Latest News
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Happy Holidays Everyone

16 December 2020
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all. The school office is now closed and will reopen for enrolments and enquiries from Monday 1 February 8:30am - 3:30pm daily. Stationery packs are purchased from Qizzle (link here) and follow the instructions. Meet the Teacher interviews will occur on Tuesday 2 February and Wednesday 3 February. Please make sure you have made a booking. Click on the buttons below for more information on these.  

Term 1 2021 begins on Thursday 4 February with a Mihi Whakatau starting at 9:00am.
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Team Miro Go to the Ballet and Gardens

20 November 2020
​184 children ventured off into the centre of the city and played in the sun at the Botanical Gardens, had a picnic lunch and then attended a performance of the ballet, Sleeping Beauty at the Isaac Theatre. It was a fantastic fun day for the team. A huge thank you to all the parents who came along and helped us out for the day.

SCAPE Art - Dudley

16 November 2020
​In 2020 Dudley has been working with SCAPE exploring the impact Art has on us, and the ideas and feelings it generates as we respond to it. This week we worked with local artist Jacqueline Greenbank on her ‘community engaged project’. We made 3D objects which will form part of her installation  going into Canterbury Museum.  As Zach said “Art doesn’t have to be perfect to be great art”.
Our contribution was apples as Jacqueline’s exhibition reflects her heritage as the granddaughter of an early market gardener in Christchurch. We were super proud of the outcome and are excited to see our exhibition when it opens. In 2021 Ms Thompson will undertake a further pilot research study with SCAPE looking at the relationship between Art, Learning and Wellbeing. 

Pasifika Fono 

10 November 2020
Thank you to all the families who were at the Pasifika event tonight. We were impressed by such a great turn out. We hope you enjoyed the yummy dinner and seeing your children perform. A special thanks needs to go out to Joseph Houghton and Victoria Leitch plus many others who made last night possible. Thank you. Helen Stowers

East Zone Athletics

10 November 202028 students represented Banks Avenue School at the Eastern Zone Athletics, held at Rawhiti Domain. The students put in an outstanding effort in all their events and supported each other brilliantly throughout the day. The following students achieved placings in their events and qualified for the Canterbury Primary Schools Athletics Competition being held  later in the term

  • Holly S: 1st in the 80m Sprint, 1st in High Jump
  • Rylan: 2nd in the 80m Sprint
  • Xavier S: 3rd in the 80m Sprint
  • Will S: 1st in the 80m Sprint and 2nd in High Jump​

Mr Hastilow Shaves His Hair To Raise Funds 

6 November 2020
During our school assembly today, a very brave Mr Hastilow, shaved off his hair to raise funds for the Cancer Society. Tomorrow he is joining the Scooter Safari event where 250 motorised scooters ride 250km , coast-to-coast over the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Hokitika to support the work of the Cancer Society. This event is designed to be the coldest, longest, hardest, most gruelling and uncomfortable test of endurance on a city scooter.  The aim of the event  to show  support and awareness for those living with cancer and the challenges they face. We hope the weather is good for you Mr Hastilow! 

Whānau Hui

4 November 2020
A large turn out of our whānau community was seen tonight at our Kapa Haka and Kai evening. Our children performed Waiata and the Haka.  Community voice was gathered and the evening finished with some kai.

Click here to watch our children's performance. The password is aroha.
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Senior School Athletics

30 October 2020
Team Miro children showed determination and grit as they competed in the Senior School Athletics today. Congratulations to all children who achieved a placing. Click on the button to see the  winner and runner-up for each event.

Nature Smart Agents

29 October 2020
Team Miro are Nature Agents with EOS Ecology. We have been monitoring the water quality of our site for two years now. Our children love working alongside the scientists as their expertise helps our children learn as authentic Citizen Scientists. We chose our site as it is right next to the Pareawa Banks Avenue School site. This will support us participating long term in this project and we are grateful for the opportunity and the amazing Nature Agents learning kit. Every class in the team will be involved in 2021 as the teachers complete the Nature Agents PD. It’s exciting!

School Disco ...in School!

23 October 2020
A school disco in school time? Yes that is exactly what happened today and what a lot of fun our children had. Thank you to the PTA for organising this fun event and to Sally Pannell for being the DJ. It was lovely to end the week with a bit of a dance!

National Young Leaders Day

23 October 2020
Today our student leaders, along with our student teachers, attended National Young Leaders Day at the Horncastle Arena. The theme of this day was, Kia haha (Be strong), Kia Maia (Be brave) and Kia manawanui (Be steadfast). Our students listens to some very inspirational speakers. 
  • William Pike - Inspirational Speaker, Explorer and the William Pike Challenge
  • Riley Hathaway - Young Ocean Explorers
  • Okirano Tilaia - Voice for youth and pasifika and organiser of the 'Students Uniting in Love' vigil, Blake Medal winner.
  • Josie Moon - Musician
  • Caleb Clarke - All Black

​This day has inspired our students to do more, be more, become more

Kids for Kids Concert 2020

21 October 2020
What a night! After weeks of practice our school choir attended the Kids for Kids concert held at the Horncastle Arena. They sang along with Nathan King and Jackie Clarke and we were very proud of their performance. McKenzie, a year 6 student performed solo, after being selected during the audition process. The theme was Big Aroha and the auditorium was definitely filled with that tonight! 

Our Junior Students go to the Theatre

20 October 2020
The Junior Module ventured out today to attend the Lost Letter Performance held at the Isaac Theatre Royal. After the show they had lunch and a play on the Margaret Mary playground.

Team Miro Swimming

12 - 23 October 2020
For the past two weeks, Team Miro have attended daily swimming lessons at Taiora QE11. They also learnt about water and boat safety. Check out the photos.
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Not Pink Shirt Day - It was Pink Shirt Week!

16 October 2020
​Throughout this week our children have been learning about what  Pink Shirt Day means, participating in activities and taking action against bullying. Today is the official Pink Shirt Day and children came to school all dressed in pink. We ended the day with a fashion parade. Check out the very cool photos and messages from our children.

RAMS Mentoring Programme

15 October 2020
The Canterbury Regional Basketball Foundation (CRBF) in partnership with the Canterbury Rams basketball team have been piloting a basketball primary schools mentoring program for the past two years. They have invited Banks Avenue School to be  part of this programme during Term 4. Today the children
participated in a 45 minute session involving basketball skills, fun activities and mentoring with  Ashleigh Adamson and Ben Carlise-Smith. ​

SCAPE Re: Activate

13 October 2020
​This programme is designed to promote the creative arts by mentoring aspiring artists. We are very proud of Kiera, whose 2020 design has made the shortlist of the top 10 designs from throughout New Zealand. Her artwork is on display at the SCAPE Public Art HQ during the Festival of the Arts - tino pai rawa Kiera!

Loud Shirt Day

24 September 2020
Our school was filled with children dressed in bright colours and wearing wacky hairstyles today all with the goal of raising funds for Loud Shirt Day. We raised a total of $453.50.  Loud Shirt Day raises money for The Hearing House and the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme. The Hearing House and the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme are the two organisations in New Zealand that teach children with cochlear implants to listen and to speak. ​

Duffy Books

23 September 2020
When we had the Duffy Books in Homes ‘ Scholastic Caught Being a Good Dad ’ Award recently. Leo’s dad Sean had his name pulled out of the hat. So he is the winner. Here is Leo with the book prize all ready to surprise his dad with it after school today. The prize for this is a lovely hardcover book called: New Zealanders in our own words. This is Us, by Pete Carter. The Tūī Learning Hub absolutely loved getting their Duffy books in time for the holidays and some of the students even had their noses in their books straight away. We thank our Duffy sponsors Warehouse Stationery - Eastgate and all of the people who helped us to raise money in our walkathon because some of this money contributes to our involvement in Duffy Books in homes too.
We have just heard that Warehouse Stationery will no longer be able to support us in this and are hopeful that another sponsor will be found soon.

Tūī Farm Visit

17 September 2020
The Tūī Learning Hub ventured off to learn all about farm life today. Check out the photos of a great day had by all.

Delta Trust Food Bank Delivery

7 September 2020
Yesterday 30 children walked down to the Delta Trust Centre in North Avon Road. We had the privilege of delivering the food that was gathered by you, our community, on behalf of Banks Avenue School and Kiwi Can, Graeme Dingle Trust. Our children got to see a craft session that was in progress as part of the 'Friendship Link' group for adults with intellectual disabilities. Kiwi Can had organised for the children to give them an ice block and to have one themselves.
They had made us special cards and were very proud to give them to us. We then went into the food bank and the children got to carry the many boxes of food that we had gathered and the workers at Delta were overwhelmed by the generosity of our school community. They explained what they do with this food and what a great help our contribution will make to a lot of people. This made us all feel like we had been able to show HEART in a very practical way in our local community. We would like to thank Chris, Hayley and Karla from Kiwi Can for their facilitation of this event!

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Sir Peter Blake Young Leader Award Goes To ...

7 September 2020
Last week we got the chance to celebrate one of our wonderful Team Miro students. Each year we take part in the BLAKE Young Leader Awards. It is a chance to recognise a Year 6 student who is a role model of leadership. This year’s recipient is Levi. Levi is a Kapa haka Leader, a Student Leader and a Leader amongst his peers. We recognised Levi not just for his achievements but also the way he goes about these achievements. We are very proud of Levi and congratulate him on being the Banks Avenue BLAKE Young Leader for 2020.

Junior Module Father's Day Event

4 September 2020
There was a fabulous turn out to the Junior Module‘Father’s Day’ event.  We saw fathers, grandfathers, some mums, as well as aunts and uncles (some of our year six students) join our classes to share some ‘dad’ jokes and to play some games with the children. It was so lovely to see the interactions between all of these people and to hear the laughter as well. We thank all of you who could make it on the day. Here is a glimpse of what was going on during this time.

Mau Rakau

2 September 2020
A group of children have been involved in this programme and learning about bone carving. Look at their fabulous carvings. Thanks Mana Ake for this initiative.

Team Kahikatea visit Orana Park

1 September 2020
As part of our science inquiry on Living World, Team Kahikatea ventured off today to Orana Park. Although wet, it certainly didn't dampen the children's enthusiasm!

Whole School Competition

26 August 2020
We often have a school wide competition each term and last week we had quite an unusual one. How long a ‘pebble’ can last on your tongue?
This competition required self control as well as a ‘cool tongue’ and possibly a cool head. It would be fair to say that some competitors did not surprise us. Once the countdown from 5 to 0 took place quite a few put the pebble (lolly) into their mouth and immediately swallowed or ate it. Some were not so quick though and the coating and chocolate slowly melted. However, more competitors than many of us predicted showed perseverance, self will and in some cases quite a bit of saliva and lasted up to one hour with a pebble lolly on their tongue. The last ones, in what had become a marathon effort and mind over matter, really surprised us and still had a pebble with a coloured outer coating on their tongue after one hour and thirty minutes! It was at this time we called a halt
to the competition and declared all of those with a bit of the pebble in their mouth as winners!

Shirley District Music Festival Competition

24 August 2020
​On Monday night seven of our Banks Avenue School Musicians took part in the SDMS Competition at Shirley Intermediate.  After their wonderful performances the medal tally was three gold, two silver and two bronze! Congratulations to you all - it was a proud moment for yourselves, your whānau and Banks Avenue School.
In photo: Amber, Macel, Solomon, Kayleigh, Joel, Holly and Hazel.

Adventure Ave Working Bee

9 August 2020
Today the Red Zone Action Team held a community event at Adventure Ave. There was lots of fun and laughter with mulching around the bike track, building huts and eating sausages while playing in the sun. A sincere thank you to everyone who turned up and joined in - it was a great day!

Our Visits to Windsor House Recommence

4  August 2020
Yesterday  we recommenced our team Miro fortnightly visits to Windsor House. Room 27 was the first to venture to see our elderly friends and as you can see by the photo, we were all so pleased to see and spend time with each other again.

Our School Name

3 August 2020
​The Board's preferred new name for our school is PAREAWA BANKS AVENUE SCHOOL.  We now present you with the following question: Do you agree with the boards preferred new name of PAREAWA BANKS AVENUE SCHOOL?
Please complete the survey and give it serious consideration as this will be THE FINAL COMMUNITY CONSULTATION before the board makes it’s final decision.

THIS IS YOUR MOMENT TO HAVE YOUR SAY!

Click on the buttons  to access the survey.

Rainbow Netball Tournament

2 August 2020
The 2020 Rainbow Netball Tournament was held at the Christchurch Netball Centre on Sunday 2 August. Two Netball Teams represented Banks Ave and played for over five hours. Everyone had a fantastic day and one of our team placed ‘runner up’.
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Zone Cross Country

21 July 2020
​24 Year 5 and 6 students travelled to Queenspark School to compete in the East Zone Cross Country today. The children showed great team spirit and supported each other during the races. Everyone put in their best effort and a number of students completed the 2km course in a respectable time. One student qualified for the Canterbury Primary Schools Cross Country, coming 4th in the Year 5 boys race which is an outstanding effort. A big thank you to all the parents and families who came along to support the children.

The Will of the People

2 July 2020
​The Red Zone land transferred back to the Christchurch City Council on 30 June. The original petition from 2012 was bought back to Christchurch from Wellington on the reverse of its initial journey. Our children received the petition from Ngai Tahu and walked it along the riverbank and handed it to Avon Otakaro representatives who delivered it to Poto Wlliams and the Mayor Lianne Dalziell at the Civic Offices. Almost a decade since it went up to Wellington – our children were instrumental in completing the circle.

Senior Cross Country

23 June 2020
Despite the damp conditions, our senior students showed grit, determination and attitude  today as they competed in our annual school cross country event. Well done everyone! Congratulations to the children below for finished in the top three for their year group.
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Year 4 Girls
  • 1st: Hazel
  • 2nd: Claudia
  • 3rd: Lily Y
Year 4 Boys
  • 1st: Oscar B
  • 2nd: Karn S
  • 3rd: Jack E
Year 5 Girls
  • 1st: Aria
  • 2nd: Isla-Rose
  • 3rd: Kayla
Year 5 Boys
  • 1st: TP
  • 2nd: Rylan
  • 3rd: Joel
Year 6 Girls
  • 1st: Kiera 
  • 2nd: Verity
  • 3rd: Emily H
Year 6 Boys
  • 1st: Oden
  • 2nd: Will
  • 3rd: Xavier S

Canbreathe Education

18 June 2020
Throughout this week the Canbreathe Team took education sessions for all of our Team Miro classes. They taught the children about asthma, what triggers it, why the body reacts to the triggers and how to care for yourself.. Children also learnt how they can help. Thank you Canbreathe for your fun, informative sessions. 
Alert Level 1 / Strategic Direction Survey

9 June 2020
​Thankyou for all of your support while we have been at Level 2. It has not always been easy for parents to drop children off before school without coming into the grounds or to wait outside the gate at 3:00pm. We really appreciate you working with us as we tried to make Level 2 work.
We are now at Level 1; this is great news for us as a school but also most importantly for us as a nation. We now welcome all parents and caregivers back onto our school site! There will be more detail in tomorrow's newsletter in relation to what Alert Level 1 means for us as a school. Once again a huge thank you for your support!

Strategic Survey
Thank you to those parents who have already completed this survey. You have offered some great ideas about our future direction. You can have your say by completing our Strategic Direction Survey; this survey is also accessible on our school website.

Watch this video to see what has been achieved in 5 years

29 May 2020
​Kia ora all 
In 2016 we set up our school Strategic Plan for the period 2016-2020. We had three key focuses for our planning and resourcing over this time frame.
  • Learning: Active Learners at the HEART
  • Wellbeing: Living HEART
  • Community: BAS the connecting HEART of the Community.
It is now time to review how we have gone and to think about what we want to focus on for the next five years. Watch the video below to see what we have achieved in the last five years and think about what it is that we should be focussing on for the next five years.  Then could you please complete the survey below to help us plan for the next 5 years. We really value your input.
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Uniform Consultation

27 May 2020
In reviewing a school uniform there is a formal process to follow; any changes will only be made after ongoing consultations with our key stakeholders, e.g., whanau, staff. Board of Trustees (BoT) and students. Ultimately the decision to change or alter a school uniform sits with the Board of Trustees.We value your thoughts and feedback on our current uniform so we can ensure the uniform best meets the needs of all going forward. Please click on the button to complete the survey. 

22 May 2020 - Super heroes at Banks Ave

Children arrived this morning to see that there were superheroes on the school grounds. The photos say it all.

Happiness is ..... the laughter of children

18 May 2020
​What an exciting morning it has been! The sound of children laughing and chatting as they catch up with their friends and teachers and settle back into class routines. It is so lovely seeing them all back. Under Alert Level 2 school is a little different but mostly it is the same. Here are a few thoughts from the children today.
  • I feel really positive about being back at school because it has been good to see my teachers and my friends. Summer
  • I feel good because I like being at school to do my learning and I like seeing my friends. Xavier G-H
  • I am really happy being back at school because I miss seeing my friends. TJ
  • I am very happy to be back at school because I get to see my friends and I like my school work. Lauren

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

March 2020
Cases of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) are confirmed in New Zealand. On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. As we get updated by the Ministry of Education or Ministry of Health, we will update you. 

Click on the button below to keep up-to-date with the advice we are receiving on the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
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GROW Garden Exhibit

​20 March 2020
Dudley has worked since August to prepare their GROW Garden exhibit for the Botanical Gardens festival. It was cancelled this week and so they have built their garden in Dudley to share with our community. The garden is a Zones of Regulation garden built in four quadrants. All Team Miro classes use the Zones to support children's emotions and self regulation. It also includes our HEART values and the importance of living and learning with HEART no matter what Zone you are in. The key message being your values are important no matter your state of mind. The children and teachers are all super proud! If you wish to view the garden it is on display on Dudley until 12:30 on Monday 23 March. 

East Zone Swimming Sports

18 March 2020
Nine year 5 and 6 students took part in the East Zone Swimming Sports at Jellie Park today. They competed in a range of races including freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and a team relay.  All competed well, using our HEART values. 

Thank You Rata Foundation

16 March 2020
​Once again the Rata Foundation have supported Banks Avenue School. This time they have funded $6 685.00 for a Dodgeball Pit and two brand new Basketball and Netball Hoops.  As you can see from the photos the Dodgeball Pit is is a popular lunchtime activity and watch out for the Basketball/Netball Hoops which will bee up soon.  A big thank you to the Rata Foundation for their generosity each year. They have made a big difference to us here at Banks Avenue School.
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Uniform Consultation 2020

10 March 2020
In reviewing a school uniform there is a formal process to follow; any changes will only be made after ongoing consultations with our key stakeholders, e.g., whanau, staff. Board of Trustees (BoT) and students. Ultimately the decision to change or alter a school uniform sits with the Board of Trustees.We value your thoughts and feedback on our current uniform so we can ensure the uniform best meets the needs of all going forward. Please click on the button to complete the survey. The survey closes on Monday 23 March.

​This survey is now closed

Walkathon

6 March 2020
Today all children participated in our bi-annual Walkathon event. The challenge was to complete 20 rounds  The sun was out, the children were motivated to complete the challenge and we all had a great day. Money raised will go towards Duffy Books and a new playground for our new school! Thanks for your support everyone.

PALS Training Day

5 March 2020
Our PAL Leaders ventured out to the Lincoln Event Centre to train on how to be a physical activity leader. Our PAL Leader got really involved in all the activities and worked well alongside leaders from other schools. We look forward to seeing our PALS organising activities in the playground. 

Windsor House Visits

3 March 2020
We have our yearly programme to Windsor House well underway, with Awa-Room 26 visiting yesterday. Before going, the children researched life in the 1930s so they were able to chat to the residents about this. We love the relationship we have with these beautiful people in our community. Every two weeks throughout the year, a class from Team Miro will visit.

Journalists and Photographers: Fletcher, Lakai, Holly and Keevian

Adventure Ave Begins

29 February 2020
The Student Volunteer Army came along on this morning to help lay our bike track at Adventure Ave. It was inspirational watching them approach us in formation along River Rd. 150 students worked throughout the morning to load the shingle onto the matting that our Red Zone Action Team had laid on Friday. Phase 1 is now well underway. Pop in and have a look if you are passing by - you can access our playground off Woodchester Ave. Thank you Canterbury University for helping us get underway with making this dream come true!

Our Children Make The News!

22 February 2020
This morning the progress our Red Zone Action Team have made was featured on the Stuff News Website. Click here to read the full article.
Yesterday students from the University of Washington visited Banks Ave to chat to our Red Zone Action Team about their project, Adventure Ave. The students were particularly interested in looking at projects that the citizens of Christchurch have implemented since the Christchurch Earthquakes.  They spoke with the Red Zone Action Team about how their project took shape, what iterations there have been to get to the stage it's at and asked for the children's perspectives on what they've learned and how their relationship with the red zone has evolved. Sarah Lukins, a Master student states, "Adventure Ave gives agency to kids in a way that I think is incredibly powerful". 
Check out the signage that was erected yesterday.

​Journalists and Photographers: Cooper & Phoenix

Junior Module Arts Fiesta

21 February 2020
The children in the Junior Module had a very creative day as they participated in the Annual Arts Fiesta. The theme was 'Loving Our Playground'.  The children set out to brighten up the playground by completing various art activities. Check out the photos of a very creative day!

Journalists and Photographers: Carlos, Lakai and Levi

Top Team Event

17 February 2020
​​Today, children from Team Miro and students from Seabrook McKenzie School participated in the Top Team Challenges. These challenges involve team-based activities that promote co-operation, initiative, problem solving and communication skills. Fun, engagement, laughter and leadership were all captured with our camera this afternoon. Check out the photos of a very fun afternoon! ​
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Click the image to complete the survey

Meet The Teacher Feedback Wanted 

5 February 2020
For the first time this year we have trialled ' meet the teacher' before children start back at school; tradionally we have had meet the teacher sessions in mid March. We are keen to know how you found this process and if there is anything we could do to improve it for next year.

Click on the image to complete the survey. The survey closes on 20 February 2020.

Welcome Back Everyone!

3 February 2020
Welcome back everyone. There was a buzz of excitement this morning as friends greeted each other and chatted about their holidays. We began the school year with a Mihi Whakatau to welcome all the  new students and teachers to our school. The children then settled into their classes. Check out the photos of Day 1!  What a happy bunch!