{"id":15010,"date":"2026-08-21T12:01:26","date_gmt":"2026-08-21T00:01:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beckenham.school.nz\/?guid=285e8bbfbdd4717356af435116488dc1"},"modified":"2026-08-21T12:01:26","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T00:01:26","slug":"beckenham-te-kura-o-puroto-schoolwide-newsletter-ramere-friday-21st-august-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beckenham.school.nz\/index.php\/newsletters\/beckenham-te-kura-o-puroto-schoolwide-newsletter-ramere-friday-21st-august-2026\/15010","title":{"rendered":"Beckenham Te Kura o P\u016broto Schoolwide Newsletter, R\u0101mere (Friday) 21st August 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Principal's Update<\/h2>\n

Kia ora koutou<\/h3><\/div>
It is hard to believe we are already halfway through Term 3. The first half of the term has been exceptionally busy. Last Friday, we welcomed the Minister of Education, Erica Stanford, who visited to view our newly retrofitted classroom spaces featuring flexible walls and glass doors. Yesterday, I received a follow-up message from Erica acknowledging the warm welcome and positive learning environment she observed during her visit.<\/div>

Drop Off and Pick Ups<\/h3>
As noted earlier this year, we continue to see unsafe driving around drop-off and pick-up times. Unsafe practices include parking on yellow lines, blocking line-of-sight for our Road Patrollers, and making U-turns amidst heavy vehicle and bike traffic. Please review the city council parking guidelines included further down in this newsletter.<\/div>

Term dates 2027<\/h3>
Our term dates for 2027 have been set and can be viewed below. <\/div>

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2027 Term Dates<\/b> (Approved by the Board 19 August 2026)<\/div>

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Staff Only Days<\/b> - Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 January<\/div>
Learning Conferences<\/b> - Thursday 28 January and Friday 29 January <\/div>
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Term 1<\/h4>
Mon 1 February to Fri 9 April\t<\/span>92 half days; 10 weeks\t\t<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
Waitangi Day Holiday\t\t\t<\/span>Mon 8 Feb - School Closed<\/div>
Good Friday Holiday  \t\t\t<\/span>Fri 26 Mar - School Closed<\/div>
Easter Holidays \t\t\t<\/span>        Mon 29 and Tue 30 March - School Closed <\/div>

Term 2<\/h4>
Tue 27 April to Fri 2 July\t<\/span>92 half days; 10 weeks\t\t<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
ANZAC Day Holiday\t\t<\/span>Mon 26 April - School Closed<\/div>
Curriculum Staff Only Day\t<\/span>Fri 4 June - School Closed<\/div>
King\u2019s Birthday Holiday\t<\/span>Mon 7 June - School Closed<\/div>
Matariki Holiday\t\t<\/span>        Fri 25 June - School Closed<\/div>

Term 3<\/h4>
Mon 19 Jul to Friday 24 September\t<\/span>98 half days; 10 weeks\t\t<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
Curriculum Staff Only Day \t\t<\/span>Fri 10 September - School Closed<\/div>

Term 4<\/h4>
Mon 11 Oct to Thur 16 Dec\t<\/span>94 half days; 10 weeks\t\t<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
Labour Day Holiday\t\t\t<\/span>Mon 25 Oct - School Closed<\/div>
Canterbury Anniversary Holiday\t<\/span>Fri 12 Nov - School Closed<\/div>

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Total half days: \t<\/span>376<\/b> (as required by the Ministry of Education)<\/i><\/div>

Health Curriculum<\/h3>
Following a recent update to the Education and Training Act 2020 on 6 July, school boards are no longer legally mandated to conduct formal community consultations regarding the Health Curriculum; instead, schools are required to keep their communities informed about its delivery.<\/div>

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However, our school remains fully committed to consulting with wh\u0101nau about our health programme. We intend to launch this consultation process once the refreshed Health and Physical Education Curriculum is released later this year. In the meantime, we will continue following our current Health Curriculum, outlined below.<\/div><\/div>
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We hope you all have a great weekend. <\/span><\/div>

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Ng\u0101 mihi<\/span><\/div>
Cade<\/span><\/div><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n
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Principal \/ Tumuaki<\/b><\/div>
Beckenham Te Kura o P\u016broto<\/b><\/div><\/div><\/h2>

Important Dates<\/h2>

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2026 Term Dates - Linked Here<\/a><\/h3>

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Upcoming Events<\/td>Term 3<\/td><\/tr>
Fri 21 August<\/td>PTA School Disco (Glow Party, Neon Theme!)<\/td><\/tr>
Mon 24 - Fri 28 August<\/td>P\u014dhutukawa Food For Thought Programme<\/td><\/tr>
Wed 26 August<\/td>School Duathlon Event (Yr 5-8)<\/td><\/tr>
Fri 28 August<\/td>Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, Hall)<\/td><\/tr>
Wed 2 September<\/td>PTA Meeting (7:30- 8:30pm, Staff Room)<\/td><\/tr>
Thu 3 September<\/td>Team Kauri Mount Hutt Ski Trip<\/td><\/tr>
Fri 4 September<\/td>School Closed - Staff Only Day<\/td><\/tr>
Mon 7 - Thu 17 September<\/td>Life Education<\/td><\/tr>
Tue 8 September<\/td>Cashmere High School Testing Day (Yr 8)<\/td><\/tr>
Thu 10 September<\/td>Canterbury Cricket Sessions (Yr 7\/8)<\/td><\/tr>
Fri 11 September<\/td>Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, Hall)<\/td><\/tr>
Sat 12 - Sun 13 September<\/td>PTA Book and Clothing Sale (Hall)<\/td><\/tr>
Wed 16 September<\/td>Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)<\/td><\/tr>
Tue 22 - Thu 24 September<\/td>Koru Games (Yr 7\/8)<\/td><\/tr>
Fri 25 September<\/td>Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, Hall)<\/td><\/tr>
Fri 25 September<\/td>Last Day of Term 3<\/td><\/tr>
School Holidays<\/td><\/tr>
Mon 12 October<\/td>First Day of Term 4<\/td><\/tr>
Fri 16 October<\/td>Welcome Assembly (9:15-9:30am, Hall)<\/td><\/tr>
Fri 23 October<\/td>School Athletics Event<\/td><\/tr>
Mon 26 October<\/td>School Closed - Labour Day<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/google-sheets-html-origin><\/div><\/h2>

Citizen of the Week<\/h2>

Tom - Year 8<\/span><\/h3>
Tom, it is with great pride that we recognise you for Citizen of the Week. You consistently strive for excellence and opportunities to challenge yourself. Your curiosity and love of learning push you to think deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and explore ideas beyond expectations. Tom, you demonstrate what it means to be a student of distinction. This award is a fitting recognition of the outstanding rangatahi you are.<\/span><\/div>

Eva - Year 3<\/span><\/h3>
Eva, you are a thoughtful, positive and helpful member of our homegroup and K\u014dwhai hub. You always try your best and are making excellent progress in all of your learning. You consistently show a positive attitude and motivation towards all elements of school life! Thank you and well done Eva!<\/span><\/div><\/div>

Laura - Year 8<\/span><\/h3>
Laura, you are an outstanding role model who consistently demonstrates the qualities of an exceptional citizen. You are always willing to help others, volunteer for any task, and make a positive contribution to our school community. Alongside being a hardworking and dedicated student, you are also a talented athlete who approaches every challenge with determination and humility. Your diligence, leadership, and willingness to go above and beyond make you a star at our kura. Ka pai t\u014d mahi, Laura! <\/span><\/div>

Sam - Year 6<\/span><\/h3>
Sam, you are a knowledgeable, curious, and capable learner who always gives your best. You are generous with your ideas and are always willing to help others, making you someone your classmates can count on. Your resourcefulness, positive attitude, and love of learning make you a fantastic role model. Keep up the awesome work!<\/span><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n\n
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School Notices<\/h2><\/div>

Road Patrol<\/h3>
Our newest Road Patrollers had their training recently with Constable Meg. They are excited to get started with their new roles.<\/div>

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A reminder to please cross the school crossing with your child before and after school. This models safe crossing and ensures everyone stays safe on the road.<\/div><\/div>
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3 Minute Parking Zone Reminder<\/h3>
A reminder please, that the drop off and pick up area on Sandwich Road (by the bike stands) is a 3 minute drop-off zone<\/b> from 8:30-9:30am and 2:30-3:30pm on school days. This means drivers are not able to sit in their cars from 2:30pm waiting for children, or to park cars in this area and go into school. If you arrive early and wait for children, or if you need to get out of your car and come into school, please find an alternative place to park on the street nearby. Having this area just for drop-offs means that the traffic on Sandwich Road moves smoothly before and after school, and this is much safer for our children. <\/div>
Furthermore, please do not park in or block the staff carpark entrance or exit<\/b> - this is for staff and service vehicles only. <\/div>
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!<\/div>
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Public Health Nurse<\/h3>
My name is Holly, and I am the Public Health Nurse for Beckenham Te Kura o P\u016broto. The Public Health Nursing Service (PHNS) work with tamariki and their wh\u0101nau where health and wellbeing concerns impact on their home and school lives.<\/div>
Please contact me if you have any health concerns for your tamariki.<\/div>

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waea p\u016bkoro:<\/b> 03 383 6877 ext: 99628, 0272843397<\/div>
\u012bm\u0113ra:<\/b> holly.cummings@tewhatuora.govt.nz<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Winter Wellness & Absences<\/h3>
If your child\/children are unwell, please keep them home to help them recover. This way, we can all work together to minimise the spread as much as possible.<\/div>

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Please call<\/b> 03 337 1404<\/b>, text 021 0279 4107<\/b>, or email office@beckenham.school.nz<\/b> as soon as possible in the morning or the day before to let us know.<\/div>

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Staff will continue to promote regular handwashing, especially before eating, and to ventilate the hubs.<\/div>

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Thank you for your assistance with this.<\/div><\/div>
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Student Council Announcement - Beckenham's Got Talent!<\/h3>
The student council is excited to announce that our annual talent show is happening this term! <\/div>

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We welcome all talents, individuals, pairs and small groups. If your child is interested in entering, their teacher will have access to the entry spreadsheet from week 5. Children can let their teacher know they want to enter, or you could email their teacher. We would like to please get entries in ASAP. Teams will hold auditions in week 8 or early week 9. <\/div>

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The school show will happen on the last day of Term 3, Friday the 25th of September.<\/b> <\/div>
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Ikura | Manaakitia te whare tangata - Period Products in Schools<\/h3>
The Ikura | Manaakitia te whare tangata initiative aims to relieve financial pressures for wh\u0101nau. <\/div>

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The initiative supports \u0101konga in having ready access to products to take home during the school term and school holidays to cover their full menstrual cycle should they need them. <\/div>

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We can provide these through the school office.<\/div>

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Product will also be available in the Kauri - Hangere and P\u014dhutukawa - Parenga hub toilet spaces, where students can discreetly access products without having to ask.<\/div>

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Please come by the office if you would like to collect products, or talk with someone (ask for either Jo or Chloe); or feel free to email: pa@beckenham.school.nz<\/div><\/div>

Ezlunch - Kindo<\/h3>
A lunch option you might not know about!<\/b><\/div>
Did you know you can get lunch delivered to your child right here at school? <\/div>

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Ordering lunch with Kindo is perfect for planners, treat days, or when you just need to beat the morning scramble. Order on the go through your Kindo account, and lunch is delivered straight to your child at school.<\/div>

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To get started:<\/b> Head to shop.kindo.co.nz<\/a><\/b> or download the Kindo<\/b> app. <\/div>

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Order & win this August!<\/b> Kindo has 5 x $10 Kindo credits to give away to our school families. Just place an order in August to be in the draw (one entry per child you order for). Good luck!<\/div>
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Kupu M\u0101ori o te Wiki<\/h3>
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Kia ora koutou! This term, we are continuing to learn a K\u012bwaha (saying), a new Kupu (word), and a waiata each week. Have a go at learning the words and singing these!<\/td><\/tr>
Give these a go! \"Nau mai te wero - We Love Challenge! He taonga te ako - We Love Learning!\"<\/td><\/tr>
<\/td><\/tr>
Mauria te pono<\/td>Believe in yourself and give it a go!<\/td><\/tr>
K\u012bwaha<\/td>Wananei<\/td>This means Wicked!<\/td><\/tr>
K\u012bwaha<\/td>M\u0113 he t\u0113!<\/td>This means like a boss!<\/td><\/tr>
K\u012bwaha<\/td>Kia Tau!<\/td>this means relax, or settle petal!<\/td><\/tr>
K\u012bwaha<\/td>He reka!<\/td>this means Yummm!<\/td><\/tr>
Kupu<\/td>Inanahi<\/td>This means yesterday.<\/td><\/tr>
Kupu<\/td>\u0100whina<\/td>This means to help or assist.<\/td><\/tr>
Kupu<\/td>Kia t\u016bpato<\/td>this means to be careful<\/td><\/tr>
Kupu<\/td>K\u0113mu<\/td>this means game<\/td><\/tr>
Waiata<\/td>Upoko, Pakahiwi, Puku, Hope, Waewae - linked here<\/a><\/td>Korero, Parirau, Hopehope, Pakipaki<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Waiata<\/td>Pepeha - Six60 Sign Language<\/a><\/td>A E I O U \/ \u014cma Rapeti<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
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If you are unsure of the pronunciation of a word, have a look at <\/span>Te Aka (the M\u0101ori dictionary)<\/a><\/span> <\/span>where you can hear how the word is spoken correctly.<\/span><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/google-sheets-html-origin><\/div><\/span><\/div>

Welcome to our Students - Laney & Eleisha!<\/h2>
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Kia ora everyone, my name is Laney, and I am one of the fourth-year speech and language therapy students currently doing placement at your school through to early November. A little bit about me, I was born and raised in Christchurch and am the oldest of three girls. Outside of my studies, I am a keen rugby league fan, enjoy going to the gym, catching up with friends and family, and reading a good book. Thank you all for welcoming me into your school, and I look forward to seeing you around. <\/div>
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Kia ora! My name is Eleisha and I am a fourth-year speech language therapy student from the University of Canterbury. I am lucky to be completing my final placement at Beckenham Te Kura o P\u016broto and will be here until mid-November. I have lived in Christchurch for most of my life and consider it my home. When I am not studying, I enjoy baking, crocheting, swimming, and spending time with friends and family. I also spend my weekends working part-time as a swim instructor at Taiora QE2 where I teach preschool and caregiver\/child classes.<\/div><\/div>\n\n
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Chicken Chat<\/h2><\/div>

Chickenstock 2026 Article<\/b><\/h3>
Check out this special feature; follow the link to the article here<\/a><\/b> from Chickenstock 2026! You can spot some of our Beckenham chicken team and support crew in the second photo featured.<\/div>

News from the Coop<\/h3>
The chickens have been enjoying warm porridge for breakfast during these cold winter mornings! Here is Ryland - Year 3, serving the chickens breakfast one morning. <\/div>

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Here is a link to the school website, and our dedicated page<\/b><\/a>.<\/b><\/div>
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Here is Yuxi - Year 1, making delicious snacks for the chickens!<\/div>
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The Sports Corner<\/h2><\/div>

Kia ora koutou,<\/h3>
This section of our newsletter will be dedicated to highlighting the successes and challenges our students are experiencing in sports outside of school. We love seeing our \u0101konga (students) showing our school values, especially We Love Challenge Nau Mau Te Wero in the community. If your child has had a sporting success that you\u2019d like to share with our community, please email me with a short blurb and photo to: kate.mcgregor@beckenham.school.nz<\/b> - We\u2019d love to feature it in our next newsletter!<\/div>

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Ng\u0101 mihi nui,<\/div>
Kate McGregor<\/div>
Sports Coordinator<\/div><\/div>

Primary Sports Canterbury - Year \u215e Volleyball Tournament<\/h3>
Congratulations to our amazing girls who represented our school at the Primary Sports Canterbury Tournament on Wednesday, Week 3! They displayed fantastic teamwork, determination, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout the day, making us incredibly proud both on and off the field. Thank you for representing our school with such enthusiasm and positivity\u2014well done, girls! A special thank you to Stacey for accompanying the team and creating a great day!<\/div><\/div>
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Primary Sports Canterbury - Year \u215a Volleyball Tournament<\/h3>
What a fantastic day of volleyball for our Year 5\/6 students at the Primary Sports Canterbury Volleyball Tournament! Beckenham entered five teams, with an incredible 40 students representing our school. It was a particularly special tournament as our Red and Gold teams battled it out in an all-Beckenham final! After a fantastic match, our Red Team took a narrow win to come out as the first place getters! Thank you to Chris, Gayle, Rachel and Jo who accompanied the teams and made this all possible.<\/div>
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Cricket Fun!<\/h3>
Over the past three weeks, our Year 0\u20136 students have been enjoying cricket sessions with Dan from Canterbury Cricket! The students have learnt lots of new skills, built their confidence and, most importantly, had a fantastic time getting active and giving cricket a go. There have been plenty of smiles, laughs and great learning along the way. A huge thank you to Dan from Canterbury Cricket for making the sessions so engaging and fun!<\/div>
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P\u014dhutukawa & Kauri Weekly Winter Sport: Finals & Players of The Day <\/h3>
Week 5 saw the second to last week of weekly winter sport for our Year 5-8 tamariki! And what an incredible display of talent and sportsmanship Beckenham Te Kura has put on for our community. Next week, we head into the final match ups of the season - which are sure to bring some excitement as six of our teams head in to play off for 1st and 2nd! <\/div>

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A special shout out to these teams who are finalists for 2026:<\/div>