Dear KingsWay Community,

Welcome back. I trust you had a relaxing break. I realise that many parents and students are anxious about the recent incidence of Omicron in the community. However, we have done this before, and we will do it again. I am eager to start the year positively and refresh the expectations for learning now that we have had time to adjust to living with COVID.

Overseas evidence shows that Omicron is initially quite disruptive as it moves through the community before things settle down. Please be patient as we navigate several changes to the program and school life.

I have included some general school-related information about Omicron, followed by school-specific material. Please read this carefully and discuss this information with your child before returning. I encourage everyone to embrace the values we have set, particularly the need for caution without fear.

I am super eager and excited to start the year and to welcome everyone back. Please direct any Omicron related concerns or suggestions my way. We continue to pray for excellent outcomes and collectively outwork the school's mission statement for the benefit of the students and to the glory of God.

God bless,

Graeme Büdler
Executive Principal

Key Omicron Messages for 2022

We need to adjust to living with Covid and transition to providing quality education despite the challenge of Omicron. The leadership want to reframe our response with the following covid messages and principles:

1. We demonstrate caution without fear

KingsWay adheres to the Ministry of Health and Education's protocols but is aware that there is scope to interpret these directives. We do not want KingsWay to be reckless or straight-jacketed by fear. We aim to use common sense to keep our staff and students safe but are committed to ensuring life and learning continue. Wherever legal and possible, we are committed to continuing with the program.

2. We provide responsive decision making and clear communication

When making decisions, we do not always have 100% information but cannot be stymied by indecision. We will communicate decisively and clearly but reserve the right to flex when the latest information is presented. We will communicate transparently, clearly, and promptly.

3. We provide agile, high-quality education

The principle of near enough is good enough has passed its use-by date. We must adjust to the new normal, providing quality education for all learners. We aim to be agile in making programme changes to ensure student engagement, progress and achievement.

4. We are a connected, compassionate, and supportive Christian community.

We will step in and act, supporting one another. We will connect in person and online with purpose and meaning. We will promote an environment of confidence and stability in times of crisis. We uphold the individual's responsibility to maintain personal well-being and maintain a culture of care and support within the school community.

Ten Underlying Omicron Principles

1. The expectation is that all staff and students attend learning on-site wherever possible. However, we will continue to support distance learning for those impacted by COVID.
2. We will not close the whole school unless directed by the Ministry of Education. If too many teachers are away to operate safely, we will move the affected part of the school online.
3. Members of the community who are sick or close contacts must stay home to comply with the Ministry of Health's requirements and be sent home if symptomatic. While isolating, staff and students are expected to connect with distance learning when well enough to do so.
4. We are committed to providing learning opportunities outside of the classroom. All students can participate in these events, regardless of their vaccination status. Exceptions to this are opportunities provided by external agencies such as College Sport and agencies associated with the Senior School Gateway programme. All parents who volunteer to supervise school trips or events must provide a vaccination pass.
5. We discourage non-essential visits by members of the community, including parents. Exceptions include medical emergencies, settling new entrant and Year 1 children, or with permission from the Head of School.
6. We will endeavour to include the community by using digital platforms to share and host events that promote parent partnership, such as parent-teacher interviews and meetings.
7. The Executive Principal will update parents in the eventuality of any Omicron cases in the KingsWay community. He will protect the identity of individuals in keeping with privacy laws.
8. We will update KingsWay's COVID plan when required, but thoroughly review this document once a term and communicate this to the community. The Executive Principal will update the community twice a week on a Tuesday and Friday unless deemed necessary to do this more frequently.
9. We continue to operate KingsWay's internal COVID health and safety protocols. READ HERE
10. We patiently care for and support each other.

Status of Whole School Events for Term 1 Parents

• Mihi Whakatau: This event will continue with restrictions on 14 February. The welcome to new students and staff will be recorded and shared with the community after the event.
• Full School Parent Meeting on 3 March – 7pm. We will host this event online, including a meet the teacher component.
• PTA New Parent Welcome on 3 March – 6.30-7pm. We will host this event online.
• Grandparents Day is postponed.
• Staff Only Days – Our staff days will continue as advertised
• Easter Assembly. We are organising an alternative activity that does not involve gathering a large group.
• Parent-Teacher Interviews will continue as usual online.

Please click on the following links for specific information pertaining each school:

Primary Specific Information

Middle School Specific Information

Junior Secondary Specific Information

Senior School Specific Information