Year 1 Newsletter
Week 1, Term 1
Kia ora koutou Whānau,
Welcome to 2023!
To those families we have already met, we are excited to see you back after the holidays and cannot wait to hear all the exciting stories from your children.
To those families who are new to KingsWay, we give you our warmest welcome and cannot wait to get to know you and your child more as this year progresses.
Having the privilege to help them settle into school life and watch them learn and grow, has always been one of our greatest rewards. We are looking forward to having an exciting year ahead with this cohort of students.
Key Information
- Please see a copy of our Start of School letter attached at the bottom of this newsletter. Click on this link to view our 2023 Primary Orientation Booklet. These have key information regarding school life on the Junior Campus.
- We would also appreciate it if you could complete this Getting To Know Your Child Form 2023 at your earliest convenience.
- Below is a list of items that your child is asked to bring on the first day of school (Tuesday 7th February):
- Drink bottle
- Lunchbox
- Brain food and Morning Tea
- School bag
- All their stationery and books (clearly labelled) - if received
- If your child has yet to receive their stationery order, please don't stress and kindly let their class teacher know.
- If you need to purchase items like the Beginner’s Bible, the blue library bag or a clear homework bag, you can purchase these from the school’s office upon returning to school.
- Hats - Terms 1 and 4 are our hat-compulsory terms. Your child may keep their hat at school for convenience.
Please note that our studio has a nut-free policy.
For any absences, please inform the school by emailing absences@kingsway.school.nz or submitting an absence using the School app
Library Day
Please remind your child to bring in their library bag or any issued books on their library days:
- Tuesday: (Mrs Haley's, Mrs Hetrick's and Mrs Brown's classes)
- Friday: (Ms Lin's class)
Show and Tell - Thursday 9th February (All About Me)
All students are encouraged to bring in an item to share with their classes on Thursday 9th February. This item will need to tell their peers something about them or their families. For example, a precious toy given by a family member, or a cultural item that represents their family heritage. Show and Tell is our weekly highlight and it gives the students an opportunity to share and listen actively to one another.
Meet the Year 1 and the Composite Year 1 and 2 Kaiako (teachers):
1/2 LLI - Year 1 and 2 Sea Star Patangaroa Class/ Year 0-1 HOLA
Kia ora tatou. My name is Lisa Lin and I am originally from Taiwan. I was a trained Early Childhood educator for several years before I began my Primary teaching journey at KingsWay school in 2019. I am a mother of two. The thing I love most about my role is; seeing our students grow in discipleship and fellowship, and develop their faith and love towards Jesus Christ. My favourite verse from the Bible is from Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I also have a passion for music, badminton and languages.I am looking forward to meeting you all and having a great year together! Nga mihi nui.
1AHA - Year 1 Pot-bellied Kiore Moana Class - Mrs Amanda Haley
My name is Amanda Haley and I have been teaching at Kingsway school for four years. I am passionate about my work and love teaching the Year 1s. In my spare time I enjoy quality moments with my family and dog.
1FBR - Year 1 Orca Whales Kakahi Class - Mrs Fiona Brown
Hi, I’m Fiona Brown. It’s my joy and great delight to be a part of the KingsWay whanau. I’ve lived on the Hibiscus Coast for 8 years now, after a time of 6 years overseas. Before that we were in West Auckland and Christchurch. I’m a grower of boys – with three boys of my own and a Japanese homestay student with us this year. I love seeing the ‘ah hah’ moments in your children’s eyes and consider it a huge privilege to be able to talk to them about my friend, Jesus.
1AHE - Year 1 Lion's Mane Jellyfish Tepetepe Class - Mrs Anna Hetrick
Kia ora, I have been teaching since 2006 and have loved learning about the incredible diversity in God’s character through the children I have worked with. I mostly have an Early Childhood background but have worked at KingsWay School for the last 3 years. I am blessed to have my own three children who also attend KingsWay. My daughter is in Year 11 this year, and my boys are Year 8 and Year 3. When I’m not at school I enjoy riding my bike, gardening, or spending time with family. Another hobby I enjoy is teaching myself the ukulele and learning new languages. It is essential for children to have a strong sense of belonging at school, so I love it when my students speak in their own language, and I am able to respond. I look forward to getting to know my class community this year and pray for each student to have the absolute best start to their school journey!
A sneak peek of our learning foci for Term 1:
- Biblical Worldview Focus: I please God when I manage myself well and treat others with respect and kindness.
- Maori Whakatauki: Ahakoa he iti he pounamu, Despite being small, you are of great value
- Topic Studies: Early New Zealand and History
- Reading: Little Learner Loves Literacy
- Phonics: Initial Letter Sounds and VC/CVC
- Writing: Recount and Letter writing
- Oral Language: Show and Tell / Self-introduction
- Numeracy: Number Knowledge and Strategy, Graphs and Transformation
- Art: Self-portraits and Koru Art
Year 1 Supporting Your Child's Learning
The Ministry of Education has produced material with information and tips on getting involved in your child's reading, writing and mathematics learning. Please find the pamphlets attached as PDFs at the bottom of the newsletter.
Home Learning:
Homework will begin in Week 3.
Memory Verse for Term 1 Week 2: Genesis 1:1
In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth.
Thank you for your support and understanding. Kia manaaki atua koutou (May God bless you all)