Dear Parents,

A lot has changed in the last two weeks and as you will already be aware, we have had to make a number of changes to programs and events. The verse below is a good reminder at this time that our Hope comes from who God is and the fact that he lives in us. During these uncertain times, we have the ability to pass on this hope to others.

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27)

Even though we’ve had to make changes, there have been a number of great events and trips taking place, including….

Rock Climbing

Last week the Year 12 Outdoor Education class travelled to Wharepapa South in the Waikato for a 3-day intensive Rock Climbing camp. The camp was part of the Level 2 course Rock focus for Term one. Staying at the local primary school campground, and with the quality instruction by Adventure Specialties Trust, the students undertook a wide range of climbs on some spectacular natural rock faces. From lower grade climbs to some challenging overhangs, abseiling and camping, the students had an amazing time taking their skills and knowledge to the next level, and it was a great time of connection and adventure. It truly is an amazing landscape and fantastic place to experience rock climbing.

Year 12 Geography Trip

Last week the Year 12 Geography class had a three-day field trip to Tongariro National Park south of Taupo. The purpose of the trip was to walk the Tongariro Crossing (one of NZ's Great walks) and to learn about the Tongariro environment which is the context for the external. We travelled on Monday in wet conditions, and so we were praying that we could get the weather we needed the next day to complete the walk.

Our prayers were answered, and God gave us a window of opportunity to complete the walk. Walking up the mountain was a challenge for the students, but their attitude and desire to complete the walk was impressive. We passed through many beautiful landscapes as shown in the photos and this gave students valuable insight into this mountainous environment. After the walk, we headed to Tokannu hot pools for a well-deserved dip.

Many thanks to the significant contribution of Ruth Stevenson who helped make the trip possible. The Year 12 Geography class was an excellent group to take away. We look forward to taking another Kingsway Geography class next year to this special and unique environment.

Changes due to Covid-19

As per earlier communication via the website:

Friday 20 March: this will be a half-day for students. This is so teachers can prepare for scenarios where they may have to teach remotely. Students will either depart at the start of lunch or remain in the library until the buses depart as usual at 3:15 pm.

From 5:30 pm until 6 pm on Friday, most Form Teachers will be contacting students from home to run a simulation of an online class. Other classes will arrange to do this at a mutually agreed time. It is important that students make themselves available at this time. This is because we want to identify and troubleshoot any issues beforehand, in case we have to make changes within the next few weeks. (Following this simulation, students will be asked to complete an online form that will allow us to make appropriate changes).

As noted previously, if the school should have to close, the class teacher or Head of Faculty will email you information, such as:

• Ways to access online platforms to allow for a continuing program e.g. via Zoom.
• How students can access course information through Teams and OneNote.
• A guide for structuring learning throughout the day.
• Links to online learning programmes and apps e.g. Education Perfect, Mathletics.

Classrooms:

• We are requiring teachers to spray surfaces that are touched often at the end of each school day and be encouraging students to use hand sanitiser during the day
• Also, a reminder that if your student is unwell that it is best to keep them home so that any sickness does not spread around the community.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Due to the uncertainty created by the spread of coronavirus, we have decided to postpone our face to face parent conferences this year to a later date. This date has not been decided on as yet and will depend on how events unfold in the coming month or so. However, teachers will still be available to speak to some parents over the phone.

Teachers will be flagging students for whom a conversation with parents needs to happen as a priority and if that is your son or daughter you will receive a communication via email by Friday 20th March. After that, you will receive login details to make a booking through the PTO system. The booking times will be for 10minutes and will still be on April 2nd as originally arranged, except they will be from 2pm until 6pm. We are recommending that these be through zoom or skype.

School Ball

Again, due to uncertainty around future events in public, we have made a decision to limit the KingsWay school ball to current KingsWay students only. While we recognize that this will be disappointing for many, it is important to be responsive to the changing circumstances related to Covid-19.

EOTC/ Trips:

A number of trips will be cancelled/and or adjusted. These include the Year 13 Geography trip to Rotorua and the Level 3 Physics trip to Rainbows End. Teachers will be in contact regarding any other trips that will not be going ahead and will look at changing the context for the relevant assessment.

Walkway near Silverdale Primary

Please remind students that they must keep to the left on the walkways by the buses and over the bridge. There has been a number of concerns coming from Silverdale Primary about students who walk with their ear phones in and are not taking notice of younger students or bikes trying to get past them.

In relation to this, a reminder to not use the turning bay out the back of school near Silverdale Primary to drop students off. This interferes with buses and creates unnecessary hazards for primary school students.

Entry Requirements

This year, students who have less than 85% attendance rates will be restricted from being involved in a number of school activities, unless there are legitimate extenuating circumstances.

Attendance Student Restrictions

• Less than 85% no Tournament Week
• Less than 85% no Graduation
• Less than 85% no School Ball
• Dispensation for extenuating circumstances

Tick Tock

Over the last several weeks, we have become aware that a number of students are making tick-tock videos, sometimes during school hours. The use of this app is very wide-spread and it would be worthwhile reading about it if you are not aware of what it is:

https://www.familyzone.com/anz/families/blog/one-mums-journey-through-tiktok

Vaping

Vaping is illegal for people under the age of 18. From the school’s point of view, there is no difference between vaping and smoking on school grounds. Any students caught doing so will go through the same disciplinary process.

Year 13 Students to the shops

As far as we are aware, no parents have ‘opted-out’ of the opportunity for Year 13 students to visit the shops.