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KingsWay School will celebrate its 40th anniversary next month, marking four decades since its establishment on the Hibiscus Coast in 1986.
What began in 1986 as the vision of renowned local artist Graham Braddock has grown into one of New Zealand’s largest integrated Christian schools. Starting with just 10 students meeting in the Red Beach Methodist manse, KingsWay School has flourished into a thriving community of more than 2100 students across two campuses, providing education from Years 1 to 13.
Over the past four decades, thousands of students have attended the school, with former students going on to work across a range of fields in New Zealand and overseas.
Principal Graeme Budler says the anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the school’s history and the people who have contributed to its development.
“Forty years is a significant milestone. We celebrate not only the growth of the school but, more importantly, God’s faithfulness through every season,” he says.
“We are deeply grateful to the founders who stepped out in faith, the staff who have served with dedication, the families who have entrusted us with their children, and the thousands of students whose lives have shaped the KingsWay story.”
The anniversary will be marked with a week of events for current and former students, staff, families and the wider school community.
The celebrations begin on Monday, September 7, with Foundation Day assemblies at the Middle and Junior Schools, alongside staff devotions reflecting on the school’s history.
Foundation Day is on Tuesday, September 8, and the college welcomes alumni, former parents and past teachers to attend. RSVP to office@kingsway.school.nz.
A Worship Night follows on Wednesday, September 9, with an 80s Non-uniform day on Friday, September 11. Celebrations finish on Saturday, September 12, with the Alumni Sports Challenge and Class of 2016 reunion.
