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ECS Update Term 1, Week 4 – Friday 20th February 2025
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Kia ora e te whānau,
It was a real joy to finish last week with our full-school tabloid sports afternoon. There was such a positive buzz as students were placed in teams across year levels; cheering one another on, encouraging effort, and sharing plenty of laughter along the way. It was wonderful to see so many parents able to join us on the sidelines, and we give thanks to God for His kind provision of a warm, dry afternoon that allowed the event to be enjoyed to the full.
At the same time, we remain mindful of others around the country who are currently dealing with the ongoing effects of flooding. As a school community, we continue to hold them in our prayers, asking that God would bring help, comfort, and restoration in places of loss and disruption.
This week also marks the celebration of Lunar New Year for many within our community. We give thanks for the richness of culture and family traditions this represents, and we are reminded that all seasons and new beginnings ultimately come from the Lord. As Scripture reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). Our prayer is that this season would be one of hope, peace, and blessing as we continue to learn and grow together under God’s faithful care.
As we come to the end of this week, we are also mindful that Sunday marks 15 years since the Christchurch earthquakes. Over that time, much has changed. New buildings have risen, a new stadium is soon to open, and perhaps even a few roads have been repaired (though I remain less certain on that last point).
What remains true, however, is that at 12:51pm fifteen years ago, our city was forever changed. One hundred and eighty-five lives were lost, and many more were profoundly impacted. This is a day to remember, and also a day to look forward with hope, as the city many of us call home continues to rebuild.
As we look out our windows today, we are reminded once again that we have so much to be thankful for. God’s love and faithfulness remain steadfast. We serve a good God.
Ngā mihi nui,
Alistair McKinnon
Principal
Emmanuel Christian School
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This Email contains information about:
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- Important Dates
- Parent Teacher Interviews – all year levels
- Bright Yellow Caregiver and Medical Details Update Sheet
- Vacancy at Emmanuel Christian School
- Ezlunch Orders
- Scholastic Book Club Orders
- School Fundraiser details
- Lunar New Year
- School Board Structure Consulation
- School Counsellors Introduction
- Vacancy at Middleton Grange School
- Vacancy at Aidanfield Christian School
- Caring for Children Who Join your Family Seminar
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Monday 23rd February – Year 5-10 Swimming Sports
5th and 10th March – Parent Teacher Meetings
Thursday 2nd April – Last Day of Term 1
Monday 20th April – First Day of Term
(The School Calendar including 2026 Term dates can be found here)
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Parent Teacher Interviews – all year levels
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On Thursday 5th March and Tuesday 10th March we have an opportunity for you as parents and caregivers to make a time to meet with your child(ren)’s homeroom teacher to discuss how the year as started.
Times are available from just after 3pm until 7pm on each day. These can be booked online by following this link: Interview Booking Link
If this link does not work for you then please go to schoolinterviews.co.nz and select ‘make a booking’. You will need to enter the event code: 5fk6v
Booking will be open until 5pm on Wednesday 4th March and open again from Friday 6th March until 5pm Monday 9th March.
We would encourage you to take this opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher.
Meetings will occur in their regular classroom space. Please be aware for students in Harakeke 1 interviews are only available on Tuesday 10th February, if this time does not work, and you would like to meet with Mrs Luka and Mrs Bell please contact them to arrange an alternative opportunity.
Thanks
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Bright Yellow Caregiver and Medical Details Update Sheet
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Your child should have brought home a bright yellow sheet. Please check that all details are correct and return back to us with any changes or updates. If there are no changes to be made the form must still be returned to the Office.
Thank you.
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Vacancy at Emmanuel Christian School
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Teacher Aide Position
This is fixed term position until the end of the 2026 school year. Hours will be between 14-17 hours per week to be negotiated with the successful applicant during term time. The current need is for Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and all day on Thursdays and Fridays.
The key tasks will include a combination of:
- Supporting students with identified needs (under the direction of the class teacher)
- Supporting class teachers in meeting the needs of students within our Year 1-6 Primary School
- Providing extra supervision during the morning tea break in the playground. (If this is required an alternative morning tea break will be provided for the teacher aide)
If you or someone you know may be interested more information can be found at: https://www.emmanuelchristian.school.nz/vacancies/
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From Term 1, 2026 our school will be using Ezlunch, part of the Kindo platform, for all online lunch orders.
Ezlunch offers a simple, mobile-friendly way for families to order fresh, tasty lunches from the same local providers you already know and love (Sushi Factory on Wednesdays, Subway on Thursdays).
The ordering process is quick, payments are secure, and delivery to school is reliable and easy.
Parents can order using the Kindo app (iPhone and Android) and choose from a range of convenient payment options including card, bank transfer, Google Pay, Apple Pay and more. The system also includes helpful allergen alerts and automated reminders, so no one misses out on lunch day.
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Scholastic Book Club Orders
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Closing date : Friday 27th February, 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.
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School Fundraiser with Pasta Vera
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Check out our latest fundraiser campaign with Pasta Vera below:
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Funds are going towards the addition and expansion of the school playground.
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Please share with friends and family to support ECS in our fundraising efforts!
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Payment must be made via bank transfer – bank account details on the website for references.
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Orders close on Tuesday, 10th March.
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Orders must be collected on 20th March during school hours 12pm – 2.45pm.
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School Board Structure Consulation
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The Emmanuel Christian School Board is reviewing our current constitution to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our school and remain responsive to our Year 1–10 context.
Following discussions with our Ministry of Education Senior Advisor, the Board is proposing adjustments to the Board’s structure and our approach to student representation.
As part of this process, we are seeking feedback from the School Community. Please read the update eMailed earlier today and complete a short survey. It’s important that your views are heard and considered. Please complete the questionaire before Wednesday 25th February.
Board Structure Feedback Questionaire
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This notice is to introduce our school counsellors. Please the the attachments below for more info.
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Vacancy at Middleton Grange School
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Careers Assistant and Gateway Coordinator
· Part time, permanent Support Staff Vacancy
· Commencing Monday 20 April 2026 or earlier by negotiation
· 25 hours per week
· Term Time only
· No Teacher Only Days, unless at discretion of your Line Manager
· Some flexibility may be required
· Covered by the most recent Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement
· Closing date for applications 9am, 2nd March 2026
The successful applicant will have excellent organisational and time-management skills and be able to take initiative. Digital skills are essential as well as a full drivers license.
If you are interested in applying for this position more information is available at: https://www.middleton.school.nz/employment/
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Vacancy at Aidenfield Christian School
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Admin Support School Office
- Location: 2 Nash Road, Aidanfield, Christchurch
- Permanent part-time, 20 hours per week -term time only.
- Hours shall be 9.00am – 12.30 Monday to Thursday and 9.00am – 3.00pm Friday.
- There may the opportunity for extra hours from time to time.
- Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement conditions apply
- Wage range: Support Staff in Schools Collective, Administration Matrix Grade 4, Step depending on experience.
- Closing of applications: Monday 2 March, 2026.
Supporting the Principal’s PA, this role requires someone with excellent administration skills and the ability to switch between tasks and think on their feet in a lively school office environment where there is little quiet time to focus exclusively on a single task. The main functions involve both computer based admin and face to face interaction with our pupils, parents (current and prospective) and staff.
This is an opportunity for an individual who is highly efficient and personable, is motivated and has demonstrated a service mentality through previous roles. The ability and willingness to openly express Christian faith in a supportive environment is desirable. A willingness to support the special Christian character of the school is required.
If you are interested in applying for this position more information is available at: http://www.aidanfield.school.nz/
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Seminar Overview Based on the work of Dr. Gordon Neufeld, this workshop explores relationship and developmental considerations when parenting or caring for children who have come to your family through adoption, fostering, or marriage. Even with the best intentions, many parents and caregivers find themselves uncertain when caring for children whose lives involve multiple homes or caregivers. We will explore the dynamics of step, foster, and adoptive family relationships, and discuss useful insights for adults looking to deliver the care these children need—and why children sometimes struggle to receive it. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of attachment, the challenges of separation and reattachment, and practical strategies to help children adapt and thrive in complex family situations. The seminar offers actionable insights to support children’s wellbeing and relationship-building.
For more information, costs, and registrations please click here or email Neufeldaotearoa@gmail.com. EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION UNITL 14 FEBRUARY
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