|
|
ECS Update Term 3, Week 7 – Friday 4th September 2026
|
|
|
Kia ora Parents, Caregivers and Whānau,
What an extraordinary week of joy, talent, and vibrant community we have just experienced! Psalm 100 reminds us to “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth,” and our school has certainly done just that. From music echoing across the region to eloquent voices inspiring us in as they delivered speeches, we have so much to celebrate and give glory to God for.
Earlier this week, 75 of our students joined 1,400 peers from 50 schools for the magnificent Strum, Strike, Blow concert, filling the Wolfbrook Arena with music and energy. Back on the school site, our Middle School Senior Speech finals showcased exceptional depth, confidence, and character, made even more special by the wonderful turnout of parents and whānau cheering our speakers on.
We were also blessed with a fantastic display of perseverance and sportsmanship at our school duathlon. On a warm, but windy Friday, it was pure joy to watch our students brave the elements, encouraging one another and working brilliantly in teams.
To top off a phenomenal week, we learned that our orchestra was awarded a Silver award for their performance at the Aurora Festival!
None of these rich experiences happen by chance. Behind every moment is a team of devoted staff who give tirelessly of their time and hearts:
- Tom Littlejohn for his fantastic organisation of the school duathlon, creating a wonderful day of active fun and teamwork.
- Mark Dowers and Janine McKenzie for their brilliant guidance and mentorship during the speech competition.
- Tracey Carter and Naomi Langford for leading our large Strum, Strike, Blow contingent with such enthusiasm.
A very special acknowledgement must go to Mrs. Naomi Langford for her monumental heart and work with our orchestra. From painstakingly finding, re-writing, and transposing music so every child (from the youngest to our most senior), could participate, to printing individual practice booklets, providing afternoon teas, arranging sectionals (and holiday hot chip and pizza lunches!), sourcing missing instruments, borrowing blazers, and staying late to listen and encourage, her boundless patience and devotion embody true servant leadership. As 1 Peter 4:10 encourages us to use whatever gifts we have received to serve others, Mrs. Langford and our dedicated staff model this daily, inspiring our students to give their absolute best.
We give all praise and glory to God for His rich blessings upon our school community, our faithful staff, supportive and involved parents, and our courageous, talented children.
Ngā mihi nui,
Alistair McKinnon
Principal
Emmanuel Christian School
|
|
|
This email contains information about:
|
|
|
- Important Dates
- Te kupu o te wiki – Word of the week
- 2027 intentions
- Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser
- Car Parking at school
- KiwiSchools Connect App – Update
- Tonga Language Week
- Message from Librarian
- Yrs 9 & 10 Economics Business Enterprise notice
- Public Health Nurse notice
- Ezlunch orders
- Hot Chocolate Stand
- Rolleston Christian School Spring Fair
|
|
|
Thursday 10 Septmeber: Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser
Tuesday 15 September: Yr 9 & 10 Economics Food Market
Wednesday 9 December: End of Year School Prizegiving
(The School Calendar including 2026 Term dates can be found here)
|
Te kupu o te wiki – Word of the week
|
This week’s te reo Māori word/phrase of the week.
We would encourage you to try to use these at home.
This weeks word/phrase is: Kia āta haere – Take your time
|
|
|
As we look ahead to the end of 2026, we know that some families will be moving on from Emmanuel Christian School for various reasons.
If your child will not be returning to Emmanuel next year, please notify the school office as soon as possible if you haven’t already. While we are always sad to see students leave, having this information early helps us plan for the upcoming year and offer places to prospective families.
Note: Families of graduating Year 10 students do not need to contact us, as we have already accounted for these departures.
Thank you to those who have already informed us. We appreciate your assistance and support.
|
Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser
|
|
|
The Fundraising Committee will be holding a Sausage Sizzle Lunch on Thursday, 10 September 2026.
Prices:
-
Sausage sizzle – $2.50
-
Ice block – $1.00
-
Cookie – $1.50
Orders will be delivered directly to classrooms in time for lunch. Tomato sauce will be added by the teacher if requested by the student.
Please place your order online via the following link or by downloading the MyKindo App: https://shop.kindo.co.nz/app/login
All orders must be submitted by 3:30pm on Monday, 7 September 2026.
Please ensure your child’s classroom number is entered correctly to guarantee delivery to the correct room.
Please note that payment cannot be made at the school office. All orders must be placed through Kindo.
Thank you for your support.
|
|
|
Can we please remind you to ensure when you are parking at school you only park in the appropriate marked carparks.
This includes:
- Not parking in the marked accessible carparks (unless you are ceritified to do so) so these are available for those who need them.
- Not parking in the area beside the admin block where student bike parking and the minivan is stored.
Thank You
|
KiwiSchools Connect App – Update
|
For those who are unaware, Emmanuel Christian School has a Mobile App for access by the school community. To download the app click this link (or use the QR Code): link
|
|
|
|
This App allows school:
· Student Absences – this is our preferred method for notifying absences – it’s easy for you to use.
· Communications – school communications all in one spot at one time and you can be connected at all times.
· Calendar – links to our school calendar.
· Links – to our newsletter and school website.
· Alerts – The app also allows us to send out an Alert really promptly if something is happening at school that you need to know about urgently.
We encourage parents to download the app today to stay up to date with what is happening in and around the school.
|
We are aware that there is currently an issue for new users trying to register with the APP. KiwiSchools is aware of this issue and are working to resolve it as part of their APP rebuild. They hope to have a resolution to this soon.
We thank you for your patience as we work together on this .
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mālō e lelei!
During last week’s Junior assembly, our Tongan ākonga taught us to sing and dance to the children’s worship song Malimali mai. It was wonderful to see them arriving at school dressed proudly in their cultural attire and performing the song with so much confidence. Having our Tongan whānau join us made the assembly even more special. These moments of shared connection truly strengthen our school identity and bring our diverse community closer together.
Mālō ‘aupito to our Tongan whānau for celebrating with us and supporting our tamariki.
|
|
|
Message from the Librarian
If your child borrowed a book from the library van, you are welcome to send it back to school, and I’ll make sure it gets returned.
Alternatively, you may return it/them to any of the 21 branch libraries around the city.
The books borrowed on that day are not due for another fortnight. If necessary, they may be renewed online or on the library app.
Any questions feel free to email me.
Nicki Davison
ECS Librarian
|
|
|
Yrs 9 & 10 Business Enterprise Food Market
|
As part of our Year 9 & 10 Economics programme students are starting up their own business enterprise. These businesses will be set up and run over two Tuesdays: the 1st and 15th of September.
The different groups will be selling foods such as hot chips, toasties, ice cream, brownies and more!
Below you will find an itemised price list of goods, so that you can have a discussion with your child about what they may like to purchase and have an idea about what is an appropriate amount of money.
On the days, we will be using cash (mainly coins please) to purchase items. Students money will be collected by their teachers in the morning, placed in a ziplock bag and then handed out just before lunch.
It will be collected up again after lunch (if there is any left) and returned at the end of the day.
Please be mindful about how much money is given to students.
Thank you for your support
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Public Health Nurse: Notice
|
Please find attached some comms you can share with your school around some new care options available to tamariki and their whānau as we experience high levels of sickness across our communities.
Online GP care now free for all under – 14s
With lots of winter illnesses about right now, health services are experiencing very high demand. If you need to speak to a GP and can’t get in to your usual doctor or its after hours, Online GP provides a great option for accessing safe and quick care. The service is available from anywhere in the country, anytime day or night, and is now free for all under – 14s.
Appointments usually take place through a video app or a phone call, and the service can prescribe medicine and send prescriptions to your nearest pharmacy.
It also provides another care option for rural communities, reducing the need to travel.
To learn more visit Online GP Care: https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/online-gp-care
Online GP costs for young people:
|
Age
|
With Community Services Card
|
With no Community Services Card
|
|
0 to 13 yrs
|
Free
|
Free
|
|
14 to 17 yrs
|
up to $13.50
|
up to $45
|
For more info on which health service to use when you or your child are unwell visit: www.healthnz.govt.nz/which-health-service-should-i-use
For advice on when you should keep your child home from school or ECE if they’re unwell visit: www.healthnz.govt.nz/knowing-if-your-child-is-well-enough-to-go-to-school-guidance-for-parents
Or download this factsheet: https://healthed.govt.nz/collections/school-guidance/products/should-i-keep-my-child-home-from-school-or-childcare-he7040
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our school now uses 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.
|
|
|
|
|
Marshmallow Mayhem – Hot chocolate stand
|
We’re back for Marshmallow Mayhem for Term 3!!
Hot chocolates will continue to be available every Thursday from 8.20 for students in Years 5 and up, located by the Senior School near the Shed.
If you already have a concession card, great news, it will continue to be valid this term.
For the rest of this term, hot chocolates are available for:
• $2.50 each (cash sales welcome as we end the term)
• $10 concession card
To purchase a concession card, please make payment to: ECS School Fundraisers Association Account Number: 06-0870-0073625-00. Once payment has been made, please email your child’s name and classroom details to ecsfundraiser@gmail.com, and we’ll organise their concession card.
Children are also welcome to bring their own reusable cup for us to fill. Please ensure it is clean and has a secure lid.
Thank you for your continued support-every hot chocolate helps support our school community!
|
|
|
|
|
Rolleston Christian School Spring Fair – a good way to support one of our network schools
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
English
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
Filipino
French
German
Hindi
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Maori
Portuguese
Russian
Samoan
Spanish
Thai
