ECS Weekly Update – 24 March 2023

ECS Update Week 8 – Friday 24 March 2023

Kia ora Parents and Caregivers,

Welcome to the Term 1, Week 8 Newsletter.

It seems amazing to think that today marks the End of Week 8.  I know as I look back on the start of 2023 there is lots to be thankful for, and high on that list is the support we receive from our parent community.  Thank you, it is very much appreciated.

Today in the media you may well have seen information about further Teacher strike action next week as members of  PPTA (The union representing Secondary Teachers in New Zealand) voted to strike on Wednesday 29th March.  Negotiations on a number of employment contracts impacting teachers and principals across different schools are ongoing after collective agreements expired around the middle of 2022.  While the Area Schools Teachers and Principals Collective agreements are amongst those that have expired, our staff at Emmanuel Christian School are not impacted by the current strike notice.  This is because our staff who are Union members are currently all part of NZEI which represents Primary Teachers, Principals and Support Staff.

While next weeks strike action will not impact us directly as a school, the issues being raised by the PPTA and their members are certainly relevant to our staff.  However, Emmanuel Christian School will remain open next Wednesday 29th March with classes as usual and the Year 7-8 camp will proceed as planned.

Thank you again for your ongoing support and prayer

Alistair

This newsletter contains information on the following:

• Important Dates
• Mufti Day for Epilepsy
• EPT Attendance Dues and School Accounts
• Esther – The Musical
• Christchurch Schools Music Festival
• Community Dental Service – School Holidays

Important Dates

Tuesday 28th March Mufti Day for Epilepsy

Wednesday 29th – Friday 31st March Year 7 & 8 Camp in Hanmer

Thursday 6th April Last day of Term 1

Monday 24th April Teacher Only Day 

Tuesday 25th April ANZAC Day Public Holiday

Wednesday 26th April First Day of Term 2 for students

Monday 1st May – Wednesday 3rd May Year 5 & 6 Camp at Woodend

Mufti Day for Epilepsy

On Tuesday 28th of March Emmanuel will be holding an Epilepsy awareness day.  We ask that students come to school dressed in mufti and bring a gold coin donation. 
Where possible we encourage students to wear something purple as a way to raise awareness for Epilepsy.  All proceeds will be donated to the Epilepsy Foundation.

Epilepsy is the most common serious disease of the brain affecting 65 million people around the worl.  2.5 million new cases are diagnosed each year.  There are about 48,000 kiwis living with epilepsy with six kiwis being diagnosed each day, the majority children.
Approximately 10% of New Zealanders will have a seizure duirng their lifetime while 1-2% will be diagnosed with epilepsy.

Thank you,
Alisha and Mr LJ

EPT Attendance Dues and School Accounts

Just a quick reminder for those who like to pay their Attendance Dues in full, if you pay your Attendance Dues in full ($1250) before 31st March you get a $50 discount.  So you can pay the $1250 and have a $50 credit on your account for next year, or you deduct $50 and pay $1200 to pay the account in full.  Donation receipts for the Special Character Donation are sent once payment has been received in full or at the end of the financial year.  These are tax deductible so you can claim your tax back on any donations you’ve made in the past financial year.

If you have any queries relating to the EPT Attendance Dues please contact: bursar@emmanuelchristian.school.nz

For School Accounts, the $90 Voluntary Activities Donation is tax deductible as are any Camp payments.  Receipts are generated as soon as payment is received (so if you have paid in several instalments you will have received a receipt after each payment).

A ‘Request for Payment’ was sent out today as there have been a number of camp and sport charges added to accounts this term.  Camp payments are due before students go away on camp.

If you have any queries relating to your school account please contact:
office@emmanuelchristian.school.nz

Esther – the Musical

EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL PRESENTS:
ESTHER – THE MUSICAL

• Friday 5th May (Week 2, Term 2)
• Matinee Performance – 1.30 
• Evening Performance – 7pm
• Christchurch Community Church (Christchurch Chinese Church) – 286 Greers Road, Bryndwr.

Students are working hard to memorise Music, Words, Lines and Dances for a spectacular performance of the Biblical Story of Esther, acted by the Senior Students in Year 9 and 10.

 120 ECS students are involved from Year 3 upward, either singing in the Choir, playing an instrument in the School Orchestra (which is accompanying the Production) or dancing. Practices are occurring within school time but we may require some students to attend an afternoon practice in the school holidays.

There will be 2 Performances on Friday the 5th of May:

 Matinee ‘Dress Rehearsal’ which the rest of the school will attend (they will be bussed to and from the venue). Grandparents are welcome to join us for this Performance – 1.30 – 2.30 but seating will be very limited. We will provide transport to the venue for this Dress Rehearsal.  

Evening Performance: 7pm – 8pm.  Year 9 and 10 performing students need to arrive at 5.30, the Choir and Orchestra at 6pm. We need to be on the stage and ready to start by 6.40. (Note: Instruments and Music can be left at the church after the matinee performance, the church will be locked in between, so instruments are secure.)

Cost: $5 per person
Tickets are available from the school Office 

 There will be more information about the Musical sent out over the remainder of the term.
Any questions can be directed to:

 naomi@emmanuelchristian.school.nz  or  mark@emmanuelchristian.school.nz

Christchurch Schools Music Festival

Our choir is excited to be part of the Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival this year. 

The Festival is still looking for more applications to audition for one of the Representative groups.  They are looking for the best singers for the Junior Choir (Yr 5 & 6) and Senior Choir (Yr 7 & 8), and for talented musicians (Grade 3 equivalent and above) to audition for the Orchestra and Concert Band. 

The Representative groups are on stage in the Christchurch Town Hall for every performance of the Festival (4 nights).  With more than a thousand people in the audience and children in the choir stalls watching every night, it is an amazing experience they will never forget.

To find out more information or to register your child click here:

https://musicfestival.school.nz/representative-group-information/joining-a-representative-group/

Be quick, registrations close Thu 06 April.

Community Dental Service – School Holidays

Winter Uniform

In Terms 2 and 3 the Winter Uniform is to be worn.  Please see the Mainland Uniforms Website to purchase online or pop in to the Mainland Uniforms Store on Wairakei Road.

For Year 1-6 Uniform click here.

For Year 7-10 Uniform click here.

Second-hand Uniform can be bought and sold via the Parents Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2451643315112761/?ref=share_group_link&exp=9594

If you have any queries regarding Uniform feel free to contact the ECS Office.