Dear KingsWay Community,

Kia ora koutou katoa.

Once again, thank you for your patience in navigating this challenging start to the year. I was hoping for a quieter start to 2023, but I am grateful for some certainty for now.

As we start the year, I want to remind everyone of the reason for KingsWay’s establishment: “To be a Christian community of learningthat nurtures young people towards their full potential as servant leaders in the kingdom of God.” We exist to produce servant leaders that impact the kingdom of God. How we get, there is through Christian community. What we do is Christian education. I have recently started questioning the whole concept of community, or more specifically, what constitutes an authentic Christian community.

Operating as a Christian community to achieve a purpose is not always easy. Still, the Bible does not provide alternatives for Christians committed to bringing about God’s purposes. The word ‘community’ has many positive and negative connotations. Henri Nouwen argues, “community can make us think of a safe togetherness, shared meals, common goals and joyful celebrations. It can also call forth images of sectarian exclusivity, in-group language, self-satisfied isolation and romantic naïveté”.

To work in parent partnership and Christian Community does not mean that we will always agree, never get upset or that students, parents and staff grow angelic wings when they enter the front gates. This belief is shrouded in romantic naivety and holds little resemblance to the reality of the challenges faced in living in an authentic community. Operating as a true Christian community can be messy but is always laced with grace, forgiveness and an ongoing commitment to address complex challenges restoratively. KingsWay leadership look forward and commits to resolving issues quickly, listening to feedback, dealing with issues decisively and exercising faith, hope and love.

Congratulations to our teachers and Senior School students on producing exceptional NCEA results again. We will share these with the community soon. I encourage parents to attend any of the many events we host at KingsWay School, and I look forward to meeting you in person. I also urge you to continue praying for those in our community facing challenges with Auckland’s recent events while starting the new academic year. 

Regards,

Ngā mihi nui and God bless,

Graeme Büdler
Executive Principal