A Note from Graeme Budler, Executive Principal
Dear KingsWay Community,
The recent flooding in West Auckland reminded me of how a community can rally when faced with adversity. When I chat with my colleagues at other schools, I am proud of the KingsWay Christian community and how we do crisis management. I am amazed how groups, for example, the PTA, show initiative with programs that promote love and care. I am proud of our staff and teachers who look for opportunities to walk the extra mile, even when students refuse to put their screens on.
Strangely challenging times like these allow us to experience blessings that we would not share if not for discomfort. Let me explain. If we never felt fear, we could never experience God’s reassurance and comfort. If we never had a need, we would never know God’s provision. If we never saw people without, we could not demonstrate generosity. None of us enjoys pain, discomfort and testing. However, God uses these trials to refine and grow us to become more like himself.
We also have the promises of God such as:
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10).
Would you please continue to reach out if you have a need and avail yourself of those in our community who are doing it tough?
God bless,
Graeme Budler
Executive Principal
Whole School Notices
Talent Quest - For those students that had entered or were
considering entering the 2021 KingsWay Talent Quest, we have some
disappointing news. Unfortunately, due to the extended lockdown, we have
had to officially cancel the event for this year. In the interest of
looking after students during exam season, we have decided not to
postpone it to Term 4.
Kia kaha and stay safe,
Mrs Trebilco
Primary School Notices
The new Home Learning packs have been sent out to families. Please be patient as they may take a couple of days to reach every home.
Middle School Notices
Class Zooms - Just a reminder that when students are in their class sessions that other members of the family, parents or siblings are not able to contribute. The sessions are the same as though we were onsite with it being the class and the teacher only. If you would like to talk to the teacher you are very welcome to email and ask for a time to have a conversation.
Vaccines - We are finding in some of the classes that students would like to debate about the COVID 19 vaccine and present their views. We encourage engagement in real-life topics and debates and would be able to look at various perspectives in class. Due to not being in person and the level of feeling for some, we would appreciate this topic to be a family one and not one that is raised in class time or through the chat functions.
Senior School Notices
Changes to NCEA for 2021
Because being in COVID-19 lockdown has affected learning and assessment, changes have been made to NCEA, NZ Scholarship and University Entrance. These changes help give students a fair opportunity to gain the qualification they are aiming for.
These changes will take effect if your school is in Alert Level 3 or 4 for a total of 20 or more school days this year.
What does this mean for students?
The more credits you achieve the more you are entitled to.
For every 5 credits you achieve through internal or external assessment, you are entitled to 1 extra credit. These extra credits are called Learning Recognition Credits (LRCs)
- Up to 10 of your LRC’s earned this year can be used towards the 80 you need for NCEA Level 1.
- Up to 8 LRC’s earned this year can be used towards the 60 you need at Level 2 and Level 3.
Endorsements are still achievable.
To get a certificate endorsement you will need 46 credits at Merit or Excellence level, instead of the usual 50.
To get a course endorsement you will need 12 credits at Achieved or Merit or Excellence level in a course, rather than 14. You still need to achieve at least 3 credits in externals and 3 in internals.
Your LRCs don’t come with Merit or Excellence, so they can’t count towards an endorsement.
University Entrance has been adjusted.
For 2021 the UE requirements have been adjusted from 14 down to 12 credits in three UE-approved subjects. You still need to have NCEA Level 3 and the usual literacy and numeracy standards.
You’ve got more time to study.
Most portfolio due dates and exams for NCEA and Scholarship have been moved later, to give more time for students to learn and prepare.
What do I (the students) need to do?
Keep working to make sure that you achieve as many standards as you can. Your teachers will help you to track your progress.
You don’t need to do anything else to get your LRCs. NZQA will do the calculations before you get your results.
Make sure that you know when your portfolios are due, and double check the new exam timetable.
If you need any more information, talk to your Dean or Mrs Wilding: principalsnominee@kingsway.school.nz KingsWay’s Principal’s Nominee or ring NZQA on 0800 697 296.