ECS Update Term 4, Week 3 – Friday 24th October 2025

ECS Update Term 4, Week 3 – Friday 24th October 2025

Kia ora e te whānau,

It was wonderful to see so many of you at our Athletics Sports on Wednesday. This day is always a highlight in our school calendar, bringing together students, staff, and families to celebrate success, participation, perseverance, and teamwork.

As I watched our students cheering one another on, offering encouragement, and giving their very best, I was reminded of this whakataukī:

“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.”
Success is not the work of an individual, but the work of many.

This truth sits right at the heart of our Emmanuel community. We flourish when we serve, support, and stand alongside one another. Scripture paints this same picture when Paul describes the Body of Christ, many parts, each unique, yet working together for the good of all (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). None of us runs the race alone.

Athletics Day gives us a glimpse of this in action: students pushing through challenges, celebrating others’ success, and showing character on and off the track. It is a day where we see our values lived out, and we are reminded of the blessing it is to belong to a loving, connected community.

As we head into the long Labour Weekend, I pray you enjoy some rest, connection, and refreshment with your whānau. May it be a chance to pause, give thanks, and return strengthened for the weeks ahead.

Ngā manaakitanga,
Alistair McKinnon
Tumuaki | Principal

This newsletter contains information on the following:

• Important Dates
• Labour Day – Monday 27th October 
• Nuiean Language Week
• Scholastic Book Club
• Delta Rhythmic Gymnastics

Important Dates

Monday 27 October – Labour Day Holiday

Friday 14th November – Canterbury Show Day Holiday

Monday 17th November – Teacher Only Day

Wednesday 10th December – Final Assembly (Prizegiving) – at La Vida

Friday 12th December – Last day of Term 4

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

Labour Day – Monday 27th October

Just a reminder that Monday is a public holiday.  Enjoy the long weekend and we’ll see you on Tuesday.

Niuean Language Week 2025

Fakaalofa lahi atu!

This week we are celebrating Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue – Niue Language Week. As part of our celebrations, we had the privilege of hearing our Niuean ākonga (students) share about their culture at Junior Assembly. It was beautiful to listen to them recite the Lord’s Prayer in Niuean — their confidence and pride shone brightly.

This special moment was made even more meaningful by the presence of our Niuean whānau, who joined us for the occasion. A heartfelt thank you to our Niuean whānau for celebrating with us and for your ongoing support of our tamariki.

Scholastic Book Club

Closing date : Friday 24 October 2025, 6pm

If you didn’t receive a brochure we have some at the Office and they are also available online on LOOP.

If you would like to order any of the books, this can be done online on LOOP.  For your first time you will need to register in order to make a Book Club LOOP login. 
We cannot take orders/payment via the Office so please order online. 
Instructions are on the back of the brochure.  
Once orders close, they will be sent to school and will come home with your child. On all orders the school earns 15% in scholastic rewards which benefits our school library.

Emmanuel Christian School does not endorse all material that is available for purchase from Scholastic Book Club.  Please use your discernment when selecting reading material for your child.

Delta Rhythmic Gymnastics