ECS Update Term 2, Week 8 – Thursday 19th June 2025

ECS Update Term 2, Week 8 – Thursday 19th June 2025

Kia ora Parents and Caregivers,

Blessings,
Ngā mihi nui,
ECS Team

This newsletter contains information on the following:

• Important Dates
• Matariki Holiday
• ICAS Assessments
• Strategic Plan 2026-2028
• Christchurch Schools Music Festival – Congratulations!
• Swimming Lessons Year 1-6

Important Dates

Friday 20th June – Matariki Holiday

Friday 27th June – Last day of Term 2

Monday 14th July – First day of Term 3

First two weeks of Term – Swimming Lessons Year 1 – 6

(The School Calendar including 2025 Term dates can be found here)

Matariki Holiday

A reminder that tomorrow (Friday 20th) is a public holiday for Matariki.  School will be closed.

ICAS Assessments

As we have in the past we will be offering the opportunity for students to sit the ICAS assessments in English, Science and Mathematics.  Thse are available for students in Years 3-10 and are designed as a chance for students to enter a competition style assessment.  These are computer based assessments and the students will be supervised at school to complete these. 

Please be aware these are not part of our regular school assessment programme  and do have a cost associated with them.  The 2025 cost is $22.50 per subject for each student.

To register for these assessment you can place an order at: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/parent-payment/KSW584

If you need to enter a code it is KSW584

We will hold the assessment on these dates, while we will try it is possible that there will be no catch up times available if students are away.

English: Tuesday 12 August

Science: Tuesday 19th August

Mathematics: Monday 25th August

Orders must be placed by 28th July 2025

More information can be found at: https://www.icasassessments.com/products-icas/

Strategic Plan 2026-2028

Blessings

ECS School Board

Christchurch Schools Music Festival – Congratulations!

Swimming Lessons Year 1 – 6

In the first two weeks of Term 3 the Year 1 – 6 students will have their swimming programme at the Graham Condon Recreation Centre, with the use of the swimming instructors trained in teaching water skills, safety skills and swimming. 

When students arrive at school next term they will need to have their named swimming gear in a seperate bag with them. Please ensure this (and their uniform) is well named (including socks and shoes). If Year 1 – 6 students would find it easier they may wear their PE uniform for the first 2 weeks of term as this is often easier for getting changed at the pool. 

Each child will need a big strong waterproof bag to store their swimming togs, towel, and comb. We recommend students wear googles and some may prefer to use a cap as well. Many parents find the zip up supermarket bags are idea for carrying wet swimming gear.

Students are travelling in class groups by bus.  If students are late and miss the bus they will not be able to swim.  Parents are most welcome to come watch their children make progress in their swimming lessons.
The swimming timetable is below.
Please note, we cannot confirm the times for Y3/4 or Y5/6 as they may be rearranged after testing on the first Monday.

9.30-9.55 – Year 5/6

10.00-10.25 – Year 5/6 and K2

10.30-10.55 – H1 and H2

11.15-11.45 – K1 and Year 3/4

11.45-12.15 – Year 3/4

For more information on what the lessons will cover please see the flyers below.