Week 8 Update

To say it's been a disruptive week of learning would be a bit of an understatement. Thanks for your understanding and flexibility as we coped with the powers of mother nature. Great to see so many children back on Friday and totally focused on their learning.
Staff are currently writing mid year reports. Please visit School Links or call Caroline to book your learning conference on June 26 or 27. Reports will be discussed and handed out at these conferences.

We are entering two basketball teams (1 boys, 1 girls) in the Primary Schools Indoor Tournament on June 19th. Please return slips ASAP if your child is involved in this tournament.

The Senior Chorale Group and the Band are performing in the South Music Festival at the Aurora Centre on Tues 12 and 13 (band only) of June. Pre-ordered tickets are now available for collection from the office.

Classes are busy working on their special projects about endangered species for display at the Science and Tech Expo in the last week of term. This will be a 'must see' when you come to school for your learning conferences.

The Avonside Open Night has been rescheduled to Monday June 11 from 5pm - 7pm.

Seek peek... Last year the Year 8's thoroughly enjoyed their two day Leadership Camp experience based at the Papanui Youth Centre. Based on it's success we are keen to offer a similar yet different experience this year. We have pencilled in September 20th and 21st for our 2012 Year 8 Leadership Camp. This will be based at school, with marae style sleeping in the hall and hall foyer on the Thursday night. Amongst other activities, we are looking at including a / some motivational guest speaker(s) and a community service component to this camp. We are looking for A) contacts with community groups who would appreciate some support and B) suggestions for inspirational speakers for this age group. Please contact us with any suggestions.

Week 7 Update

Orana Park: We had a fabulous day at Orana Park on Thursday and came home with some key messages about how we can make a difference to species undergoing change.

Student Council: The Student Council have been busy lately. Look out for the flagpole flying flags that represent the diverse nationalities of our Beckenham students. This initiative has been driven and organised by the council. They are also selling milo at morning tea on Fridays.

Reports: Many of you will currently be putting together applications for high schools. These usually request the inclusion of the latest school report. We are about to start writing reports. These will be given out at learning conferences on Tues June 26 and Wed June 27. Those who don't come to learning conferences will get their reports on the last day of term. Information on how to book conferences will be in the next school newsletter.

Week 6 Update

It's been a busy week in the Year 7 & 8 team, especially for the Football team. Congratulations on your wins over Queenspark School (7,0) and over the staff (4,1).

On Thursday we enjoyed a most informative talk from Belinda Whyte, a scientist working in the field of possum control.

Thursday also saw some very impressive wacky hairstyles, in support of the Student Council's fund raising venture for The Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Check out the photo gallery.

A notice has been sent home re our field trip to Orana Park on Thursday May 31st. Children are to wear warm tidy mufti with sturdy footwear. No lunch orders on this day and please remember a water bottle. As we will be doing lots of walking, a day pack would be preferable.

Adolescent Boys: Releasing the Hero Within. This is a free seminar by Shirley Boys High Headmaster, John Laurenson. Wednesday June 13 from 6:45 - 8:30pm. No charge. Venue: Spartan Room, 2nd floor, Sports Complex (off North Parade). To book a place phone Kirsten 3757075 ext 213 or email kdh@shirley.school.nz

Shirley Boys High School: We have been sent several copies of the Shirley Boys' prospectus. If you would like a copy please see Nicky Dunlop in Room 19.

Week 5 update

Cross Country: Well done to all of those who ran at the South Zone Cross Country on Thursday. There were a number of impressive results. Special congratulations go to Emily, 1st (a stunning finish), Jacob (1st) , Jack M (2nd), Hannah (2nd), Beth (5th). These runners and seven from Year 5 & 6 will represent Beckenham at the Canterbury Cross County later this term. Click on the photo gallery tab to see more pics.

Mr Rodger advises the Yr 11 old boys team.

Fun on Thursday: While the runners were at their race, the rest of the team formed groups and completed the 'Wildlife Sanctuary Challenge'. This involved designing an enclosure, creating a TV add and designing gift shop products for a specific endangered species. We were delighted with the students' enthusiasm, engagement and the quality of their results; given the limited time-frame.

The finishing touches are put on the turtle enclosure.

Drama Club: Thursday lunchtime is a highlight for many students; it's Drama Club day. Last week Stephanie and Nicole who were visiting on work experience from Linwood College, worked with the group.

Sport: We have just had our first round of sport at Hagley Park. The football teams both had wins, while the netball teams met very challenging opposition and lost. Next week hockey and rugby get under-way.

Orana Park Field-Trip: Many thanks to those of you who helped out with or supported our sausage sizzle. With this fund raising we have been able to reduce the cost of our Orana Park visit to $9. This field trip will be a full day on Thursday May 31st. I will notify the Roger Hamilton (guitar teacher) to let him know his Year 7 & 8 students will be away that day.

Famine: 20/40 Hour Famine packs were distributed on Friday. Please read information through carefully, collect sponsors and prepare to famine!

Week 4 Update

Cross Country: Superb effort from everyone on Thursday afternoon. Congratulations to Hannah, Callum, Emily and Jacob for winning their events. Shortly Mr Rodger will confirm teams for the South Zone Cross Country which is on the morning of Thursday May 17. Scooby has again been won by Room 18, great effort 18ers! Click on the photo gallery to see the runners in action.

Sausage Sizzle: We are running a sausage sizzle on Friday (May 18) to raise money for our Orana Park visit. We are seeking some keen parents to help; please let Tracy Inwood, Room 17, know if you are available. After the sausage sizzle we will let you know the cost of the Orana Park field trip.

Hagley Park Sport: This competition starts on Friday (May 18). A notice is coming home soon with details of equipment, bus charges e.t.c. Those not involved in the Hagley Competition, will be playing sport and participating in outdoor challenges at school.

Shirley Boys' High School: C V Gallagher Academic Scholarship for $1000. Contact SBHS for details.

Week 3 Update

A huge thanks to Room 18 and the Drama Club for putting together such as fabulous PRIDE Assembly. Check out the Photo Gallery for more great pictures.



We had a very successful session with The SPCA this week as a lead in to our Endangered Species unit. We have booked a field trip to Orana Park on Thursday May 31st. A sausage sizzle will be held later this term to subsidise costs. More details later.

Cross Country in this Thursday afternoon, May 10th. The children have been putting lots of effort into their training. Parent support is most welcome on Thursday.

Friday Winter Sport starts in just two weeks. We are desperately seeking 2 netball, 1 hockey and 1 football coach. Please let Bruce Roger know if you can help out.

It is Open Day season:

• Christ College: Thursdays in May: 3, 10, 17 and 24. Applications close Friday May 25 at 4pm. Scholarships available, see flier in window of Room 16 and check out www.minedu.govt.nz/aspire
• Shirley Boys High: Community Open Night: Wed June 6 from 6:30. Parent Info evenings Sun May 20 and Wed May 23 from 6:45pm.

Volleyball. Year 7 & 8 every Sunday  from 13th May, 2 - 3:30pm. Christchurch GHS Gym, Matai St Riccarton. $2 per session. More details contact: eastvolley@clear.net.nz

Cashmere High School Open Day

Cashmere High School Open Day

• Tuesday 29th May from 4:00 - 6:30
• Principal address: 4 - 5pm
• Guided tours: 4:30 - 5:30
• 2013 prospectus and scholarship application forms will be available.