Monday 2 September 2019

Kauri Whānau Weekly Update: Term 3 Week 6/7

Hopefully, there has been lots of speech practice taking place in your house over the past few days. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week, children will be presenting their speeches to their homegroups. Our hub final takes place next Tuesday afternoon, Sept 10. Finalists will be announced by the end of this week. Parents are most welcome to attend the final, which will be judged by a teacher from the English Dept at Cashmere High.

Cantamath Success

A big congratulations to all children who were involved in Cantamath, with work in the projects competition or in one of our problem-solving teams. Special congratulations goes to Morvern who won an outstanding award. She was one of only four to be recognised with this award and the only Year 7 & 8.
Excellence recipients: Erik, Henry H, Julia, Kate D, Amber, Ben E, Charlotte G, Eddie, Jack B, James, William, Morvern and Jenny's class project
Highly Commended recipients: Charlotte O. Matilda, Frankie, Paolo, Holly, Mia, Emma, Maria, Rylan, Angus, Devina, Fergus, Lurandt, Ruby M, Zoe, Boyd, Daniel S, Millie J, Thomas, Walter, Hannah's class project and Nicky's class project
Please check out the photos at the end of this post.

Year 8 Testing at Cashmere High

Next Tuesday morning, Sept 10, Year 8 students who have enrolled at Cashmere High for 2020 have their new entrant testing morning. You will have received information about this from Cashmere. Children make their own way to and from Cashmere. We expect to see all children back at Beckenham by 1:20 at the latest. School uniform is to be worn.

Ski Trip

We are only days away from our ski trip on Friday September 6th. We will be doing the last distributing of loan clothing and goggles to children today. If you still need to arrange these for your child, I suggest you contact Snowmania who rent gear at very reasonable prices: 4 Dalgety Street, Riccarton Phone: 03 961 6747. We do still have jackets, thermals, small gloves and some very small ski pants available at school. The package at Mt Hutt includes skis, boots, poles, helmet, ski pass and a lesson, so no need to organise a helmet or hat. 

Many thanks to the families who are sending skis and boots to school on Monday so that our first-timers can have a dry land session in the comfort of our hub on Monday and Tuesday.

We are still waiting for a few ski contracts to come back to school signed by children and caregivers. No contract, no go.

On Friday, children need to be at school by 7:20am. We will meet on Sandwich Rd. At 6am the ski report is available online: https://www.mthutt.co.nz/weather-report/ If the field is open, we will most likely be going. If we do decide that the conditions mean the trip needs to be postponed, we will send out an email and text.  We will be leaving the mountain to head home at 4pm, which will get us back to school between 6 and 6:30 pm. We will text with a more accurate time when we are on our way home.


Being dressed for the mountain conditions makes such a difference to the enjoyment of the day. Below is a reminder of what your child will need
  • Several thin layers are much better for keeping warm and comfortable than a bulky layer. Cotton is not great for the mountains; thermal clothing is what’s needed.
  • Polypro or woolen thermal top
  • Thermal ‘long-johns’ or tights
  • Fleece or woolen top / jersey
  • Waterproof pants
  • A warm weatherproof jacket
  • Woolen or thermal socks, not too thick. Socks need to come up to mid calf at least.
  • Weatherproof gloves or mittens
  • Either sun glasses or ski goggles
  • A scarf is optional, but must be tucked into their jacket, to avoid dangling ends.
  • Hats are not needed as all children will be given a helmet
  • Sunscreen, for the face
  • A substantial lunch, including a drink. The mountain cafe is very expensive. Children may bring some money for a hot drink or snack, but please also pack a lunch. They are responsible for looking after any money they bring.
  • Long hair needs to be tied up. Children who get asthma should have their inhalers with them.

Plan for the day:
7:20 arrive at school, on Sandwich Rd. Buses and cars leave at 7:30am
9:30 - 9:45 we will arrive at the ski field car park
10:00 morning tea on the deck
10:15 ski hire sorted (those with their own gear will meet a parent for a short ski)
11:00 lessons start. Everyone has a lesson, even the experienced skiers.
12:30 lunch on the deck or in the cafe
12:45 - 3:30 Have fun skiing with your friends.
3:30 return gear and back to the bus
4:00 buses leave
6:00 - 6:30 we arrive back at school


Parent Helpers:
Many thanks to the following people who have offered to help out on the mountain.
Skiers: Matt Cowie, Stu Clarke, Joe Evans, Tony Sice, Liz May, Brett Cooper, Mami Mori, Stuart Gray, Jane Brittenden, Brett Sutherland, Matt Cornfoot, Dave McLoughlin, Adam Cooper, Matthew Reid
Non-skiers: Naska Borlase,  Kellyanne Bullen, Kate Packer

We have five teaching staff going, including Nigel, as well as our youth worker, Dave. Many thanks to those who have sorted their $58 for this trip. We would appreciate the rest of the money in ASAP. 

Mountain Biking Parent Help Required

Next term Jenny will be running her very popular mountain biking passion. Please click this link to see what is involved and indicate if you can help.

Parenting Week


‘Strategies to help your family through the difficult times and enjoy being together’

‘Neighbourhood Trust is proud to bring you Parenting Week here in Canterbury. It’s happening from the 9th to 19th September and has around 30 events for any stage of parenting. They have a great line-up of experts including Mike King, Pio Terei, Dr Sue Bagshaw, Jenny Hale and Jax Hamilton, all right here.

 Their facebook page: Parenting Week, Christchurch www.facebook.com/parentingweekchch has all the events listed and more information.
















































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