Kauri End of Year Bits and Pieces Part 2

Leavers Assembly is always a day of mixed emotions and today was no different. On one hand, we are proud to see our Year 8s graduate and, on the other, we are sad to see them go. It was lovely to share and celebrate their achievements with whānau.

Our fingers are crossed that, bar the leaver's books or camp books arriving, this will be our last blog/email for 2020 so we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.

Just a few bits and pieces below:

Year 8 Leaver's Book and Dunedin Camp Book

Our photo book orders are taking slightly longer than we expected them to. The leaver's book is yet to arrive - Year 8 families, we will contact you when these arrive. We have had half of the Dunedin Camp books arrive and are hoping the remainder may arrive tomorrow - fingers crossed!

Photo Slideshow from Graduation Assembly

If you would like a copy of this, please email Hannah - hannah.elliott@beckenham.school.nz

Year 7 Waterfight

A reminder that Year 7s are invited to bring togs, towel and 'water propelling devices' for our water fight and slip and slide tomorrow. Drink bottles make great water propelling devices. 

Kauri End of Year Bits and Pieces

We've just come back from a really successful walk up to Victoria Park. There were lots of smiles on faces and the weather really came to the party.

Below are some key bits and pieces: 

Year 8 Pool Party

We will be seeing Year 8's very shortly! 

Final directions to the Cockfield's House on 79 Dyers Pass Road:

Take Dyers Pass Road up the hill
Continue past Cashmere Primary
Turn Left onto Hackthorn Road and find a park close to the school
Look for the sign made of tinsel to direct you in through Cashmere Primary and through to the Cockfield's House
Please do not park in the school car park. 
Pick up is at 6:00pm

Tuesday at School
Please ensure that your child comes to school with room in their bag to bring home books, art, stationery and so on. 

Kauri Trip Update

We had an adapted trip to Corsair Bay after the weather posed some challenges. After a quick swim in the shallows, we retreated back to school for the afternoon. 

We are aware that a number of children had their phones on the trip. A few have come forward and made themselves known and we really appreciate their integrity in doing this. This afternoon, we reiterated the importance of handing your phone in at the start of the day and we appreciate you backing up this message at home. 

Gear List for Monday

• Sturdy shoes suitable for walking

• Morning tea and lunch

• Water bottle

• Sun hat

• Warm layer

• Personal medication, such as asthma inhaler as needed

Kauri Whānau Weekly Update: Term 4 Week 9

 In the post:

• Trip reminders
• Year 8 Pool and Pizza Party
• Year 7 on Wednesday
• Nicky away

Trips

Corsair Bay, tomorrow

The weather forecast is not looking so rosy for tomorrow. We will make a call in the morning. Children are to come to school in uniform with their togs, towel, jacket, lunch, hat and water bottle in their bag. If the trip is canceled, we will arrange some fun activities in the hub. 

Victoria Park, Monday

The forecast is still showing a sunny ball for Monday. Mufti can be worn for our walk up to Victoria Park. Sturdy shoes are essential. In their daypack, they will need a drink, lunch, sunhat, sunscreen, asthma inhaler (if needed) and a warm jacket. 

Pool Party

On Monday the Year 8s are invited to a pool and pizza party at the Cockfield's house in Cashmere. The best way to get there is to park on Dyers Pass Road by Cashmere Primary and walk through the school, down past the tennis courts. Liz will put a sign by the back gate. The street address is 79 Dyers Pass Road. They have a lovely outdoor pool and spa and also access to the school playground. Drop off is at 4pm and pick up at 6pm sharp.

Wednesday

School finishes for Year 8 after graduation assembly on Tuesday. Year 7 finishes with the rest of the school at 12:40 on Wednesday. Year 7 are invited to bring their togs, towel and a 'water propelling device' on Wednesday. We are planning a water slide and a water fight on the park between interval and lunch. Water bottles make great water propelling devices! 

Nicky away

Sadly, my sister-in-law passed away last night, so I will be finishing at school at lunchtime tomorrow, Friday, to head north to be with Grant's family. Caitlin, who will be teaching in our hub next year, will be in for me. If you have any queries about the final few days, please contact Megan, Jenny or Hannah. 

Wishing you a restful and happy holiday. All the best to our fabulous Year 8s and good luck for the next step on your life's journey.

Below are some pics from the last few weeks.

Kauri Whānau Weekly Update: Term 4 Week 9

 In this post:

• Photo orders
• Camp photo books
• End of term events
• Wainui Camp 2021
• Photo gallery

Photo Orders

Last week order forms were sent home for special group photos: house captains and deputies, student council, school ambassadors and Te Whānau Mahi Tahi. As some order forms didn't head home until Thursday - we have arranged to extend the cut off date for orders until 9am on Monday. If you are yet to order a photo, please get the form and money to the box in the office first thing on Monday.

Camp Photo Books

The camp photo books are due to arrive on Wednesday, December 16th. Sometimes they arrive earlier than the date they quote us; fingers are crossed that this will happen. If you missed the deadline and would still like a book, please email Nicky this coming week. A late order can be put in, with books arriving next year. 

End of Term Events

This coming Friday (Dec 11) we are off to Corsair Bay for a day of fun after the final celebration assembly. Children need to come to school in uniform.  We leave school at 11am and will be back by 3pm. Children are to bring with them:

• Sunhat
• Sunscreen
• Swimming togs (wetsuits are optional)
• Towel
• Jacket
• Water bottle
• Lunch (children are welcome to arrange a shared lunch with friends if they would like to)
• Picnic rug (optional)

Monday (Dec 14) we are walking up to Victoria Park for lunch and a play before walking home. Children are to bring with them:

• Backpack 
• Sunhat
• Sunscreen
• Jacket / Raincoat
• Water bottle
• Lunch 
• Asthma inhalers (if required)

On Monday (Dec 14) starting at 4pm, we have the Year 8 pool and pizza party at the Cockfield's. We will send out instructions for how to get there in the next blogpost. Children need to be collected by 6pm. Food is provided.

Tuesday (Dec 15) Year 8 Graduation Assembly starting at 11am and finishing with a luncheon. Year 8s are to come in their tidiest clothes. School finishes for Year 8 after the luncheon. 

Wainui Camp 2021

Yes, it feels like we have just got back from one camp and we are talking about another! We are off to Wainui from March 1-5 next year. If you are keen to come along as a parent helper, please click this link and fill in the form.

We have been very impressed with how well your children are maintaining focus on their learning as the end of year approaches. Below are some photos from the last couple of weeks.

There has been a bit of a felting frenzy at school this term. Here we are making felt pods.

Many thanks to the parents who helped out with our Top Team afternoon.

A few days ago six of our ex-students who are now in Year 9 spent a session with our Year 8s, sharing useful 'hacks' for high school.

Kauri Camp Book Ordering

 Kia ora everyone. I am currently putting together our Dunedin camp photo-book and need to have order numbers and payment by Monday of next week - November 30th. This short timeframe is so that I can get the order in on Monday evening and hopefully have the books arrive before the end of the school year. 

Book details:

• 20 pages
• 20cm X 20cm hardcover
• packed with photos and snippets of the children's writing
• our aim is to include every child in at least one photo
• a great way to remember our fabulous week away
• $20

Please complete this form and pay either online or at the school office by Monday. Orders will be placed for those who have paid.

Kauri Whānau Film Study

 Over the next three weeks, we will be doing a film study in literacy. The films we will be viewing are listed below. If you have concerns about your child viewing these movies, please let us know before Monday.

• Jenny's group: Lion
• Megan's gound: Wonder
• Hannah's group: Hunt for the Wilderpeople
• Nicky's group: One of the above, we are yet to chose. 

Kauri Whānau Weekly Update: Term 4 Week 6

 In this post:

• Bubble wrap needed
• Top Team
• Leavers' Graduation Assembly
• 2021 leaders
• BYOD

Bubble Wrap

We are in need of a supply of bubble wrap for felting projects. If you have a supply that you don't need at home, please send it to school tomorrow.

Top Team

Next Tuesday, November 24th, we have Sport Canterbury coming to school to run our annual Top Team competition. This is a fun-filled afternoon that focuses on our values of 'we get there together' and 'we love challenge'. Some of the activities involve water, so all children need to come prepared with:

• swimming togs (best to come to school with these on under their uniform if possible)
• a rash top, quick-dry t-shirt or thermal top (depending on the weather)
• towel
• bag for wet clothes
• sunhat

Leavers' Graduation Assembly

Many thanks to the parents who have already responded to the graduation invitation. We have had a few questions about numbers. Due to the size of the hall, we have a limited capacity. Last year Koru and Kahiketea teams did not attend in order to free up more space. We will do this again this year. If your Year 8 has a younger sibling (Year 0-2) who would like to attend, you will need to collect them from their hub and they will sit with you for this assembly. Please let us know via email, or in the comments section on the RSVP if you would like to have more than 2 adults from your whānau at this graduation. If you have yet to reply to this invitation, please click here.

2021 Leaders

We have recently appointed House Captains, Deputy House Captains and Student Council Executive for 2021. Last week the House Captains and Council Exec attended the 'Be Inspired' leadership afternoon at Christ's College. They had a great time, learnt more about themselves as leaders and were inspired by a presentation from Sam Johnson.

BYOD

We have had a few issues with device supply lately because some children who have BYOD are not bringing them to school. Please remind your child to bring their charged device to school every day.

Kauri Whānau Weekly Update: Term 4 Week 5

 In this post:

• Parent help needed for three events
• Events between now and the end of the school year for Year 7 & 8
• Year 8 info
• Congratulations
• Warm Fuzzies

Parent Help:

We need parent help for 3 events between now and the end of the year: Top Team, Corsair Bay and Victoria Park walk. Please click this link to see what is involved and indicate if you can help.

Kauri Calendar of Events:

• Tuesday, November 17: Year 8 photo and leadership group photos
• Thursday, November 19: 'Cantamath' style event at Cashmere Primary after school (info coming to families involved)
• Tuesday, November 24: Top Team on Beckenham Park
• Wednesday, November 25: Canterbury Triathlon
• Wednesday, December 2: Canterbury Athletics
• Thursday, December 10: Transition afternoon of fun for Year 8
• Friday, December 11: Corsair Bay trip, after final celebration assembly
• Monday, December 14: Walk up to Victoria Park
• Monday, December 14: Year 8 pool and pizza party
• Tuesday, December 15: Year 8 Graduation Assembly and lunch - Year 8 finish for the year after lunch
• Wednesday, December 16: School finishes at lunchtime for Year 1-7

Year 8:

In a few short weeks your Year 8 will be finished with primary school! Here is what you need to know.

• If you have yet to email Nicky a photo of your child as a 5-year-old, please do this ASAP
• Please click here for your invitation to the Year 8 Graduation
• We are organising two afternoons for Year 8. Soon we will meet with a group of Year 9s from a few different high school to put together a 'High School Hacks' session. There will also be a session with the 24/7 youth workers at Cashmere and Will Hanlon, head boy for 2021 (and ex Beckenham student). This will involve all students, no matter which school they are going to.
• Many thanks to the Cockfields for yet again hosting our Year 8 Pool and Pizza Party. This will be held on December 14th, between 4 and 6pm. 

Congratulations:

A huge congratulations to Ruby who is our Sir Peter Blake Young Leader for 2020. Here is the citation that was read at assembly last Friday:

“Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader, they set out to make a difference.”

This quote describes the 2020 recipient of the Sir Peter Blake Award to a tee. Their motivation is not to be the one up front but rather to encourage everyone to reach a common goal. Humility is a key quality in this person’s leadership style. This person consistently looks outside of themself, noticing the strengths and needs of others and working alongside them with compassion and empathy. Peers commented on their kindness, their ability to give everyone a voice and their inclusive nature. Ruby, you are a shining role model of what it takes to be a leader. 

Well done to everyone who competed at the zone athletics on Monday. Special congratulations to those who qualified for the Canterbury Athletics event in December:

• Ava  - 1st long jump
• Jonty  - 1st long jump and 1st 60 m
• Grace M - 1st high jump
• JJ  - 2nd 60 m
• Zoe C - 2nd high jump
• Lucky  - 2nd 1200 m

A few warm fuzzies:

After some lovely feedback from Chris, our teaching assistant, we asked other staff what our Year 7 & 8 students have been doing to 'make a difference'. Here is what they said:

• On Wednesday morning I was with some amazing Y7's setting up the sprint track. They were working together and helping each other to get the job done. (Steve)
• I have been really aware of the increasing number of times in the last weeks, of our lovely Year 7/8s opening the door, and/or standing back, to let me through the door ahead of them. At times when I hold the door open for them I get lots of “thank you’s“ also. It may seem a small gesture, but it is greatly appreciated.  I do love our kids! Thank you to all our lovely people! (Chris)
• I'd like to say that all of the sports monitors are very respectful when they come into the office. Their manners are top-notch, they are all so polite and reliable (Kerilea)
• I've had fantastic feedback from a number of the visitors who have had school tours recently ... well-spoken and polite. (Jacky)
• It is so cool how the children cheer for each other. Even after they are out, they stay and are fully invested in the competition. (Parent)
• We appreciate the way the Year 7 & 8s look out for the NE children. They idolise the 'big kids' and look to them as role models. They enjoy talking with them in the playground and love when they come in to help. We appreciate the way Kauri model the Kete Values so that our tamariki can learn what they look like in action. (Jo)
• I am super impressed with how many students personally thank me after each passion session. It makes me feel appreciated for the time I put in. Plus they are a fun group that listens really well. (Brad, Megan's husband)
• Every Yr7-8 student I encounter is always super kind and respectful, e.g. often holding a door open for me or happily picking up rubbish if I ask.  They are all such stars! (Charlotte)
• Please can I add a comment about the Year 7 and 8's who cross the crossing and always say thank you to the road partol monitors - their manners and that simple 'thank you' makes a big difference for everyone involved. Also ..... I appreciate the way many Year 7 and 8 students greet staff as they move around the school.  Many ask how we are and some even share little stories and interesting information, looking us in the eye and wearing a lovely smile too.  It takes a lot of courage, maturity and thought to do this and makes a world of difference to staff. (Sue)

This 4 walled mural has been a huge undertaking and we are nearly finished.

Kauri Whānau Technology: Tomorrow - Monday

 A reminder to all Year 7 & 8s to be at school by 8:30am tomorrow, Monday, in time to catch the bus to technology. Tech is Monday, not Tuesday, this week only.

Kauri Whānau: Sports Day and Technology next week

Apologies for the third email this week. 

Technology is on Monday, not Tuesday next week. This is due to an exchange at South Intermediate next week. Please make sure your child is at school by 8:30am on Monday so that they can catch the bus to tech.

Athletic sports are on tomorrow:

• sun hats are essential
• come with sunscreen on (more will be applied during the day)
• wear either red school polo or house top

Kauri Whānau: Week 3 update

A couple of updates ...

The link to indicate interest in the camp photobook has been fixed. Please click here.

In preparation for the end of year, I am after a photo of every Year 8 student when they were 5. This can be a digital or hard copy. If you have a first day of school pic, that would be great. If not, any photo of when they were 5 will be fine.  Please email digital copies to Nicky.

A huge good luck to Te Whanau Mahi Tahi for their performance at the Cultural Festival tonight. I'm sure they will make us all proud!

Kauri Whānau Weekly Update: Term 4 Week 3

 In this post:

• Camp photos
• Athletic Sports
• Canterbury Triathlon
• Sexuality Education

Camp Photos

Today we shared our collection of camp photos with the children on Google Drive. They will be able to access these at home and share them with you. It is important that they do not share any pictures on their social media accounts unless they have permission from all of the people in the photo. 

We are thinking about producing a photobook with photos and snippets of the children's writing. The cost of these books would be around $25. To give us an indication of who is interested, so we can decide if this is worth doing, please fill in this form.

Whole School Athletics - This Friday the 27th of October

Be Sun Smart

The events for Year 5 to 8 run all day. It is really important that your child has their sun hat and has sunscreen on from the beginning of the day. We will have sunscreen at school for them to reapply throughout the day.

Uniform

• Children may choose to wear their house shirt or their red polo. 
• They may wear their choice of leggings/shorts. Black is prefered. 
• Please make sure that children come to school in footwear appropriate for sports, (running shoes are ideal). 

Parent Help

We are still looking for parent help for Friday. Please email Jenny if you are available. 

Zone Athletics

Zone athletics will be held at Hansen’s Park on Monday the 9th of November. The children representing our kura are selected based on the results from Friday’s school event. There are restrictions that come from Primary Sport Canterbury on the number of events that children may compete in at zone and Canterbury level. We will be discussing options with children early in the following week.

Canterbury Triathlon

If you think your child would like to enter the Canterbury Triathlon on November 25th, please click here for information and the entry form.

Sexuality Education

Below is a slide show with information about 'Navigating the Journey: Sexuality Education'. We will be starting these lessons next week with Year 7 and Year 8 working in separate groups. If you have any further questions after viewing the slide show, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Kauri Camp: The Last Post

 We are on the road! Yesterday was a fabulous day based at camp. Lots of teamwork and challenge, and plenty of fun. A great team effort this morning getting packed up, cleaned and away by 9:30. We are stopping in Oamaru for 90 mins to lunch, play and check out the steampunk museum. Will send out an email later this afternoon to confirm our arrival time. Should be back between 5 and 5:30.

We have been privileged to have a superb bunch of camp parents - couldn't have wished for better. They have cooked, cleaned, run activities, supported the kids, and all with big smiles.