Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 24th October 2025

Principal's Update

Kia ora koutou

We are moving quickly through the final term of 2025. With the warmer weather, it’s been great to see students actively engaged in athletics through the Health and Physical Education curriculum - developing their skills and applying them across a range of events.


Class Placements for 2026


This week, we have begun transition conversations to support students as they take their next steps within our school. Our focus is on ensuring these conversations identify and build on each student’s strengths as they move to their next teacher and learning environment.

As part of this work we will begin the development of homeroom classes for 2026. If you have any considerations you would like to share as part of this process please email me at principal@beckenham.school.nz 


End of Year reporting 

As you may be aware, we have been working hard throughout 2025 to implement the refreshed New Zealand Curriculums in Mathematics and English. I would like to acknowledge the work of all our teaching staff for their enthusiasm and professionalism in refining their practice to align with this new direction.

This week we received confirmation from the Ministry of Education about how we should report students’ end-of-year achievement against the year level they are in.

We will be using these new common descriptors in our end-of-year reporting. The descriptors we will be using are:

Emerging - The child requires support to meet curriculum expectations for their year level and/or goals as described in their personalised learning plan.


Developing - The child is making some progress towards curriculum expectations for their year level.


Consolidating - The child is meeting many curriculum expectations for their year level and are steadily strengthening their understanding across learning areas.


Proficient - The child is meeting curriculum expectations for their year level.


Exceeding - The child is exceeding curriculum expectations for their year level.


Judgments will be made in your child’s report for Reading, Writing and Mathematics. As with previous reporting structures, it is important to remember that all children develop at different rates, and our reporting processes will continue to focus primarily on progress and the celebration of learning.


Chickens have arrived!


As you may be aware, eggcitement has been building across the school about the arrival of our chickens! On Wednesday, our first delivery of eggs arrived, and the incubator has now been set up ready for the hatching of our very first chicks.


We are working closely with Cook Brothers Construction, who have generously offered their labour free of charge to help build our chicken coop. We’re currently on the hunt for materials - if you have any contacts or are able to help with this, please get in touch with Sue. She would be most grateful to hear from you!


We really appreciate the community we work with to make our school the best it can be. Have a great weekend.


Ngā mihi

Cade

Principal / Tumuaki

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Important Dates

Upcoming Events - Term 4

WEEK 4

Mon 27 Oct - Labour Day - School Closed

Wed 29 Oct - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm)

Thu 30 Oct - Athletics Day

Fri 31 Oct - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am)


WEEK 5

Fri 7 Nov - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am)


WEEK 6

Thu 13 Nov - Staff Only Day 

Fri 14 Nov - Canterbury Anniversary Day - School Closed


WEEK 7 

Fri 21 Nov - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am)

Fri 21 Nov - PTA Colour Run (1:30pm-3:00pm Fundraiser Event)


WEEK 8 

Wed 26 Nov - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)

Thu 27 Nov - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm)

Fri 28 Nov - Whānau and Volunteers Thank you (8:00-8:30am)

Fri 28 Nov - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am)


WEEK 9

Wed 3 Dec - Kauri Production (1:30-3:00pm Matinee & 6:30-8:30pm First Night)

Thu 4 Dec - Kōwhai Production (11:30-12:30pm) & Kauri Production (6:30-8:30pm Final Night)

Fri 5 Dec - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am)


WEEK 10

Fri 12 Dec - Final Celebration Assembly (9:45am-10:30am)


WEEK 11

Wed 17 Dec - Last Day of the Year, School finishes at 12:30pm


2026 Term Dates

Citizen of the Week

Devin - Year 7

Devin, you consistently demonstrate our school values by being courteous and conscientious both in and outside the classroom. You further strengthen the Kauri team with your kindness, thoughtfulness, and great sense of humour. Your mahi and leadership are recognised and valued by the whole school community - thank you for the positive impact you make every day.


Kit - Year 4

Kit, you are an exemplary role model in our hub who strives to uphold our kete values everyday. You do this through being a willing helper, a kind friend, and a motivated learner. No matter the task, you always approach it with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a genuine desire to grow from it. Kia kaha tō mahi, Kit!

School Notices

Kiwi Competitions 

Congratulations to the students below who achieved outstanding results in the Kiwi Competitions this year. This was our first time taking part in these competitions, and we’re excited to continue building on our success in future years.

Parking and Driver care on Sandwich Road

We know that everyone is keen to keep our children safe as they travel to and from school. To support this, please can drivers not try to undertake U-turns on Sandwich Road during the pick-up and drop-off times. 

Please also remember that the 3 min "Kiss and Go" area on the school side of Sandwich Road is MAX 3 minutes - not enough time for you to get out of your car and go into school to drop off or collect your child(ren). If everyone can please use this area as a drop-off/pick-up point, then all of the traffic will flow smoothly. We get there together!

Staff Carpark

For safety reasons, we please ask that the staff carpark, fence line and entrance way are kept clear at all times for staff, Ferndale and taxi access.

This area is not for pedestrian access or parent & caregiver parking at school pickup or drop off time.
Please use the main school entrance and the surrounding street parking spaces.

Reminder - Sunhat and Drink Bottles

As we enter Term 4 and warmer weather, every child must attend school with a named sunhat and water bottle. Sunhats are compulsory when outside during Terms 1 and 4. Please remember to send your child to school each day with sunscreen applied as well.

Welcome - New Staff Member

Carmen Lund

"Kia Ora koutou,
Ko Carmen ahau,
No Tūranganui-a-Kiwa ahau.

My name is Carmen and my hometown is Gisborne. I am excited to be at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto this term as a learning assistant in Kahikatea. I love reading, music and travel - I have visited 34 amazing countries so far! I can’t wait to work alongside the tamariki and get to know everyone."

The Sports Corner

Kia ora koutou,

This section of our newsletter is dedicated to highlighting the successes and challenges our students are experiencing in sports outside of school. It’s fantastic to already have three Kauri students sharing how they are embracing We Love Challenge - Nau Mai Te Wero beyond the classroom and pursuing their passions. If your child has had a sporting success that you’d like to share with our community, please email me with a short blurb and photo to: kate.mcgregor@beckenham.school.nz - We’d love to feature it in our next newsletter!


Ngā mihi nui,

Kate McGregor

Sports Coordinator


Matthew Blackman - Tennis

A huge congratulations to Matthew, who won the 10 and under Boys Singles at the Talley’s Spring Junior Open in Nelson! Matthew also achieved an impressive runner-up placing in the 10 and under Boys Doubles at the Tennis Canterbury Junior Spring Open. Ka mau te wehi, Matthew!

BOT Update

Welcome New Board Members

A warm welcome to our new Board Members: Kate Stallworthy, Annabel Ramsey & Emma Jenkins!

We would like to thank all of our community members who stood for election, as well as those of you who cast your votes in this important process.

Term 4 Policy Review - SchoolDocs

  1. Visit the website https://beckenham.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm
  2. Enter the username (beckenham) and password (pride).
  3. Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.
  4. Read the policy.
  5. Click the Start your review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
  6. Select the reviewer type.
  7. Enter your name (optional).
  8. Follow the prompts to show that you've read the topic and enter your feedback if you'd like to comment.
  9. Agree to the privacy statement and click “Submit review”.
If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.

PTA News

Save the date for our next big fundraiser - a Colour Run Friday 21st November! We are currently looking for local businesses or corporate sponsors who would like to support this exciting and fun event, taking place in Beckenham Park.
If you can help, please complete this form. 

Entertainment books are still for sale and available to buy here. There are heaps of savings and 20% of the book cost comes straight back to school.

There's still time to register for the Weetbix TRYathlon which is happening in February. Click here to register with our school group!

Keep in touch with the PTA!
To stay up to date with the PTA, please check out our Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto PTA Facebook page, linked here. Or come along to one of our meetings - all welcome.
 
Meeting dates can be found in the school newsletter, or on the school calendar - linked here.

Community Notices

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

Dyspraxia Support Group

The Dyspraxia Support Group is a charitable, non-profit organisation, committed to providing support, practical advice, and educational programmes for those who support and care for children, youth and adults affected with Developmental Dyspraxia/DCD. This neurological disorder affects at least 6% of the population. 
 
If you wish to learn more regarding our child and youth programmes we hold in Christchurch or just learn about dyspraxia/DCD, please feel free to contact us.
Email: dyspraxai.centre@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.dyspraxia.org.nz

Corson Avenue Renewal - Open for Feedback

The council has advised it is currently open for early engagement for a street renewal on Corson Avenue. 
The main goal of this street renewal is to enhance the road, footpath, kerb, and gutter but we have room to include some other enhancements. They will be using community feedback to develop a street renewal plan so they can provide something that aligns with the needs of local residents.

You can find more information about the street renewal here – https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/corsonrenewal

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 10th October 2025

Principal's Update

Kia ora koutou

Welcome to Term 4

This week we are trying something different - you can either read the update below or listen to it in a summary podcast here. 

It’s hard to believe we’re already in the final leg of the school year. 2025 has been filled with success and growth across so many areas of school life. At the heart of this is our strong sense of community and the way we work together to ensure the very best outcomes for our children.

Feedback plays a critical role in this process. Throughout the year, we’ve refined our approaches through meaningful engagement with whānau. 

Term 4 is a time for both celebration and planning. As we look ahead to 2026, we warmly invite your feedback on how we can further strengthen our programmes and approaches. Your perspectives help shape the direction of our school and ensure we remain responsive to the needs of our learners and community.

Opening Young Eyes to the Arts

Opening our students’ eyes to the possibilities within the arts curriculum is something we deeply value at our school. This term, we are excited to launch a music and dance programme for our Year 1- 4 students, running every Tuesday throughout the term.

Each week, students will enjoy a ukulele lesson with Paerau Hemopo, a talented musician and member of the band 1 Drop Nation, which is making its mark on the charts. They will also take part in a hip hop dance session with Steph Phillips, a dynamic member of Legacy Dance School. 

Through this programme, we hope to inspire our youngest learners to develop their confidence, creativity, and passion for the arts as they continue their journey through our school.

Attendance - Can we reach our target? 

As you may be aware, the Government has set a national attendance target that by 2030,
80% of students will be at school at least 90% of the time.

This target reflects research showing that regular attendance is closely linked to improved social and learning outcomes.

In 2024, 63% of Beckenham students reached this target. At the start of this year, we set ourselves a school goal of 70% of students attending at least 90% of the time for 2025.

We began strongly, with Term 1 at 76% and Term 2 at 69%. However, Term 3 brought unprecedented levels and types of illness, and our attendance dropped significantly to 49%.

To reach our annual target, we now need 86% of students to attend more than 90% of the time this term. While this is a challenge, we’re hopeful it’s still achievable.

Regular attendance has a big impact on learning, wellbeing, and connection to school. If you need support with strategies to improve attendance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We can work alongside whānau to put wraparound support in place.

Measles

Last week, I received information about the measles outbreak in New Zealand from the Ministry of Education and have been asked to share the details below with you:
  • Measles is very contagious and can make people of any age very sick.
  • Watch for measles symptoms – fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a blotchy rash. 
  • If anyone in your whānau has measles symptoms keep them home and contact a doctor or Healthline urgently on 0800 611 116.
  • Vaccination is the best protection from measles. Check all whānau are immunised. 
  • Anyone closely exposed to measles who has not received two MMR vaccinations cannot attend their school | kura for at least eight days.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the warm weather!

Ngā mihi,
Cade
Principal / Tumuaki
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Important Dates

Upcoming Events - Term 4

WEEK 2

Mon 13 Oct - Fri 17 Oct - Walk or Wheel to School Week

Fri 17 Oct - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am)


WEEK 3 

Wed 22 Oct - Huxster Mountain Biking Event (McLeans Island)

Wed 22 Oct - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)

Thu 23 Oct - Possible NZEI Teachers' Union Strike (School may be Closed TBC)


WEEK 4

Mon 27 Oct - Labour Day - School Closed

Wed 29 Oct - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm)

Thu 30 Oct - Athletics Day

Fri 31 Oct - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am)


WEEK 5

Fri 7 Nov - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am)


WEEK 6

Thu 13 Nov - Staff Only Day 

Fri 14 Nov - Canterbury Anniversary Day - School Closed


WEEK 7 

Fri 21 Nov - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am)

Fri 21 Nov - PTA Colour Run (1:30pm-3:00pm Fundraiser Event)


WEEK 8 

Wed 26 Nov - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)

Thu 27 Nov - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm)

Fri 28 Nov - Whānau and Volunteers Thank you (8:00-8:30am)

Fri 28 Nov - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am)


WEEK 9

Wed 3 Dec - Kauri Production (1:30-3:00pm Matinee & 6:30-8:30pm First Night)

Thu 4 Dec - Kōwhai Production (11:30-12:30pm) & Kauri Production (6:30-8:30pm Final Night)

Fri 5 Dec - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am)


WEEK 10

Fri 12 Dec - Final Celebration Assembly (9:45am-10:30am)


WEEK 11

Wed 17 Dec - Last Day of the Year, School finishes 12:30pm


2026 Term Dates

Citizen of the Week

Maeve - Year 4

Maeve, you always bring positivity, thoughtfulness, care and kindness to our Kōwhai hub. You are hardworking and determined, and you always give everything your best effort. Thank you for always showing our school kete values in everything you do. Ka pai tō mahi, Maeve!


Carice - Year 4

Carice, A true team player, you have an unwavering supportiveness and collaborative spirit. Carice you are always the first to offer help with challenging material and is always considerate of her peers' needs and learning pace. Your contributions make our study groups and classroom discussions noticeably more productive and welcoming.


Jake - Year 6

Jake, your creativity shines through in the way you contribute fresh ideas and inspire those around you. You are self-motivated and put your best effort into all learning areas. You are a kind and loyal friend, and you display our school values daily. Ka pai tō mahi!

School Notices

Walk or Wheel Week

Next week is 'Walk or Wheel to School Week', this is a fun week that encourages primary school children and their whānau to walk, cycle, scoot or skate to school.


This takes place from Monday, 13th October to Friday, 17th October 2025.


Your child will have a small card that they can get signed off by their teacher each day that they "walk or wheel" to school. This will put them in the draw to win some cool prizes!


Whether you join us for one day or the whole week, we’d love to have you walking and wheeling with us.


Here are the themes:

Move it Monday - Let’s get moving! Start your Walk or Wheel to School week with an active way of getting to school!

Travel Together Tuesday - Let’s celebrate walking or wheeling to school with friends and whānau!

Wacky Wednesday - Display something bright; Look Bright, Be Bright, Stay Bright!

Thoughtful Thursday - Walking and wheeling helps create a healthier planet! How else can you help our environment? Maybe you could collect some rubbish on your travels!

Funky Feet Friday - Dress your feet - wear your funkiest socks or jazz up your trainers with glitter, tinsel, feathers - whatever you’re thinking!

Sunhat and Drink Bottle - Reminder

As we enter Term 4 and warmer weather, every child must attend school with a named sunhat and water bottle. Sunhats are compulsory when outside during Terms 1 and 4. Please also remember to send your child to school each day with sunscreen applied as well.


The Sports Corner

Kia ora koutou,


This section of our newsletter is dedicated to highlighting the successes and challenges our students are experiencing in sports outside of school. It’s fantastic to already have three Kauri students sharing how they are embracing We Love Challenge - Nau Mai Te Wero beyond the classroom and pursuing their passions. If your child has had a sporting success that you’d like to share with our community, please email me with a short blurb and photo to: kate.mcgregor@beckenham.school.nz - We’d love to feature it in our next newsletter!


Ngā mihi nui,

Kate McGregor

Sports Coordinator


Laura Stoney - Interregional Cross Country 

 A huge congratulations to Laura for placing 7th in a highly competitive race at Ascot Park! She was the second-best runner from Canterbury, with the top five spots dominated by Wellington athletes. It was a chilly day, and the 3km course, complete with small hills and hurdles, was no easy feat. Laura's determination and skill were on full display, and we couldn’t be prouder of her outstanding effort among such tough competition. Well done, Laura!


Jacob Hamilton - Basketball Success 

 We are incredibly proud of Jacob and his team for finishing 3rd overall! Jacob has worked hard throughout the season, and it’s been fantastic to see how much his game has improved. He was also recognised with a special award for consistently demonstrating the league’s values—a true testament to his character, teamwork, and commitment. Congratulations, Jacob, on a fantastic season! 


Kawariki Taylor - Pool Rescue Competition

A huge well done to Kawariki for his impressive results at the Southern Regionals Pool Rescue Competition! Competing in the Under 14 Boys category, Kawariki placed 3rd overall, with standout performances across multiple events:

  • 1st in the U1 Mixed Obstacle Relay
  • 2nd in the U14 Mixed Brick Relay
  • 2nd in the U14 Patient Tow
  • 3rd in the U14 Brick Carry
  • 3rd in the U14 Swim with Fins

Zach Guise - Cycling Success 

 A huge congratulations to Zach, who took out first place in the U13 Cycling NZ Schools Cross Country Mountain Bike Championships held in Nelson on Wednesday! What an incredible achievement — well done, Zach, for your hard work, determination, and outstanding performance on the track! 


PTA News

Save the date for our next big fundraiser - a Colour Run Friday 21st November! We are currently looking for local businesses or corporate sponsors who would like to support this exciting and fun event, taking place in Beckenham Park.

If you can help, please complete this form. 

Entertainment books are still for sale and available to buy here. There are heaps of savings and 20% of the book cost comes straight back to school.


There's still time to register for the Weetbix TRYathlon which is happening in February. Click here to register with our school group.

BOT Update

Term 4 Policy Review - SchoolDocs

  1. Visit the website https://beckenham.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm
  2. Enter the username (beckenham) and password (pride).
  3. Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.
  4. Read the policy.
  5. Click the Start your review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
  6. Select the reviewer type.
  7. Enter your name (optional).
  8. Follow the prompts to show that you've read the topic and enter your feedback if you'd like to comment.
  9. Agree to the privacy statement and click “Submit review”.
If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.

Community Notices

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


Creative Kids Art Workshops - Andrea Baker Art

Now enrolling for Term 4: 8 week programme for children aged 8-12 years old.

Thursdays 3.30-5pm. Starting 16 October. 

Also taking enquiries for other days if Thursday does not suit.

Based at The Bull Room, Risingholme, Opawa

Experienced Art Educator - All material provided - Limited spaces

andreabakerart@gmail.com 0212327141








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