From The Principal
Kingsley has made another step forward in growth this year, with 200 students now on campus, and almost 60 students studying via distance education. This growth is occurring in the midst of a significant building project, meaning that parents have had to be very patient with our traffic arrangements, and students have had to be innovative with the temporary loss of play space. Students and staff alike are excited to see the new developments, and are very much looking forward to the completion of the buildings.
Apart from the current building project, Kingsley is ‘under construction’ in the larger strategic sense, with developments taking place at the Board level, school leadership level, teachers, administration, and the learning programs we deliver:
- The Board is in the midst of developing a strategic plan for 2025 to 2030.
- I have been working to develop a leadership team that will be able to share the load that Jacqui Toohey and I carry, developing a leadership structure that will carry the school forward.
- Allison Stewart is rising into the role of Business Manager at the school, taking on responsibilities that have previously been outsourced.
- Karen Sanderson is leading an initiative to lift literacy and numeracy outcomes with students in Years 1 to 4. She is working collaboratively with Jordan Fisher and Louise Waters, using the latest research from the Science of Reading an approach called Multi-Sensory Language (MSL), engaging as many senses as possible in the process of learning.
- Kingsley has had a significant addition to staff this year, with both Gulpreet Fletcher and Sophia Turner joining us from NZ. We also have a number of new teacher aides joining our team while they are studying to be a teacher: Jennifer Masters, Tiana Christie, Josie Galea. We are excited to be part of their journey and development.
- Work has been underway in activating students as leaders. In particular, Miss Crossley has been working with Year 11 and 12 students to use their influence in the school in a positive way. Leadership is encouraged in all year levels through Home Room meetings and the opportunity for students to initiate projects, activities, and school improvement.
NAPLAN 2024
Well done to all students completing NAPLAN for 2024. Students applied themselves well during the tests, and we look forward to seeing the results.
Kingsley App
It has been great to see the positive response to the new Kingsley App, now with 200 downloads. In using the App, parents are encouraged to check in on a weekly basis to look out for any updates. For urgent or important announcements, we’ll use a push notification to let you know that a new notice is there. This will be used sparingly though, so you don’t feel like you’re getting spammed.
Swimming Carnival
There was a significant change in our arrangements for the Swimming Carnival this year, with it being broken into two days by age. While we will miss being together on the one day, the new arrangement allows us to use the large seating and shade structure for the second day. For that age group, the venue is vastly superior to what we have done previously and was greatly appreciated by all. The Swimming Awards will be presented at Assembly on Monday 22 April. Please be aware that our Athletics Carnival will spread over two days, not by age, but by events, separating track and field. Please see the App for dates and further updates as they are provided.
Brooks Gibbs Virtual Visit
We have received positive feedback from students regarding the virtual visit of Dr Brooks Gibbs, one of America’s foremost speakers on the topic of bullying. Students felt empowered by what he shared, to not let people’s words get us upset, be friendly to those who have acted in a hurtful manner, and develop emotional resilience. Teachers have been provided with a range of resources to follow up on these messages over the year.
Maintaining Freedom for Christian Schools
In recent times there have been moves in both State and Federal levels of Government to restrict the freedom that Christian Schools currently enjoy. Associated Christian Schools has been doing tremendous work on our behalf, engaging with politicians at all levels. To be aware of what is going on, and how you can play a part, please visit MyChristianSchool.
We value your partnership in your child’s learning. It is through working together that desired outcomes will be achieved. I am grateful for Term 1, and looking forward to working with you further in Term 2.
Warm regards,
Michael Appleton
Principal
