Prospectus and Application Pack “Your Education is Your Life, Guard it well” King Solomon Kingsview_Prospectus_2013_FA.indd 1 19/03/13 2:29 PM Welcome It is my joy to introduce you to the learning community of KingsView School. Situated at the base of the Remarkables mountains in Queenstown, New Zealand, it is our belief that every child is truly remarkable and that an education at KingsView School is a step to a remarkable life. KingsView School is committed to excellence in education, providing a first rate general education in core curriculum subjects with the view that all children should graduate from primary school with robust skills in literacy and numeracy. We simultaneously provide rich learning opportunities in specialist curriculum areas. In an age often obsessed with external appearances, we share the conviction that our world needs young men and women of virtue, courage and strength. Character education is nestled within the heart of our school. In an age often transfixed with the ”here and now”, we are committed to nurturing strong learning habits and encouraging perseverance, curiosity, enjoyment, wonder and awe and creativity. I am convinced that God has gifted every child with a treasure trove of gifts and talents just waiting to be uncovered and explored. I am convinced that learning is something to be treasured and enjoyed. I am excited at partnering with you in investing in your child’s life, that their gifts and talents may be developed to the full. Rebekah Key Principal 2 Kingsview_Prospectus_2013_FA.indd 2 19/03/13 2:29 PM About Our School KingsView School is an inter-denominational state integrated Christian school operating from Year 1 to Year 8. It is a Decile 7 school, currently leasing premises in Yewlett Crescent, Frankton. Plans are under way to develop a new site some time in the next two-three years. History KingsView began life in 1996 as Southern Lakes Christian School. It was established as a private school by the Christian School Association of Queenstown building on the vision of the Wielemaker and Sizemore families and began with 8 pupils from five families in the home of a school parent but soon outgrew this. It then rented premises in the Presbyterian Church of Queenstown situated on Stanley Street in the Queenstown CBD. This lease expired at the end of 2006, and the current premises have been leased since 2007. The school operates a full primary structure (Years 0–8) with two full-time teachers. The school has achieved considerable success in local area initiatives including spelling competitions, arts festivals, concerts, inter-school sports and swimming competitions, community clean-up days and voluntary help initiatives with locals. The pupils also help the Salvation Army with fundraising activities and the school has regularly featured among the top per-student dollar raised for World Vision. Application was first made to integrate the school into the state education system in 2006, and we rejoice that in 2010 our application has finally been approved by the Minister of Education. With integration, the school’s name has been changed to ‘KingsView’ to reflect both the heavenly King we serve and the beautiful part of His creation we are blessed to be located in. Board of Trustees Strategic Plan Strategic Objective 1 To grow the roll to 100 pupils, focussing particularly on new entrants. Strategic Objective 2 To establish the school on a new site, apply for a change of class and maximum roll increase beyond 100 pupils. Strategic Objective 3 80% of all pupils will be reading and writing at or above the National Standard. Strategic Objective 4 100% of all pupils will make at least one year’s progress in the numeracy project progressions. 3 Kingsview_Prospectus_2013_FA.indd 3 19/03/13 2:30 PM School Description Integration & Governance KingsView School in Queenstown became a state-integrated Christian school in 2010. We are non-denominational, and seek to receive support from all Christian churches from within our area, who support our Statement of Belief. The school is governed by a parent-elected Board of Trustees. Its proprietor (responsible for Special Character, land, buildings and capital development) is the New Zealand Christian Proprietor Trust (the NZCPT). The NZCPT provides its support to the school through the Christian Schools Association of Queenstown (CSAQ). Teaching Staff Each class is very well resourced. We will have a teaching principal, a full time teacher, a part time teacher and a teacher aide. The children will receive plenty of individualised teaching care, and the varying ages and year levels in each class are well differentiated and catered for. As well as this, the younger pupils gain role-model support from the older ones, and the older pupils learn care and consideration for the younger. Location We make excellent use of our Yewlett Crescent site, and use some public facilities for the children’s benefit. The school leadership are actively and continually working on improving our facilities, with major refurbishment occurring over the summer to create four classrooms and related facilities. 4 Kingsview_Prospectus_2013_FA.indd 4 19/03/13 2:30 PM Our Christian Family KingsView is a family oriented school, with small class sizes and maximum involvement between the child’s home, the school and the community. As in a good home, the school aims for a friendly and happy atmosphere with firm and consistent discipline. Parents are encouraged to become familiar with the school vision, aims, curriculum and policies, so that together we can work in unity to achieve the highest outcome for our children. Family Involvement We believe that a school functions best where parents are given the opportunity to be a part of the total programme, involved in any area where they feel they can offer assistance. Parents are invited to be involved at a number of levels and during the year the school invites parents to contribute and participate in areas such as: a. Parent Meetings each term. b. Assemblies (Fridays). c. Celebrations and social events. d. Prayer – the need for prayer is vital and we ask for your continual prayer for the school; the leadership and the children. Each morning teachers gather for focused prayer for the school and its families. Parents and friends of the school are invited to join the school prayer meeting. Days to be advised. e. Parent-help in the classroom. f. Education Outside the Classroom – day trips and camps. Discipline Parents will be involved early in any discipline issues. Any disciplinary action will be decided on in alignment with our discipline procedure and also on an individual basis, with teachers working with the parents and child(ren) to attain a positive outcome. Please express any queries or concerns regarding discipline, to the teacher or Principal directly. 5 Kingsview_Prospectus_2013_FA.indd 5 19/03/13 2:30 PM Our Curriculum At KingsView, the New Zealand National Curriculum is delivered reflecting a Christian worldview, and pupils are given an understanding of Christian faith and its application to all of life. The Christian perspective pervades all subject areas, and all issues involving relationships, morality, justice, values and discipline. The principles of Christian living are imparted to the children by example as much as by spoken word. The curriculum fulfils the requirements of the Ministry of Education but also seeks to achieve a uniqueness and breadth of coverage that prepares the child(ren) to live as Christians in the modern world. At KingsView School, we aim to provide clear instruction in foundational skills and knowledge while also extending children in their gifted areas. The philosophy driving the curriculum recognises the distinctive learning styles and giftedness of children. With the merger of home and school it is a priority to guide the pupils’ talents and giftedness into disciplined habits of life-long learning and service. The curriculum is strong in relevance, research, relationship (mentoring) and reflection. Devotions and Service in the Community Daily devotionals, Bible study and Scripture memorisation lay a foundation for the application of God’s Word to each area of life and study. The school is involved in the community and takes every opportunity to serve others. Language Development of literacy skills is a major emphasis throughout the child’s early years. It is seen as a key to academic success across the curriculum in later years. The skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and presenting, are taught to a standard of accuracy and precision. Emphasis is placed on accuracy in spelling, good penmanship in handwriting, and fluency and sound communication skills in written and oral language. Knowledge of the conventions of grammar is seen as important in both the study of English and for the study of other languages. A phonics reading programme is used, combined with the best elements of reading and literacy programmes. Opportunity is given for the Year 4–8 children to participate in regional, national and international competitions. 6 Kingsview_Prospectus_2013_FA.indd 6 19/03/13 2:30 PM Mathematics There is a heavy emphasis on knowledge of basic facts, including multiplication tables. Pupils will be taught all of the mathematical strands (number, measurement, geometry, algebra, and statistics), using mathematical processes (eg. problem solving, logical/ systematic thinking, presentation), at age and curriculum appropriate levels. Opportunity is given for the Year 4–8 children to participate in national competitions. Unit Studies Science, Social Studies, Health and Technology are the core subjects for Unit Studies, and are studied in turn. In these studies, objectives for other subjects such as The Arts, are included when thematically relevant. Physical Education The New Zealand Curriculum emphasis on physical activity is reflected at KingsView School by daily fitness programmes and weekly Sport and Physical Education classes. A wide variety of skills and techniques are covered, including swimming, small and large ball skills and running. Education Outside the Classroom Every year, the staff plans an exciting time of Education Outside the Classroom – EOTC Week. This takes the form of either a camp or daily activities and excursions. This is always a highlight for the year. The Arts: Dance, Drama, Visual Art, Music Dance, Drama, Visual Art and Music are studied as part of the curriculum and in co-curricular activities such as involvement in local events. Extra-curricula involvement in learning the Arts (eg. Music lessons) is encouraged and supported by teaching staff. Computer Skills/Information Technology (IT) There are computers in each classroom which are used for publishing and learning support. IT skills are recognised as an essential skill for this current age, and when effectively used, can hugely benefit pupil learning. 77 Kingsview_Prospectus_2013_FA.indd 7 19/03/13 2:31 PM Pupil Evaluation and Reporting to Parents Evaluation Pupils will be evaluated in a variety of ways to assess their performance and competence. We recognise that children’s gifts differ in kind, in purpose, in results and in measure. Children come with differing gifts, largely undeveloped, many undiscovered. It is the school’s task, assisted by parental insights into the child to enable pupils to discover, develop and deploy their gifts. If there are differing gifts (Romans 12:6) there must be varied offerings in Christian education, designed to discover and develop all of them. The school Board of Trustees will have at least one curriculum focus every year in which samples of pupils work and other assessments, will be gathered, analysed and evaluated for curriculum and delivery review, so that any pupil needs can be addressed. The academic programme will endeavour to nurture and exalt the differences God has made and to design reporting systems accordingly. Reporting Reporting to parents will take a variety of forms; both formally and informally, and parents are encouraged to maintain regular contact with the class teacher. Parents will be kept informed of programme objectives, content and ways in which to assist in the education process. The learning programme will invite parent participation and involvement to reinforce and enrich the in-class programme. Parents will receive written reports in the middle and at the end of each year, with two parent/teacher interviews during the year. The School Day School Uniform 8:30am Arrive at school 8:45am –10:30am Morning programme For the most part, the new KingsView uniform is stocked by Postie Plus. The school has details of the uniform available with samples. 10:30am –10.50am Morning interval Transportation 10.50am –12.30pm Mid-morning programme 12.30pm –1.15pm Lunch break 1.15pm –2.50pm Afternoon session KingsView pupils are able to catch Ministry of Education school buses, where an existing route is close between their house and another school. As this may not be convenient, parents are encouraged to car-pool where practical. Families who live some distance from school, and who do not have an existing school bus run close to their house, can apply to receive transport assistance from the Ministry of Education. Parents who would like information on transport assistance or an update on the school bus service should speak to the Principal. School concludes at 2.50pm Dental Health Once a year each child will have a compulsory check. Organisation for this will be facilitated through the school administration. 8 Kingsview_Prospectus_2013_FA.indd 8 19/03/13 2:31 PM Stationery Parents will be notified of pupil stationery requirements, to be either purchased from their choice of stationers, or through the school (when offered). For durability, exercise books need to be suitably covered. Homework The homework your child is given is an important part of their education. It is also one of the ways parents can become aware of, and involved in, what happens at school. All homework set is reviewing or practicing what has been taught at school. We hope, therefore, that you will enjoy sharing with your child this aspect of their learning. Please check children’s homework book each night, supervise the homework set and sign the notebook when work is completed. The work set should normally be completed in 15–20 minutes in Years 1–5, 30–40 minutes in Years 6–8. On occasions, extra time may be needed to complete a special task and children with remedial needs may need to do more on a regular basis. School Fees The philosophy of the New Zealand Christian Proprietor Trust is to embrace the desire that no child be exempt for financial reasons. Thus we have made every endeavour to keep the costs low. Assistance with pupil fees may be available through a scholarship. Please enquire if necessary. The fee structure is made up of two components: Integrated School Attendance Dues (per Child) Paid to the New Zealand Christian Proprietors Trust (NZCPT) $900 compulsory Attendance Dues (used by the NZCPT [our Proprietor] to meet property costs as these are not funded by the Ministry of Education for integrated schools). Voluntary Donation (Per Child) $900 Voluntary Donation (used by the NZCPT to supply other activities not funded by the government. One third of this can be claimed back in tax). Total amount to be paid per pupil, per year: $1,800.00 (Net $1,500 after tax refund) Class materials (stationery etc) and other activity fees (camps etc) are extra. Details required for payment of fees are available at the school. 9 Kingsview_Prospectus_2013_FA.indd 9 19/03/13 2:31 PM Integration and What this Means What is a State Integrated School? It is a school which began life as an independent (private) school. The ‘owner-operators’ of the school entered into partnership with the Crown so that the school, while now part of the state-funded public education system, has a defined ‘Special Character’ which distinguishes it from other schools in the state system. The government funds teacher’s salaries and operational costs. It does not provide funding for capital works. Under Integration we have an agreement with the New Zealand Government to provide education for children from practising Christian families. We are required to ensure 90% of our pupils come from families that fit this criterion and who support our Statement of Belief. The school, in the agreement, is described as having a special Christian character. This gives us the right to teach our curriculum through a Biblical worldview, employ staff who are Christians, and have a culture and life that is whole-heartedly Christian within our school. In fact, we are obligated under this agreement with the Government to ensure that our Special Character is evident, and permeating all aspects of school life. Under Integration we are committed to fulfilling the same educational administration standards as state schools, by following the National Education Guidelines and the National Administration Guidelines, and reporting our progress annually to the Ministry of Education. The school will be reviewed as per the state schools through the Education Review Office. Governance at KingsView School Proprietor – the proprietor of the new state-integrated KingsView School is the New Zealand Christian Proprietor Trust. Its role is to act as guardian of the Special Character and work with the Land Trust to ensure modern learning environments are provided. Land Trust – The Christian Schools Association of Queenstown (CSAQ) is a land trust which leases the school property from a private owner. The CSAQ services the property needs and acts as a local vision carrier for the Special Character of KingsView. Board of Trustees – Day to day operations, as in state schools, are governed by a Board of Trustees. A temporary Board of Trustees is established by the Ministry of Education to manage the change from a private school to an integrated school. After this establishment board has done its work, a full board is set up via parent elections and appointments from the land trust and proprietor. The Board consists of: • parent elected representatives – up to 5. • proprietor representatives – up to 4 o up to 3 nominated by the land trust (CSAQ) oone nominated by the NZ Christian Proprietor Trust hile functioning in every way as any other trustee on W the board, the special interest of proprietor representatives is to protect, maintain and enhance the Special Character of the school. ERO – An Integrated school is subject to Government review through the Education Review Office in the same way as any other state school. 10 Kingsview_Prospectus_2013_FA.indd 10 19/03/13 2:31 PM 11 Kingsview_Prospectus_2013_FA.indd 11 19/03/13 2:31 PM Contact Details: Address: 14 Yewlett Crescent, Frankton, Queenstown Wakatipu 9300 Kingsview_Prospectus_2013_FA.indd 12 Phone: 03 451 1444 Email: office@kingsview.school.nz Website: www.kingsview.school.nz 19/03/13 2:31 PM