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Friday 5 July 2019

Outdoor Spaces Update Week 10 Term 2

Outdoor Spaces Update Week 10 Term 2


We have had a really productive term, ending with the completion of the Pūkaki play space. It took us three weekends to complete the area, one of which saw parents and builders working in the RAIN! The children have really enjoyed using this area during the last week of term. On Thursday, the school gathered together to officially open this space. 
We are very grateful to all the wonderful parents who came along to support the various working bees. We understand and appreciate weekends can be busy times. All those that came to help, contributing one hour to a full day helped us to complete this project. No offer of help was too small! Thank you!
Steve Cooke saying a karakia


WOW! Nearly the whole school inside the play space!


MOVING FORWARD
Next term, we will have 10-12 heritage apple and pear trees being planted across the school as part of our outdoor redevelopment. We hope to create a mini orchard for the children to be able to grow and harvest during the year. 

JUNIOR PLAY AREA
Earlier on in the term, we sought feedback from parents, children and staff about what they would like to see in the redevelopment of the Junior Area. These ideas have been incorporated into a new landscape plan that is in the process of being designed. We will share this plan early in Term 2. 

The Junior Area will be our major project in Term 3 and will require help from our school community. We will be carefully staging the implementation of this design and will keep you informed of the process. In the meantime, we are applying to different charities for grants to help us create other features across the school. Our first grant is to build two gaga ball pits for the school. Gaga ball is a fast-paced, high energy sport played in an octagonal pit. It is a version of dodge ball which is played with a soft foam ball. Players have to use the skills of dodging, striking, running and jumping, while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees. Players need to keep moving to avoid getting hit by the ball. We know these will be well used by the children.

That's all for now
Beckenham Outdoor Spaces Team