Envirokids:

Envirokids is a free program for kids aged between 5-13 years old that runs every Saturday from 10am-1pm in the kiosk at the Botanic Gardens. The activities run incorporate a mix of interactive fun and environmental education.

Scarecrows in Methven:

Every year, members of the Methven community build scarecrows to a particular theme and these scarecrows, over 30 of them, are scattered around the town for families to find and try to identify the name of the character. This year's theme is HEROES/HEROINES AND VILLAINS (characters from children’s movies).

Families or small groups purchase a Trail Map/Entry form from the iHub Information Centre and there are sponsored prizes for the most correct entries and for the most popular scarecrows.

Don't forget to like the Scarecrow Trail FB page if possible - this is where we post messages and the results - https://www.facebook.com/MethvenScarecrowTrail/

Football in the school holidays:

Give your child the ultimate football experience at Christchurch United’s holiday programmes this break!

Special Offer: Take a picture or screenshot of the above voucher(s) and bring it into the Christchurch United office for a 10% discount on the April holiday programme!

Fundamentals First Skills (U4-U8) – Designed for young footballers aged 4-8, this program focuses on fun, skill-building activities, inflatable fields, obstacle courses, and essential techniques like dribbling, passing, and shooting. A perfect introduction to the game!

World Cup Junior Holiday Programme (U9-U12) – Inspired by the excitement of international tournaments, players aged 8-12 will compete in thrilling matches, refine their skills with expert coaching, and aim to lift the coveted World Cup Trophy!

Dates:

Week 1: Apr 14th, 15th, 17th & 18th (MON-TUE-THU-FRI)
Week 2: Apr 22nd, 23rd, 24th

Open to all players – no club affiliation required. Join the fun, make friends, and improve your game this holiday season!

Sign up today:https://cufc.co.nz/holiday-program

Volleyball:

Community Dentist - School holidays:

The Community Dental Service will be closed for some of the upcoming school holidays

Closed On: Friday 18th April, Monday 21st April & Friday 25th April

Reopening on: Monday 28th April

Five of our community dental clinics will be open during this School Holiday period:

Burnside (96a Memorial Avenue)

Woolston (11 Hopkins Street)

Rangiora (163 Ashley Street)

Northcote (24 Tuckers Road)

Timaru (18 Woollcombe Street)

If your child is experiencing any dental pain/discomfort, you can call us on 0800 846 983 and/or email: commdental@cdhb.health.nz and one of our clinicians will contact you.

Christchurch Kids Market:

Discover Herstory: Super Sleuth Quest:

These school holidays - step into history and uncover the inspiring stories of suffrage heroes in this interactive Super Sleuth Quest! This activity will introduce historical figures including the extraordinary suffragist leader, Kate Sheppard; Sir John Hall her suffrage;carpet knight; suffrage colleague Ada Wells and Kate's faithful friend, Alfred Saunders.

Dress up and explore the museum to find hidden clues then piece together the

stories of these trailblazing characters and their fight for equality and civil rights for all citizens. Each participant will come away as a Suffrage Super Sleuth!

Parents/Adults this activity is a children's event only. So, drop the kids off and enjoy a relaxing morning tea while you wait for $8.50.

Date: 17th, 18th, 24th, 27th April 2025

Time: 10:30am – 12:00 pm

Ticket: $5 per child (excluding booking fees)

Age: 7 – 12

https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/discover-herstory-super-sleuth-quest-tickets-

1288052823669?aff=schools

or for a shorter URL:

https://bit.ly/3QTLwSb

Shirley Boys’ High School Football Camp:

This is a fantastic opportunity to experience what the Shirley Boys’ High School Football Programme is all about.

Over two days, participants will train alongside our experienced Football & Futsal coaches, as well as Senior First XI players, who will support and guide them throughout the camp.

All proceeds will go towards helping our First XI team get to Nationals in August—so your participation directly supports our squad!

Facilities You'll Experience:

Football Fields

Futsal Courts

Hockey/Futsal Turf

If you’re keen to improve your game and see what Shirley Boys’ High School has to offer, sign up now and take your skills to the next level!

$60 for 1day or $100 for 2 days

Registrations close 4 April – get in quick limited numbers

Hockey:

Free Children's Book Launch Event

CHCH Boys High School Choir:

Does your son love to sing?

The Christchurch Boys' Choir is looking for new members. If your son is Year 8 or younger, we'd love to see you!

The Christchurch Boys' Choir has a 40 year history of excellence in the Christchurch arts community, and has partnered with such groups as the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

On Monday, March the 24th and March the 31st, at Heaton Intermediate Performing Arts Centre from 16:30 to 17:30, we will be holding open rehearsals, and immediately following we will hold short auditions for any boy interested in joining the choir. Please come prepared to sing the national anthem, or, if you would like to sing a piece of your choosing, please bring the sheet music to allow our accompanist to support you.

If you have any questions please feel free to message us on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ChristchurchBoysChoir.

We'd love to hear from you.

Register Now with Marist Hockey!

Join us this winter season at Marist Hockey!

Funsticks: Year 1 & 2
Ministicks: Year 3 & 4
Kiwisticks: Year 5 & 6
Kwiksticks: Year 7 & 8

Registrations are now open! Click the link below to sign up:

https://www.playhq.com/hockey-new-zealand/register/bd43a7

For any questions, feel free to email us at: maristhockeyjunior@gmail.com

Pre-loved Market Day:

The 'From Bellies, Babies to Tweens' market is on SUNDAY 23 MARCH from 9am-12noon at the Halswell RLFC, Halswell Rd.

A buy/sell new and pre-loved market for all families in the community where you'll find maternity, baby, kids and tweens items all in one place at affordable prices.

Looking to turn your baby and kids items into cash? Or looking to save a few $$ on all the best baby, kids and tweens brands?

This market is exactly where you can! Put the date in your diary, invite your friends and we will see you all there.

Follow on Facebook and Instagram or send an email to fbbtmarket@gmail.com

Dunes at Dawn - CCC Walking Festival:

For the Christchurch City Council Walking Festival we are doing a special Dunes at Dawn walk, Tuesday April 22nd. Meet by 6:30am at the Clocktower to head off along the dune track to the North Beach surf club and return via the beach to see the sun rise. Take photos and capture the first rays. You can buy a coffee from North Beach Coffee Shed if you wish. Suitable for all fitness levels as quite easy track but it is sandy not solid. Wear good shoes, bring own water.

Richmond Gala:

Pickelball - Eastern Community Hub:

Junior Fun Clinic:

Avon Hub - Football Drop In:

Hoops & Hangs:

HERO App:

As a requirement of attending Queenspark Te Hua Mānuka, ALL Families are required to have this app on their phones please.

This is your one stop shop for all Queenspark School information. As a parent /family of QPS it is our expectation that you have this information on your device. It will mean you won't miss out if we need to tell you important reminders and cancellations.

Download the app and then you can report an absentee, check calendar events, search newsletters, return permission slips, look at the school website etc all from this one app.

KINDO - Pay for all school activities from your own home!

Have you setup your KINDO account yet? It is easy and let's you pay your school account from anywhere!

Find My Tribe Club:

Studio 42 Performing Arts:

Needing extra academic help?

Some spaces still available at locally owned & operated Burwood Education Centre (www.nztutoring.org). We have been working alongside schools in assisting struggling Year 2 - 11 students in Maths / English / Reading / Spelling / Comprehension & Extension Tutoring over many years, resulting in greater student confidence and improving educational results.

Call Paul on 027-460-3765 for a free student assessment.

Parklands United Sports Club:

Parklands United Netball are a growing club offering anyone netball from 3 years upwards, encouraging boys & men to also join!

Christchurch Netball are creating new competitions this season for mixed netball and at Parklands United we invite anyone who is interested to reach out & join us.

Prior to competition netball we also offer Fun Ferns sessions every Friday from 3:30 - 4:30 in the Parklands Community Centre aged for any child 3-7yrs (incl Year 0,1 & 2). From Year 3 we support the local Friday night competitions at the Celebration Centre Aranui [Yr3/4] & Rawhiti Domain [Yr5/6] as well as the Saturday Age Group competitions in Hagley Park/Nga Puna Wai then Social & Competitive Netball for U18 and adults.

SURFKIDS

Childrens Surfing Programme.

Learn the skills of Surfing in a fun, safe environment. All equipment provided and professional instruction from Aaron Lock and team. For kids 8 - 14 years.

Sundays 10am to 12pm.

Cost $35 per day or $165 for five lessons. Bookings essential.

Venue: Sumner.

Call Aaron on 0800 80 SURF (7873) or book online atwww.surfcoach.co.nz/book

Luminaires Charitable Trust

Term 1 Workshops 2025

For ages 8+

St Alban’s Primary School Hall

Thursdays 13 February to 10 April

+ Showcase Saturday 12 April

Acting 4-5.15pm

Singing 5.30-6.30pm

$150 ($120 CSC)

15% discount if you sign up for both

Scholarships Available

Register at https://forms.gle/kZBjsyy4GSC65yDb8

Or email luminairescharitabletrust@gmail.com

Studio One Performing Arts:

FREE TRIAL CLASS for all new students for term 1 2025
We are currently giving Ballet (R.A.D.), Jazz and Contemporary (A.P.D.A) lessons in your area. The school’s director is teacher, choreographer & ex-ballet dancer Patricia Paul A.R.A.D. (London). Ballet lessons from 3 years through to Advanced, and all levels in Jazz starting from age 7, and Contemporary starting from age 11. For all enquiries and a FREE trial class please phone 0220 344 342 or email info@studioone.co.nz

Maths Buddy:

Action Sports:

Little Kickers:

QE2 Swim Club:

AFS - Looking for Host Families:

Welcome the world into your home and become a Global Family with AFS. AFS Intercultural Programmes is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation that provides exchange programmes and intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.

Hosting an AFS exchange student is your family’s chance to experience a new culture right here, in your own home. AFS friendships last a lifetime, expand your horizons and give you a new family member. We welcome all types of families and offer support throughout the hosting experience. Check out our website for more information and to see the students looking for host families for 2025: https://www.afs.org.nz/hostastudent/

Rhythmic Gymnastics:

"Does your child like music and dance? Then they will probably love rhythmic gymnastics! Delta Rhythmic Gymnastics has fantastic beginner classes 5 days a week with training venues in Bishopdale, Fendalton, Rolleston and Wigram/Halswell. Come along for a free trial class!

Email membership@delta.org.nz or check us out on facebook."

Piano /Keyboard Lessons for Children @ Queenspark School:

Ian and Jill Swansbury are established piano teachers at Queenspark School who, over three days each week, teach Ian's highly regarded music reading programme called Foundationz. While they currently have a full schedule of students, they anticipate there may be some openings for new students in term 4.

If you would like your child to be considered for future piano/keyboard lessons, please contact Ian at ianandjill.swansbury@gmail.com for further information.

Home Educators wanted:

Become a home educator and make a difference!

Coding:

To celebrate, Coding NZ is offering all NZ school students in years 5 to 13 a free online code learning session. These sessions are available every day after school this week at 4pm, 5pm, or 6pm.

In need of Financial assistance?

Skills based Art and Craft Classes for Children:

ENROLLING NOW:

Crafty Steps Studio (located near New Brighton Mall)

Saturday classes: Morning class 9.00 – 10.00

Mixed class: 10.30 – 11.30

Midday class: 12.00 – 1.00

Tuesday after school class: 4.00 – 5.00

Wednesday after school class: 4.00 – 5.00

Thursday after school class: 4.00 – 5.00

Welcome to Crafty Steps Studio. We offer skills-based Art and Craft classes for children aged 6 -12 years old. Step into a magical world where children learn traditional art and craft techniques to unlock their creativity. Come and join us – our first class is FREE!

For more information about our classes please visitwww.craftysteps.com or contact Lenka oncraftysteps@hotmail.com

Needing extra academic help?

Spaces available at locally owned & operated Burwood Education Centre (www.nztutoring.org). We have been working alongside schools in assisting struggling Year 2 - 11 students in Maths / English / Reading / Spelling / Comprehension & Extension Tutoring over many years, resulting in greater student confidence and improving educational results. Call Paul on 027-460-3765 for a free student assessment.

SMA Karate:

Discover the power of Shizoku Martial Arts, a family-friendly karate club in Christchurch and Woodend. From kids' Little Dragons classes to senior adults, we offer Kempo Karate to inspire your best self. Gain self-protection skills, get physically and mentally stronger, and have fun while making new friends. Join us for the perfect blend of family, fitness, and fun!

Shizoku Martial Arts

www.smakarate.co.nz

www.facebook.com/smakarate

Athletics:

What do Caleb Clark, Portia Woodman and Rieko Ioane all have in common? They all did athletics while they were at school.

The skills you learn in athletics are the perfect foundation for almost any sport. Our local athletics club is welcoming new members now. They provide everything that you need to give it a go.

To find out more contact your local club at athletics.org.nz/FindaClub

Sleep Clinic:

I am a Paediatric Sleep Consultant and wanted to let you know about the services that I offer. I am aware of the knock on effect that lack of sleep has on families, friends, teachers, schools and workplaces so want to support families with getting quality sleep for their children and therefore themselves.

My website is www.sleepharmony.co.nz

Clare Fahey

Paediatric Sleep Consultant

info@sleepharmony.co.nz

www.sleepharmony.co.nz

021655272

Scouts:

The North Beach Scouts Group are looking for new members! The Cubs and Keas meet on Wednesdays from 6.30 - 8pm at 74 Leaver Terrace.

Boys and girls welcome, come along and check us out or for more information, check out our Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/northbeachscouts or email northbeach@groups.scouts.nz

Boxing:

Boxing for Kids! — Image by: Rebecca Taylor

Studio One Dance:

Studio One Performing Arts, your local dance school, is currently giving Ballet (R.A.D.), Jazz and Contemporary (APDA) lessons in your area.

The school’s director is teacher, choreographer & ex-ballet dancer Patricia Paul A.R.A.D. (London). Ballet lessons from 3 years through to Advanced, and all levels in Jazz and Contemporary starting from age 7.

For all enquiries please phone 372-9191 or email info@studioone.co.nz

Burwood Scout Group:

Boost your Learning:

Does your child require further support, over and above what can be offered at school?

Would your child benefit from bespoke and nurturing learning sessions from a highly experienced teacher designed to accelerate learning and boost confidence? We would love to help. We are a team of dedicated teachers, specialising in English and Maths support, for primary, intermediate and college students.

Visit www.boostyourlearning.co.nz for more information or contact Jenny 021 223 3349 to book a free consultation.

Private Tuition — Image by: Rebecca Taylor

Marching Canterbury:

Don’t knock the sport of Marching, until you try it!

We cater for all ages 4yrs- 30yrs+ We are currently looking for more members to join our teams.

Marching encourages teamwork, discipline, and friendship. It’s great for coordination, posture and brain development. If you would like to see what we are all about and give it a go, get in touch with us at Publicitymarchingcanterbury@gmail.com or Kylie Dowers 021930434.

We have teams in all areas of Christchurch.

My Learning Journey:

Surf Skate:

My name is Nolan from Stoked Surf Skate School in Sumner.

Stoked Surf Skate School offers fun and safe surfing and skateboarding programs for schools in Canterbury and we don't have to check vaccine passports (as long as our groups stay under 50, which at the beach is easy to do).

The programs are held either in school grounds or at Sumner and Canterbury beaches. We would like to invite your children to join us in this amazing environment that we are so lucky to be surrounded by. We offer the following programs:

Surf School Programs

In School Skate School Programs (during co curricular time in school grounds)

Combined Surf and Skate School Programs

The programs focus on the needs of the young, modern student, to achieve awesome wellbeing outcomes through the freedom of skating and surfing. These are fun, exhilarating activities in a supportive non competitive environment outside of the classroom.

Last years programs were a success and also we were lucky enough to run an awesome ocean water safety program through surfing with the help of kiwi sport last summer, check out the link:
https://www.sportcanterbury.org.nz/newsarticle/78703?enewsid=17142
We have based our programs around the 5 pillars of wellbeing:

connecting
giving
taking notice
learning
being active

Study suggests it's better to teach children water safety in natural environments:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/408707/study-suggests-it-s-better-to-teach-children-water-safety-in-natural-environments?fbclid=IwAR27lVpM1qW2Km1AkQfMWmNYP-fY0-fhqtK-dLKTTgJpRrjVhgLzlSq1bjM
Our skate program called "Girls on the move" was recognised by Sport New Zealand.
Please email back if you would like a copy of our Rams and EAP and further information including the cost of our all-inclusive surf and skate programs. WE are TOTALLY flexible and open for ideas.

Nga Mihi Mahana,
Nolan and the Stoked Surf and Skate team 0212466526

Nolan & Donna

hello@stokedsurfschool.co.nz
Owner Operators
Stoked Surf Skate School
www.stokedsurfschool.co.nz

NEXT CHAPTER PARENTING

offering Individual, or group, PARENTING SESSIONS via Zoom.

Eight one hourly sessions, weekly at a time convenient to you, available
evenings.

Topics covered include Communication, Empathy, Setting Limits, Quality Time, Consequences, Choices, Redirection, Pick your battles with your child, Problem Behaviour, Praise vs Acknowledgement, Time In vs Time Out, The Pause, Erickson’s Stages of Growth, Personality Types and how it affects your children. WINZ funding assistance where eligible.

Website: www.nextchapterparenting.co.nz

Contact: brigid@nextchapterparenting.co.nz

Ezlunch:
Lunch Orders @ QPS:

Ezlunch orders are made online through your myKindo account. You can order lunch by simply going to www.mykindo.co.nz

Order anytime before cut-off or schedule in advance. Lunch will be delivered to school at lunchtime.

Click here to view the menu.

Find out more ezlunch.co.nz or mykindo.co.nz

KINDO - Online School Payments — Image by: Rebecca Taylor

Helen O'Grady Drama:

Helen O'Grady Drama — Image by: Rebecca Taylor

Inspire your child’s life with dance at Anna Lee School of Dance

Anna Lee School of Dance — Image by: Rebecca Taylor

Does your child love to dance? Enrol now for classes in a fun and supportive environment with caring, passionate and experienced teachers. Dance classes are tailored for pre-schoolers through to advanced students and all levels of commitment.

ALSD offers classes in ballet, jazz, hip hop and contemporary and prides itself in providing a very high standard of technical teaching and numerous performance opportunities. Classes are available near you in Papanui with enrolments being taken now! Classes also available in Halswell, Selwyn, Sumner & Ferrymead. Phone 354 6228 or email office@annaleeschoolofdance.co.nz

www.annaleeschoolofdance.co.nz

Selena

Selena Croft

Anna Lee School of Dance

116 Sawyers Arms Road

Northcote

Christchurch 8052

Ph 354 6228

Queenspark Te Hua Mānuka

End of Term News

In this issue

Calendar / Important dates

Newsletter

QPS Teacher Only Days in 2024

Community Notices: