Principal's Patch
Kia ora koutou
We have had a very warm start to the year and there has been lots of learning taking place in the outdoor spaces that we have available. Friday was our first day of House Games this year, and it was great to see students out in their house shirts, interacting in their Houses with children of different ages and year groups. House activities promote the concept of 'tuakana/teina' - where younger ones learn from the older ones, and vice versa.
The school Y5-8 Swimming Sports was held last week - a huge thanks to Jenny Diggle for the massive work that she does to organise these events. The age group champion results are further in the newsletter.
Paid Union Meeting - School closing early at 1:45pm on Thursday 20 March
Due to a Paid Union Meeting for teachers and principals on this day, school will be closing at the early time of 1:45pm. Please make alternate arrangements to collect your child at 1:45pm. There will not be any supervision provided at school between 1:45pm and 3pm. BOSCO will be starting at the earlier time of 1:45pm, and if you wish to utilise this, you need to book in advance as there will be limited places available.
New staff
Last week we welcomed Nicola Snook and Lisa Griffith to our staff. Lisa is working in Kahikatea on Mondays, and Lisa will be working full time in Kahikatea from next Monday, when Kristika will move to Koru (New Entrants) to start the third learning group there.
Congratulations to Bruce Rodger, a past teacher from Beckenham whom many families will remember. Last week Bruce was awarded a National Excellence in Teaching Award by Minister Hipkins in Wellington.
School Strike 4 Climate
We are proud of the work that Lucy Gray and other young people in Canterbury are doing, in working together to organise the 'School Strike 4 Climate' on Friday 15th March, from 1pm in Cathedral Square. (click here to read an article on Stuff about the strike)
You can read about what they are planning below.
Whilst this seems like an incongruence, to not be discouraging students to strike, we strongly believe that supporting our students to have a voice, and to stand up for what they believe in and to try and 'Make a Difference', show that 'We Care' and believe that we can 'Get There Together' are completely aligned with our school values.
As a school, we are not actively encouraging or discouraging this action. The students involved will be speaking to the other Year 7/8 students and will be asking them to think about taking a stand. As an opportunity to learn about having a voice, learning about global issues, and taking a stand, this has much learning associated with it.
If Year 7/8 students are wanting to leave school on Friday 15th March to participate in this rally, they will need to have a parent (or another adult nominated by their parent) sign them out at the office and take them.
Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal
Important Dates
You can find the school calendar on our web page through this link.
Upcoming Events
Wed Feb 27 - PTA Meeting in the staffroom. 7:30pm. All very welcome.Fri 1 Mar - Celebration Assembly, All Welcome. 12:10 - 12:40 in the school hall.
Mon 4 Mar - Beckenham Outdoor Spaces Meeting, 7:30 - 8:30pm in the staffroom.
Tue - 5 Mar - School Duathlon for years 5 - 8. In Beckenham Park .
Thu 7 & 8 Mar - Year 8 Leadership Camp at school.
Thu Mar 14 - Zone Swimming sports at Jellie Park 9am - 1pm
Thu 20 Mar - School photos. Learning Group, and Individual photos will be taken (am)
Thu 20 Mar - School closes at 1:45pm
Term Dates
Click here to view 2019 term dates.Citizen of the Week
Archie Arnott - Year 4
Archie, you have made an outstanding start to the year. You consistently focus on doing the right thing and are an extremely caring and helpful member of the team. You work enthusiastically in all areas of school and are a fantastic role model to others. You are an absolute star, Archie. Tino pai!Layla Wallbanks - Year 6
Layla, we love the infectious enthusiasm for learning that you bring to school each and every day. You have excellent self management skills that enable you to focus on your learning and continue to be a kind and caring friend to all. Tino pai.School Notices
Scholastic Book Club
The cutoff date for Bookclub Issue 1 is Saturday 30th March. Just a reminder that all ordering is now done online - no orders are accepted at the office.Beckenham Outdoor Spaces
There will be a meeting in the staffroom for whānau in the community to come and hear about the proposed plans for the new play area being developed by NE hub. The meeting will commence at 7:30pm and aim to conclude at 8:30pm. This is the first of the Outdoor Spaces projects that the PTA have been fundraising to contribute to.Spot prizes for some lucky students caught wheeling or walking to school....rain or shine!
Congratulations to...
Ava Howard for attaining a bronze award in The Royal Commonwealth Society's Queen's Commonwealth Essay competition.Sports News
The School Swimming sports took place on Thursday 21 February at Wharenui Pool. Congratulations to everyone who took part and provided a great afternoon of competitive swimming.The following students are the age group champions:
Year 5 girls - Lola Harris
Year 5 boys - Tahere Taylor
Year 6 girls - Zoe Clarke
Year 6 boys - Cooper Reddecliffe
Year 7 girls - Abby Cockfield
Year 7 boys - Thomas Lyall
Year 8 girls - Charlotte O'Connor
Year 8 boys - Ben Evans
PTA News
NEW Date for the Top Team Challenge & Family Picnic -Sunday 10th MARCH. Games commence at 3pm.Teams who enrolled last year, for this weather postponed event, have had their registration roll over.
NEW teams wanting to register can do so by completing this form: https://goo.gl/forms/iznynx1zX1XiydKl2
The PTA are subsidizing this family event, if the $10 fee to register prevents your family from entering please contact us & we will assist- pta@beckenham.school.nz
What is the Top Team Challenge?- check out the PTA FACEBOOK page for more detailed information.
Who will crowned Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto's TOP TEAM 2019?!!
FIRST PTA Meeting of 2019 & we would love to hear from you.
Come along - it’s your PTA & we would love to hear your ideas, thoughts, suggestions for this coming year.
See you this Wednesday 27th February at 7:30pm in the Staffroom.
Community Notices
(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)
Jadon dance
New year registrations open now-Ballet, jazz, Hip Hop & Contemporary
-Beginners through to advanced, including adult classes
-Learn in a fun inspirational environment
-50 years combined teaching experience
-Casual to competition level with exams offered
-End of year production
-Studio : Waimairi Community Centre, 166 Waimairi Road, Ilam
Contacts: Donna Head 0210423621 donna.head@xtra.co.nz, Jacqui Tieleman, 021630910.
Dyspraxia Support Group of NZ Inc.
We are a non-profit organisation providing information, education and support to all people impacted by DCD/dyspraxia. Our organisation started in 1992 and formed our Fun Groups in 1994.We have three Fun Groups aimed at different ages groups which we run on Saturdays during term time.
Funlink 5-10 years, Funtween 10-13 year and Funteen 13 – 18 year of age.
The groups participate in a programme put together and delivered by our team of enthusiastic supervisors.
If you have a child or teen or know a child or teen with DCD/dyspraxia that would like to come and see if the group is for them pleased contact Sue on 358 3249 or email dyspraxia.centre@xtra.co.nz.
Mindfulness Group for Children
Does your child struggle with anxiety or stress? Would you like to support them to learn skills to enhance their wellbeing?The Psychology Centre is offering Pause Breathe Smile (PBS), a group for children (age 7-10 years) who struggle with stress and anxiety and their parents to develop skills of mindfulness. PBS is an evidence-based program, developed by the Mental Health Foundation.
The group will run from 4 - 5pm, starting Wednesday 20th February for 8 weeks at the Psychology Centre, University of Canterbury and requires both child and parent/ caregiver to attend and learn together. The total cost of the program is $160.
If you would like more information, email ann.huggett@canterbury.ac.nz.
To hear kids talking about PBS watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awo8jUxIm0c
For more information about the research and benefits of PBS look at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1707/S00094/pause-breathe-smile-mindfulness-training-will-help.htm
Cashmere Netball Club
Registrations are open for all returning and new players - years 3 upwards.Please go to our website https://www.sporty.co.nz/cashmerenc to register.
Join our facebook page to keep in touch.
Any questions please email the club on cashmerenetball@hotmail.com.
Sydenham Rugby League Club:
Sydenham Rugby League club welcomes new members to the club for the 2019.We seek boys and girls of preschool age through intermediate to fill our Juniors division.
We are family focused, community minded club and a great place to join as a beginner.
Come down to our registration day at Bradford Park, Milton Street on 24th Feb 12pm-2pm and see what we're all about.
More info: email sydennhamswans@gmail.com
Stellar Strings
Stephen Larsen at Rangi Ruru, concerts and workshops.Visit www.rangiruru.school.nz/blog/ for more info.
Cashmere Technical Football Club
Girls Fun Football Fiesta, Whittington Park, Woolston. 4:30 - 5::30pmon Fri 8th March 2019. Open to any girls ages 4 - 10 with or without football experience. Register by emailing lisay@ctfc.co.nzHelp Tamariki in your Community
Can you provide a safe, stable home for tamariki until it's safe for them to return home?All children need a place where they can feel at home, with their wider whānau ro caregivers who can give them aroha, a place of belonging and connection with family, whakapapa, and culture.
Come along to our Christchurch Information Session to find out more about the different ways you can care for tamariki.
Our next session is on:Tuesday, 12 March 6 - 8pm, Grand Central Building, 161 Cashel Street, ChCh
Or get in touch anytime on 0508CARERS (0508227377)
www.orangatamariki.gove.nz