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ECS Update Term 4, Week 10 – Friday 12th December 2025
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Kia ora e te whānau,
As we draw the 2025 school year to a close, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for the way our community has journeyed together over these past months. This final week is always a time of looking back with gratitude and looking forward with hope in Christ.
It was a joy to gather for our Prizegiving and celebrate the effort, character, service, and growth of our students. Moments like these remind us again of God’s faithfulness to us as a school, sustaining, guiding, and shaping our community throughout the year.
As we finish the year, we also acknowledge those who are leaving Emmanuel. In particular, we want to honour Mr Abel Robb, who concludes his time on staff. Abel has served our school with dedication, warmth, and a genuine desire to see students flourish. We are grateful for the many ways he has contributed to Emmanuel Christian School, and we pray God’s richest blessing over him as he and his family move to Cambodia in the new year.
To our students and families who are moving on, thank you for being part of our Emmanuel whānau. Whether your next steps take you to a new school, a new city, or new opportunities, may you go knowing that Christ goes before you, and that you always remain part of our story.
As we approach Christmas, we return again to the centre of our hope: Jesus, the Light of the world. In His birth we see God’s love made visible, Emmanuel, God with us. My prayer is that this good news fills your homes with peace, joy, and gratitude over the weeks ahead. Even in the busyness of the season, may we pause to marvel at the gift of Christ, who brings life and light to all who receive Him.
Thank you for your support, prayer, and partnership throughout 2025. It remains a privilege to serve this community.
Ngā mahi nui
Alistair McKinnon
Principal
Emmanuel Christian School
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This newsletter contains information on the following:
- Important dates
- Thank you from the Emmanuel Proprietors Trust
- Congratulations to our Year 3 & 4 Basketball teams
- Congratulations to our Year 5 & 6 Cricket team
- Emmanuel Board Update – Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- ECS Music News 2025 and Music Opportunities 2026
- School Accounts due 12 December 2025
- Funds raised for Sponsored Child
- Fundraising Committee thanks and update
- Year 7 & 8 Market day thanks
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Friday 12th December – Last day of Term 4, 12pm finish
Wednesday 28th January – First day of school 2026
(The School Calendar including 2026 Term dates can be found here)
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Thank you from the Emmanuel Proprietors Trust
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Please find attached a thank you from the Emmanuel Proprietors Trust
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Congratulations to our two year 3 & 4 basketball teams who both had great seasons this term!
Year 3 & 4 basketball is back in Term 1 so look out for the notice early in the year!
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Congratulations to our Year 5 & 6 Cricket team
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Congratulations to our year 5 & 6s that went to the first North West Zone Cricket Tournament! They had a great day.
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Emmanuel Board Update – Te Tiriti o Waitangi
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The Emmanuel Christian School Board would like to offer clarity to our school community regarding recent changes to the Education and Training Act (2020), which have removed provisions related to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
We have included a statement from the Board which provides our response and reflection on these changes. It is our prayer that this provides understanding and reassurance as we continue to serve our community faithfully in Christ’s name. You should have also received this by Email earlier in the week.
As we come to the end of 2025, the Board also wishes to express heartfelt thanks for your ongoing support, partnership, and commitment to the life of our school. May the hope and joy of Jesus Christ be with you and your whānau this Christmas season.
Regards
Emmanuel Christian School Board
The Emmanuel Christian School Board would like to provide clarity to the school community following recent changes to the Education and Training Act (2020), which removed provisions related to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
At Emmanuel Christian School, our identity is grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We understand Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a covenant calling us into a relationship of respect, partnership, and shared responsibility. Our commitment rests on our belief that God calls us to walk in unity, humility, and love (Ephesians 4:2–3).
From a biblical perspective, covenantal relationships require faithfulness, mutual responsibility, and honouring all people as bearers of God’s image (Genesis 1:27). We are committed to Emmanuel Christian School as a learning environment where cultural understanding grows and where our students and whānau continue to experience mana, belonging, and respect. We celebrate the richness of every culture, including the unique place of Māori as tangata whenua.
Upholding Te Tiriti reflects our desire as Christians to show Christ’s heart for justice, reconciliation, and the flourishing of all people (Micah 6:8). As your School Board we are committed to Emmanuel Christian School continuing to honour and give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi within the context of the school’s special character, as stated in the school’s deed of integration.
Kia rite tā koutou haere ki tā ngā tamariki o te mārama – Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8)
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ECS Music News 2025 and Music Opportunities 2026
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The ECS Music News for 2025 is attached below. It’s wonderful to read about the many different opportunities students had to participate in music during the year in 2025 and to learn about upcoming opportunities in 2026.
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School Accounts due 12 December 2025
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This is a gentle reminder regarding any outstanding balances on your school accounts. We kindly request that you ensure these payments are made by the end of term (12th of December 2025).
We understand that circumstances can sometimes make it challenging to meet financial obligations promptly. If you are facing any difficulties or need to discuss payment arrangements, please feel free to contact Louise at the school office or Mr McKinnon.
If you have already settled your account, please disregard this message. If not, we encourage you to do so at your earliest convenience.
We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and your continued support.
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Funds raised for Sponsored Child
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Thank you for your support of our Christmas Dress Up day raising funds for our World Vision Sponsored Child. We raised $276.20 and it was a lot of fun seeing everyone dressed up.
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Fundraising Committee thanks and update
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As a fundraising team we wanted to thank you for your support in the fundraisers throughout the year. We couldn’t do it without you all! From sausage sizzles, to exercise groups and secondhand pop-up shops, each dollar has helped and we will have visible reward next year with the beginning of the new playground, woo hoo!!
We want to say a huge thank you to Michelle Posthuma as she finishes her time as an Emmanuel parent. You have tirelessly been a part of running the fundraising around here, and at times solo. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!
As we look forward to 2026, if any of you have any bright ideas for next year’s fundraising, we would love to hear them so feel free to get in touch!
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Year 7 & 8 Market Day thanks
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Thank you for all the support on Market Day in week 8. The students raised a total of $1290 and all of this was donated to Tear Fund ‘Gift for Life’.
We received an email of thanks from Tear Fund.
“Your donation has truly blessed, empowered and encouraged families living in vulnerable communities by helping their projects thrive with practical gifts. We are delighted that you share this vision with us, and we want to acknowledge the significant impact your generous gifts will have on the families and communities across our global community that need it most.
Thank you once again for your generosity!
Have a blessed and joyful Christmas!”
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