Connect Magazine - Term 1, 2023

New Developments and Modifications

New Junior School Pavilion

The construction of the new Primary Pavilion at Bonair Crescent has finally begun, with the recent moving of site buildings and temporary boundary fencing. Earth-moving machinery is now at work, contouring the land and flattening the area in preparation for the construction of the foundations. The commencement of this project has been eagerly anticipated, and the good weather will allow for the work to progress smoothly after the delays caused by our wet summer season. As construction continues, there will be much to see, during this exciting expansion of the school.

Breaking New Ground at the Junior Campus — Image by: KingsWay School

We plan for a 2024 opening of a purpose-built learning space catering for 350 five to six-year-old students. This significant project will support KingsWay’s ability to provide consistent Christ-centred education from preschool through to Year 13. Keep an eye on progress as you drive by over the coming months.

Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA)

The COLA has quickly become an everyday part of school life, a Covered Outdoor Learning Area that allows sport in the blazing sun or pouring rain. This asset was completed at the end of last year in a partnership between KingsWay School and the KingsWay Trust. We thank Shades Systems and TigerTurf for bringing this project to practical completion.

Senior students competing in the Top House event - Term 1 — Image by: KingsWay School

Our Special Character – the Christian Faith

KingsWay School is distinct from other state schools because it has government legislation which requires it to function with a "Special Character", specifically the Christian faith. The main purpose of the NZCPT, which holds the agreement with the Ministry of Education allowing KingsWay to operate, is to incorporate the Christian faith throughout the school. Dr Jacqui Lloyd is the NZCPT's coordinator who provides all staff at KingsWay with ongoing professional development and new teacher induction for Special Character. KingsWay Junior and Middle School teachers are trialling a new Biblical Studies curriculum this year. Many of our teachers have signed up for "Drama of Scripture", a professional learning programme designed to deepen their Biblical understanding.

A New CEO

Over the past year, Peter Wilding has been acting CEO of the KingsWay Trust and the NZ Christian Proprietors Trust while a search has gone on for a new CEO. Philip Mark Bradley (known as "Philip Mark") was appointed in December 2022 and began his role in January 2023. Philip Mark brings a rich set of skills and experience as a former New Zealand teacher, architectural graduate, successful business owner, entrepreneur and consultant to many schools in New Zealand and overseas. He has continued his passion for education, undertaking a Master of Social and Community Leadership degree focusing on community engagement and governance in the education sector. Philip Mark has served on the boards of Epsom Girls Grammar School and the Excel School of Performing Arts. He is a passionate follower of Jesus, and his faith's outworking is relevant to all he does.

Philip Mark Bradley - Chief Executive Officer New Zealand Christian Proprietors Trust — Image by: KingsWay School