowering our children to be engaged with their learning through a process of having voice and ownership.
In Week 5 of Term 2 (Wed 30th May) we will be having Student-led Learning Conversations. These will be a little different to what we did last year and will focus wholly on the children sharing their learning with their whānau. The teachers will be there, and overseeing, but you won't need to book a specific time as the focus will not be on having a conversation with the teacher - it will be on the conversation with your child.
Written reports will come out at the end of Term 2, and in Week 2 of Term 3, there will be a formal opportunity to book a time to meet with your child and their teacher(s) to discuss any queries you may have about the reports, and to set goals for the rest of the year.
Please remember that, on top of these set times, you are welcome at any time during the year, to make a time to meet with your child's teacher to discuss their progress at school.
Kauri Team in Dunedin
As I finish writing this, the Year 7 & 8 Kauri Team are making their way back to Christchurch after a simply amazing week of fun and learning in Dunedin.
To see the full set of photos, and see the breadth of excitement they have been having, you can visit the school Facebook page.
They have visited Albatross, explored Larnach's Castle, been spooked in the Octagon, studied at the University, walked beaches and tunnels, competed against our friendly rivals Carisbrook School, swum, danced, eaten chocolate, and of course, walked up and down the steepest street!
Thank you to all of the parents who supported this trip with their time, and with baking, and to the The Southern Trust for a very generous donation of $15,000 that helped make the trip much more affordable.
Thank you all for the support you give to our school, and to our staff and students. We are all looking forward to the the next two weeks holidays, and I know that our staff will be taking time to rest and relax, as well as prepare for Term 2. I trust you are all able to have some quality time with your family.
Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumaki ~ Principal
Important Dates
Upcoming Events
Mon 30 Apr - Term 2 begins 8:55amFri 4 May - Welcome Assembly, 10:50- 11:15am. Followed by a morning tea hosted by PTA.
Wed 9 May - BOT Meting, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Thu 10 May - Years 5-8 School Cross Country. In the afternoon.
Fri 11 May - Celebration Assembly. 10:50-11:20am. All Welcome.
Fri 17 May - weekly winter sport for years 5-8 commences.
Term Dates
Click here to view 2018 term dates.Citizen of the Week
Katya Atlas - Year 4
Katya, you are a thoughtful and empathetic member of the Kowhai whānau. You are quick to notice when people need help and are always willing to give up your time to be a good friend and to support the smooth running of the hub. You actively demonstrate our values "We love learning" and "We love challenge". You strive to achieve learning tasks to the best of your ability and always seek advice if you need it. You are a great role model. Tino pai , KatyaBenjamin Scallan - Year 4
Ben, you are an excellent role-model in our hub. You demonstrate the value of 'We Love Learning' by being an incredibly hard-working and focused learner. You show the value of 'We Love Challenge' when things are tricky by asking questions and having a growth mindset. You understand the importance of being a supportive and caring team-member, and you show kindness and empathy towards others. Ka pai, Ben!School Notices
Welcome Assembly - Term 2 Friday 4th May at 11am
If you have a child who has started at Beckenham School since our last welcome Assembly (Friday 9th February) then your child will be being formally welcomed at the next Welcome Assembly on Friday 4th May at 11am. You and your whānau are invited to attend this assembly and also to stay afterwards for morning tea, hosted by the PTA.Sports News
Duathlon Results
The school duathlon is arguably one of the most challenging sporting events in our school calendar. The event is open to our year 5 to 8 tamariki who are keen to test their endurance and stamina. In the lead up to the event, it was fantastic to see many tamariki out running and biking in the park developing healthy habits that may last a lifetime. Congratulations to everyone who stepped up to this challenge.Year 5 Champions: Zoe Clarke and Josh Breitmeyer
Year 6 Champions: Jain Cooper and Ben Newton
Year 7 Champions Sophia Brown and Ben Evans
Year 8 Champions: Tilly Harris and Joel Kingham
PTA News
Are you sitting down??The figures are in......
The PROFIT of the Beckenham School Twilight Fair is the BIGGEST profit EVER raised at a Beckenham School Fair & given the inclement weather this is an even more amazing feat!
$17,400 PROFIT was raised!
A HUGE thanks to the businesses & individuals that supported this event, please check out our SPONSOR BOARD:
https://sites.google.com/view/beckenham-school-pta-nz/twilight-fair-sponsors?authuser=0
And of course thank you to Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto staff, students & school community that helped make this event be the BEST FAIR EVER!!
Roll on 2020!
Community Notices
(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)
Starfish Swim School
During the April school holidays Starfish will be running a holiday programme. When a student from Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto, including siblings, books lessons you will receive a discounted rate and $10 from every booking will go towards our Outdoor Spaces fund!Classes will be ruining both weeks of the holidays.
Week one Monday 16th April - Friday 20th April $55
Week two Monday 23 April - Friday 27 April (closed Anzac Day) $42
For bookings and any enquiries please phone: 33881795. info@starfishswimschool.co.nz
Spanish Club at Beckenham School- Mondays after school 3:00 to 4:00 pm
Speak Spanish - Spanish Language School is based in Rangi Ruru Girls' School and offers Spanish Clubs in primary schools. Children learn Spanish in a fun and relaxed way focused on a topic: games, crafts, roleplays, songs are used to teach children. We use Seesaw to build up a student profile and get children and/or families to be part of the club too from home! We are starting our classes in Term 2 ($15 per session - $120 8 sessions) it's a great opportunity to experience learning a language! Email us at info@speakspanish.co.nz to enrol sending your children's details.
Aquagym
459 Cashel St Ph:381- 0299
Learn to Swim & Coaching
Book now for April Holiday Courses &Term 2.
Leaders in Aquatic Education
Shirley Boys' High School
Parent Information Evenings
(Meet Headmaster John Laurenson for an informal chat over a cup of tea or coffee)
Monday 7th – Thursday 10th May 2018. 6.00pm - 7.30pm
SBHS Spartans Room (PE block, entrance off North Parade)
Community Open Night
Thursday 24 th May 2018. 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Commencing in the Assembly Hall (entrance off North Parade)
Marian College Open Night & Open Day 2018
Haere Mai! Talofa lava and welcome!
You are invited to experience the opportunities Marian College has on offer.
Open Night - Tuesday 15 May from 4-7pm. Principal's welcome 4:15pm and 5:30pm.
Open Day - Monday 28th May from 1-3pm. Principal's welcome at 1:00pm.
There is Wilsons car parking on Barbadoes St and next to Marian College on Moorhouse Avenue.
0800What’sUp
0800What'sUp (0800 942 87 87) is a confidential free nationwide telephone and online help line for New Zealand children between the ages of 5-18 years old.
What’s Up has been there for New Zealand children for over 16 years, and during that time we have talked with thousands of children about what it is that concerns them. We have listened to their stories, their worries, and even their jokes. Children do not have to give us their names, or any other details they choose not to disclose.
The average age of our callers is 13 years old, and young people may ring and talk to us about anything they like. No problem is too large or too small for our trained Counsellors and Supervisors, who come from a variety of backgrounds and experience. All of our counsellors are paid professionals who practice Child Centered Practice and Empowerment. We do not tell our callers/online chatters what to do, but instead provide support, allowing them to explore what is best for them and the possible consequences of their choices.
0800What’sUp is open until 11:00pm every day, including public holidays. Our hours are Monday to Friday 12 noon - 11pm, and 3pm - 11pm on Saturdays and Sundays. We also offer online chat, which is available from 5-10pm each day.
ARE YOU UP FOR A CHALLENGE?
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
If so, come along to our Traditional Māori games themed school holiday sessions at South library.
Not only will you learn a tī rākau (short sticks) routine, but you get to make some tī rākau to take home. We will have a go at some other traditional games as well.
It’s going to be heaps of fun! Don’t miss out!
Recommended for ages 7-12 years. Bookings essential
Phone 941 7923
Tuesday 17 April, 10.30am–12pm or 1–2.30pm
SURFKIDS
Childrens Surfing April Holiday Programme.Learn the skills of Surfing in a fun, safe environment. All equipment provided and professional instruction from Aaron Lock and team. For kids 8 - 14 years.
April Holidays Week 1 and 2.
16 -20th and 23 -27th April 10am to 12pm.
Cost $30 per day or $135 for five. Bookings essential.
Venue :Sumner.
Call Aaron on 0800 80 SURF (7873) or register online at www.surfcoach.co.nz
St Margaret's College Open Day
St Margaret's College Open Day is on Friday 11 May
The details are:
St Margaret's College, Christchurch, Open Day - Friday 11 May 2018
Time: 10:30am to 1:00pm
Principal's Address: 11:45am featuring current principal, Gillian Simpson, and incoming principal, Diana Patchett
For those looking at boarding options, we have an SMC Boarders' Sleepover on Friday 11 May at 4:30pm to 10:00am on Saturday 12 May. Pre-registration for this is required by emailing lizzie.d@stmargarets.school.nz