Kauri -Term 2 Week 1-2

 Term 2 -Week 2

Welcome Assembly Friday, 9 May. 

Te  Awa were the flag bearers for our Welcome Assembly.

VR- On Monday, we spent a session viewing coastal waters from the sea bed, around New Zealand. This explored what makes a healthy marine ecosystem and what we can do as kaitiakitanga | guardianship to protect it. 

Maths- changes to groups. 

The changes to learning groups have been deliberate and considered. Students have been placed in mixed ability maths classes. The rationale behind this is based on research and is designed to align to the refreshed New Zealand curriculum, which has shown a greater positive forecast of student capability in mathematics. 

As we transition into this new system your child's maths teacher will be reviewing work with students to gauge their depth of understanding. This will allow teachers to cater more specifically for their needs and any extension or support they may require. This may be what they are mentioning regarding the tasks being easy compared to previous work. 

However, each class has a rich routine that challenges and extends their learning. 

Passions 

Friday passions have started for term two. This is a great opportunity for students to try something new in a supportive environment.

Rugby League Workshops-Cameron Snell (Coach Cam) has volunteered his time to run these workshops for our ākonga. Some of you may remember his name from being one of our community leaders when we ran our leadership talks. 

Felting -Nicky is back in our classrooms on Friday for passions sharing her knowledge and craft of felting.

Minecraft-for our digi natives. 

Buddies-working with our younger tamariki in Kahikatea.

Board Games- enjoying some fun over the colder months. 

Inquiry- Art 

We are diving into visual arts over the next few weeks as we explore and create pieces of work. As kaiako this is exciting to see different ideas come together. You will see more on this as ideas and concepts are finalised. 

Winter Sport- parent volunteers are still needed. It's is not too late! Just email Hugo- hugo.weaver@beckenham.school.nz

Uniforms- Jackets- please remember to name jackets clearly. 

Kauri Update: Week 11, Term 1

 In this post:

• Staffing change in Kauri
• Inquiry presentations
• Maths club change of day
• Looking ahead to term 2
• Uniform reminder
• Technology fun

Welcome to Kate McGregor!

We are looking forward to Kate starting with us next term. Kate will take over from Nicky who will slip into her release teacher role. Kate has considerable experience teaching in Year 7 & 8 and is returning to teaching after a short stint of maternity leave.

Inquiry presentations

This week we have been most impressed by the learning our tamariki have shared as part of their term 1 inquiry. Each child selected a leader, researched and reflected on how that leader displays some of the 'Seven Habits of Highly Effective People'. They also reflected on the lessons they can apply to their own life based on their research findings. You may like to ask your child to show you their presentation. 

Maths Club

It has been great to see so many children at maths club this term. The focus of this group is on extension and problem solving in maths. From next term we will meet on a Friday morning at 8:20am.

Looking ahead to term 2 in Kauri

Every term in Year 7 & 8 is a busy one and term 2 is no exception!

• Our inquiry, that is based on change this year, will have a visual art and science focus
• We will start cross country training in week 1, with the school cross country happening on Friday May 23rd, starting at 10:45.
• Winter sport teams will be sorted in the first few weeks, with winter sport starting in week 4 on Thursday afternoons. If you can help with coaching, please fill in this form.
• In week 2 we will be welcoming presenters from Blake VR to leader about 'Threats to our Moana'.
• Our Passions Programme on Fridays continues, with options this term including: rugby league, ukulele for beginners, felt making, board games, buddies and rippa rugby

Uniform Reminder

Sun-hats can now be stored away for the winter. Please make sure your child has a warm school jacket: either the red polar fleece or our black senior jacket, ready for the start of term. A few non-uniform hoodies have been making their way to school. Please remind your child to come in the correct uniform.  Our second hand uniform shop is temporarily in the Green Room, to the right of the hall entrance and is open during term time from 2:45 - 3:15pm on Mondays and 8:45 - 9:15am on Fridays.

Technology

This week the children moved to the second (of five) rotation for technology. There was much fun in the food tech room as cupcakes were baked and iced.

We'd like to wish you a safe and happy two weeks with your children at home or away on holiday and look forward to seeing them back at school on Monday April 28th.

Week 9

Term One, Week 9 in Kauri

Farewells

This week we say goodbye to Macie and her family who are returning to the U.S. Thank you for showing our School Values and demonstrating We Make a Difference | Nā mātou he rerekē Macie. You will be missed! 

Last week we also said goodbye to Mikyla who has gone on maternity leave. Thank you for your mahi over this year Mikyla. 

House Games

A big thank you to our leaders who led the whole school in House Games on Tuesday. What a fun afternoon we had out on the field. Our younger tamariki had huge smiles on their faces as they got to know their House Captains and Deputies. Great job!

Inquiry 

 

We have been digging into the '7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens'.

This learning was re-enforced by our Leadership Speakers. 

Habit #6:Synergise - working together and valuing each other in a team. 

Gem Macky emphasised this in the rowing team when she spoke about your actions making the boat go faster. 

Adam Whitlock expanded on this by discussing the hefty financial fine you pay if you are late to practice and play for The Crusaders. 

Our next focus is on Leaders who inspire us and how they demonstrate the 'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People'

Students choose their own leader from a variety of backgrounds science, sports, politics, arts and culture. 

Positive Behaviour for Learning- PB4L

What is a friend, what is an acquaintance? 

This has been further discussed in Kauri Team Hui when we look at how we treat people around us. 

Passions
 

In 'Passions' we really see our school values in action. 

 

Check out some of the things we have been doing:

CYBERSAFETY

Awareness of Online Harm

Many parents didn’t grow up with the internet, so it can be hard to imagine how tamariki may use it. But these days, digital technology is a key part of our young people’s lives. They use it for learning, communicating and entertainment.

Netsafe has released research that looked into parental awareness of children’s experiences of online risks and harm. The research found a mismatch between parents’ awareness and their children’s experiences of upsetting online content.

To check out the research, and other Netsafe resources, visit this link.  

Team Kauri Week 7, Term 1 2025

Team Kauri have had a busy couple of weeks since we got back from camp. We have held our swimming sports at Wharenui pool and selected students then participated in the South Zones on Thursday March 13th. Our students represented our school amazingly. A special shoutout to our sportsmanlike conduct at the pool.

We have also hosted a number of speakers this week who have spoken to us about Leadership. On Tuesday, we had the pleasure of hosting: Gen Macky (Olympic ambassador), Cameron Snell (Coach and Kickboxer) and Adam Whitelock (former NZ rugby player) who shared their stories and the challenges they have had to overcome. This has given the students in Team Kauri valuable insight into what qualities we need to be leaders, role-models and high performing individuals. 

Students are settling into the routines of the Kauri space and loving especially our Passion friday activities. Cooking is an absolute favourite and for those who haven't had the opportunity to cook or make something ourselves have been enjoying the delicious aroma's wafting from the kitchen.

The next couple of weeks will see students completing more outcomes for their Passion projects and preparing inquiry presentations focusing on how we can be effective leaders in our school.

Some of our Team Kauri boys with Cameron Snell.

Some Staff who are obvious fans of Adam Whitelock.

Our Olympic Ambassador guest Gen Macky with some our Kauri students.

Farewell Mikyla

This coming week we will farewell Mikyla who has been an amazing asset to the Kauri staff. We wish Mikyla well as she prepares for her new baby. Thank you so much for all your awesome mahi Mikyla! Good luck and don't forget to come visit with bubba when she arrives.

Online Safety: Gaming

Eighty percent of tamariki in New Zealand aged 8-17 have played games online. Games can have many benefits: entertainment, social opportunities, coordination development, problem-solving and multitasking skills. But, most of all, gaming is popular because it’s fun. 

But games can be tough for parents and whānau to navigate. How much gaming is too much? How do I make sure my tamariki aren’t seeing inappropriate content or chatting in-game with strangers?

Today we’re sharing Netsafe’s Online Gaming Whānau Toolkit so you have all the resources you need to keep your kids safe. 

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/rPN_ev1RSDQ

Wainui Camp 2025

 Wainui Camp 2025: A Journey of Growth and Adventure

Our recent Wainui Camp was more than just a fun getaway—it was an experience that brought our school's core values to life. Throughout our adventures, we discovered what it means to care for one another, work as a team, embrace challenges, pursue learning and make a real difference.

From the moment we arrived, the spirit of care was evident. Whether it was encouraging a friend to take a leap off the wharf, supporting teammates during coasteering or respecting the natural world while hunting for pāua and crabs, our tamariki showed kindness and responsibility in action.

Teamwork was at the heart of our experience. Success in activities like kayaking, shelter building, and orienteering relied on collaboration rather than individual effort. Using UHF radios during our search and rescue mission to locate Bob reinforced the power of clear communication and working together. Every challenge reminded us that we get there together.

Stepping outside our comfort zones became a common theme. The giant swing and high ropes tested our limits, while coasteering and wharf jumping pushed us to be bold. These moments weren’t just about adrenaline—they were about discovering resilience, trust, and courage.

Learning at Wainui extended far beyond the classroom. Each activity offered hands-on lessons, from navigation skills in orienteering to problem-solving in search and rescue. Even exploring the coastline became an opportunity to deepen our understanding of nature and resourcefulness.

As we return to school, we carry with us not just memories of an incredible camp but a stronger sense of confidence, teamwork, and adventure. Wainui Camp 2025 has set the tone for an exciting year ahead, and we can’t wait to see how these experiences continue to shape us as individuals and as a team.