Dear ICS Elementary Families,
MAP Testing Initial Results
Earlier this week the school completed testing of Grade 2-5 students in the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) growth test. I am happy to report that overall our students are starting the school year with a strong academic showing and with a marginal “summer slump”.
Below is an overview of our Grade 2–5 achievement results by subject. (Note: Scoring at or above the 80th percentile means performing equal to or higher than 80% of students normatively in that subject).
Math
Reading
Language Usage
Science
Fall standardized testing serves as an initial baseline rather than an evaluation or grade. Because students are returning from a long break, scores can naturally fluctuate compared to last spring. Our teachers use this fresh data to pinpoint where each child is starting their learning journey, so we can tailor instruction, form flexible skill groups, and plan targeted support or enrichment right from the start.
I am sure you are eager to see your child’s Fall MAP scores. The school will share your child’s results with you in the next several weeks after the Middle school completes its MAP testing.
Blessings,
Keith Welch
Kindergarten and Elementary Principal
Whenever we make a change to the calendar it will appear on the Elementary School Google Calendar. Parents can view the Elementary Google Calendar from the school's website. On the My ICS page, simply scroll down to the calendars, find the Elementary School calendar, and click the Google Calendar icon on the bottom right of the calendar.
Elementary "A" Week
Sep 11 (Fri): ES Professional Development Day (No classes)
Sep 11 (Fri): Community Worship Night
Sep 19 (Sat): Parent U
Sep 25 (Fri): Parent Coffee Chat (8am - 8:45am)
Oct 1 (Thu): National Day
Oct 2 (Fri) - Oct 9 (Fri): Fall Break (No School)
September 15, 2026 (Tuesday) is International Dot Day! This is a day based on the children's book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. This international celebration encourages students to embrace their creativity and recognize the value of their contributions. It's an opportunity to engage in collaborative projects, discussions about talents and interests, and reflections on personal growth. As a Christian school, we are grateful to focus these ideas more clearly using a biblical worldview. We are made in God's image and He has graciously blessed us with creativity and talents, and the capacity to use these things to serve others and glorify Him!
To celebrate, students can participate in a themed-dress day by wearing clothing with POLKA DOTS and STRIPES. Any students not wanting to participate need to wear their school uniform. To clarify, this is NOT a free-dress day. Students should only be in themed-dress or school uniform.
Please email Mrs. Silber (silbers@ics.edu.hk) if you have any questions.
It is a pleasure to invite you to participate in this year's family time in the ES Library! Every Tuesday and Thursday, "Books & Bonding" will be an opportunity for you to spend quality time with your child/ren by diving into the wonderful world of literacy together! Come explore the elementary library, search for exciting books, read together on our cozy cushions, complete the engaging table activities, or check out books on your very own parent library account. This is a fantastic opportunity to share in the joy of reading and writing as a family!
Expectations for this time:
All students are required to have an adult attend the session, except for those students with a self-dismissal card.
To ensure a meaningful experience for your child/ren, we kindly ask adults to refrain from using cell phones or having group conversations. Your undivided attention to your child/ren will make it all the more special!
The sign-up link for every session in a given month can be found on the ICS Parent Portal under "ICS Event Tickets." The sign-ups for September are posted now. Sign-ups for each week are due every Monday at 11:59pm, no matter if you are signing up for the Tuesday or Thursday session that week. Late sign-ups will not be accepted.
If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Silber at silbers@ics.edu.hk.
We look forward to seeing you and your child/children in the library!
Our library team is excited to introduce you to our brand new parent checkout for ES Library Books!
We invite you to visit our elementary library and check out amazing books for your child! Our collection is full of fantastic fiction, brilliant biographies, powerful picture books, noteable non-fiction, and our compelling Chinese section! So many wonderful books for your family to enjoy at home.
It is not only great for kids to read children’s literature—parents benefit too! Sharing and discussing books together can create meaningful conversations between you and your child, strengthen your child’s reading skills, encourage a love of learning, and remind all of us how amazing and enjoyable reading can be at any age!
PLEASE NOTE:
Complete the following form so our library team can create a library account in your name. PARENT LIBRARY ACCOUNT
Checkout times will be set for Tuesday and Thursday (3:00-3:45pm) during Books & Bonding. Please register for Books & Bonding via the ICS Portal (parent login) and "ICS Event Tickets." You MUST register for this in order to receive a QR code to access campus, even if you are only coming to check out books.
All books checked out on your account will be your responsibility. A checkout limit will be established as soon as we know how many parents would like to participate.Books should be returned by the due date. Any lost books will have a replacement fee posted by our Finance team to your student's account.
We look forward to welcoming you to our library! Please email Mrs. Silber if you have any questions (silbers@ics.edu.hk).
The 78th Hong Kong Schools Speech Festival is open for entry.
Please read the Rules and Regulations carefully before enrolment to the Speech Festival.
Online enrolment will be used for the Speech Festival, if you would like to join through the school membership, please click the below links and follow the attached guide to complete the enrolment.
Online submission due on Sep 10 (Thu) 3:00pm
ONCE YOU ENROLLED, THE ENTRY FEE WILL BE CHARGED WITH YOUR SCHOOL FEE. IT IS NON-REFUNDABLE
Please note that it is the student's responsibility to obtain the required materials and submission method for the festival.
Please go to www.hksmsa.org.hk for the syllabus, entry fee, and the latest information.
Last year we launched our new parent resource page! We want parents to feel empowered and equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to support their child's growth and success. This page provides resources, and we hope to help parents navigate the challenges of parenting and support your child's overall well-being. Make sure to check out our new parent page HERE!
International Christian School
elementary@ics.edu.hk | 852-3920-0060 | Room 213, 2/F, 1 On Muk Lane, Shek Mun, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong