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.

We have received information from Rangi Ruru Girls' School that they would like us to pass on to you.

• Open day: Monday May 7th from 1pm until 4pm. Principal's Address 1:15pm  and 2pm, St Andrews at Rangi Ruru Church, Merivale Lane.
• They also offer 'School and House Tours' and 'Experience Rangi'. 
• A small number of brochures are available at the school office.

Week 2 Update

RSPCA visit: Please remember to send along a gold coin on Wednesday.

Our Arts Interchange programme starts this Thursday between 2 and 3pm. The children will each spend two sessions on drama, music, dance and visual art, starting with their own teacher.

PRIDE Assembly this Friday at 10am. Leadership badges for: House Captains, Student Council and PRIDE Ambassadors will be presented, as will Leadership Awards gained in Term 1.

Winter Sport starts on Friday May 18th. Currently we have coaches for rugby and hockey. We need coaches for 2 football and 2 netball teams. If you can help out to please contact Bruce Rodger in Room 16 ASAP. bruce.rodger@beckenham.school.nz

Basketball competitions start on Monday and Friday, students must have returned permission slips before they can play. Check out the 'sport tab' for teams and game times.

As part of our endangered species topic we are looking at arranging a team field trip to Orana Park later this term. More details on this soon.

RSPCA Visit

As you may be aware, to kick-start our inquiry topic (Endangered species) this term, we have invited the education team from SPCA Canterbury to present their animal welfare programme to each of our Year 7/8 classes on Wednesday 2nd May. Although this is a free programme for schools, we ask that if at all possible, could the students please bring a gold coin donation to assist this important charity within our community. Please feel free to send the gold coin along before Wednesday.