A Note from Graeme Budler, Executive Principal

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Today’s announcement that all regions of New Zealand remain at Alert Level 4 comes as no surprise. I will provide greater clarity early next week regarding the status of significant KingsWay School calendar events.

Meanwhile, I want to reassure students and parents that the school’s management remains responsive to the challenges caused by the disruption of lockdown. We cannot assume that it is business as usual. When students return to in-person school learning, the management will adjust routines to make up for lost knowledge and assessments, especially in subjects with an overarching practical component. We have also cancelled the Teacher Only Day for 30 August to allow more time for teachers to engage with their students.

I also want to encourage students to continue to make the most of online learning. Use this time wisely to avoid being overwhelmed when you return. Also, use the time to encourage and assist your peers in their understanding, faith and life in general.

I hope that everyone has a great weekend, albeit it may be without your friends and wider whanau.

Kia kaha,

Graeme Budler
Executive Principal

Well-being During Lockdown

The weekend provides an opportunity for us all to go off-the-grid. While using technology in lockdown has many benefits, there is also a need to take a break to maintain wellbeing. Think about how you and the people in your bubble can unplug. Unplugging from technology is like a reboot for your brain because it

• cuts out noise (notification overload, bad news cycle etc.) so reducing stress and anxiety.

• Creates space to reconnect with simple pleasures (e.g. reading a book, playing a board game, prayer etc.).

• It helps you appreciate the good in the here and now.

• It allows for deeper connections with the people around you.

• It helps you reconnect with healthy habits like exercise and a good night’s sleep.

Primary School Notices

No new updates for the Primary School.

Middle School Notices

Thank you for your encouragement and communication over this season.

During Distance Learning our non-homeroom teachers work to help cover classes. This is how we work together as a team. In the instance that a teacher is absent, their classes are still taught. This can be either by another teacher taking the lesson or the class joining another teacher’s lesson. This is all carefully planned out.

Year 9 Option selection for current Year 8 students

Our Year 8 students will be able to choose their Year 9 Option subjects next week. This is an opportunity for you to have a conversation about what interests your child. This is not a high stakes decision and does not determine their Senior School NCEA pathway. See here for all information on Year 9 Option Subjects 2022 and the process for making selections.

Senior School Notices

Thank you for your partnership with us at this time. We realise it is a challenge balancing online learning and your work situations. As noted previously, please get in touch with Form Class teachers in the first instance for any issues. We are praying that you would have a blessed weekend.