A Note from Graeme Budler, Executive Principal
Dear KingsWay Community,
I know that the events of last week and today's announcement will be disappointing for many in the community, especially our Senior School students. I want to offer my sincere sympathies as you again experience the loss of significant events from the calendar. However, we now know that the chances of hosting large gatherings in Term 3 appear unlikely.
The following events have been affected:
School Sport NZ has cancelled Tournament Week. School Sport NZ will review the viability of future events in due course;
The Aladdin Jnr production is postponed until a later date in Term 4. We aim to do our best to showcase this event in 2021 if Alert Levels allow. Booked patrons will receive an email shortly;
KingsWay's 35th Anniversary celebrations and associated alumni reunions are postponed until 2022. Most of these events include bookings, travel, and large gatherings, requiring advance notice to participants. We will still honour this important KingsWay date as per our custom, albeit not in person.
Experience has taught us that accessing digital platforms for extended times causes stress and fatigue. The management has scheduled a mid-week technology break on Wednesday afternoons to allow staff, students and parents a rest. From 1 pm on Wednesday, there is an online communication moratorium. This practice will not impact teaching sessions. Please use this time to spend quality time with your family or prepare for the rest of the week. You are still welcome to contact me if there is an emergency.
I trust that you continue to seek to find things in your life to express gratitude. I try and practice the discipline of replacing complaining with prayer and whinging with appreciation. This habit does not always come naturally, but we serve a powerful enabling God, so not impossible.
God bless,
Graeme Budler
Executive Principal
Well-being During Lockdown
Join us at 7.30 pm on Thursday 26 August for a live 'Wellbeing Special' broadcast. Hosted by Cherie Wallace (Head of Counselling) and Chris Martin (AP Hauora/Wellbeing), the Wellbeing Special is a chance for you to understand your wellbeing through a Christian lens and ask questions of our expert panel. Our panel includes:
Cherie Wallace (Head of Counselling)
Su Fenwick (Counsellor – Primary Years)
Vanessa Gateman (Kahui Ako and Director at the 'You Are' Charitable Trust)
Primary School Notices
Teachers (Y1-5) are currently planning and creating Home Learning packs for another four weeks. In the meantime, please work through your current learning packs as directed by the teacher. The new Home Learning packs will only be ready for distribution/pick up at the end of next week. We will communicate further details to you once they are confirmed.
Please remember Graeme Budler's words that 'near enough, is good enough' and do not stress if your child cannot complete everything the teacher has set for the day. Just do what you can manage. Short, focussed learning sessions with primary-aged children achieve the best outcomes for everyone.
Please note that swimming lessons for Year 5 and Year 6 students will not go ahead this term unless we are in Level 2. We will endeavour to re-schedule them in Term 4, if necessary.
The ESOL Information meeting scheduled for 25 August is postponed, and a new invitation will be sent out once a date is set.
Middle School Notices
Our planned events for the remainder of Term 3, unfortunately, need to be postponed. Teachers will be working on securing new dates in Term 4. Please be assured that we will adjust the Activity Costs and be in communication about this if we cancel any activities. These events include:
Year 7 Mind Lab/MOTAT trip
Year 8 Tree Adventures
Year 9 Outdoor Pursuits Bouldering Trip
Year 9 Sports Studies Snow Planet Trip
Year 9-13 Dance Festival
A reminder for Year 8 parents that the Year 9 Option Subject selection closes on Monday, 30 August.
Perhaps the learning that we can support our young people with is keeping healthy daily routines and how to go to God when we struggle so that we can experience the peace of the Lord.
Senior School Notices
We realise that the sudden onset of this lockdown has already bought many cancellations and postponements for Senior Students. Please know that as staff, students and their families are in our prayers at this challenging time.
Regarding academic programmes, teachers and Heads of Faculty will be reviewing the different upcoming assessments and looking at potential adjustments if needed.
Last year has taught us to be flexible as a school, and we are well prepared to make changes to courses to ensure an overall minimal impact on teaching and learning.