Sep 18, 2026
Sep 18, 2026
Embedded Files
Dear ICS Elementary Families,
This year, our chapel theme is Forming Hearts & Habits, and our Bible verse for the year is: “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
All of this points to our God being a God of ongoing work, and thank God that He is! In our elementary students, this means we take on the hard work of helping form hearts that love what God loves and habits that will benefit them. God’s work in their lives is not always fast or obvious. Sometimes it takes weeks or months before we start to see changes. It reminds me of Galatians 6:9 that says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” As parents and educators, it can be tiring to give the same reminders again and again. Yet these small, consistent moments matter. They are opportunities to help children understand not only what they should do, but also why it matters.
One way we are working on this in the elementary school is by helping students understand why a behavior is (or isn’t) helpful. Instead of simply saying, “Don’t run in the hallway,” we might say instead, “Walking safely in the halls shows that we are considerate and can be trusted with more freedom later.”
These are called future phrases because they connect a student’s choices today with the trust, independence, and opportunities they may have in the future. I’d like to share a few examples of these phrases so you can add them to your parenting toolbox at home.
Future‑benefit phrases (helpful behavior):
“Being a good listener will help you be a great friend and teammate.”
“Finishing your work carefully now trains your brain for harder things in the future.”
“Following directions the first time is a habit that will help you in every job you ever have.”
“Speaking respectfully, even when you’re upset, is how you become a leader.”
Future‑risk phrases (harmful behavior):
“This behavior will not help you in the future when you need to focus without someone reminding you.”
“Interrupting others will not help you when you’re working in a team later on.”
“Rushing and guessing won’t help you when the work gets more challenging in the next grade.”
“Talking while someone else is talking will not help you when you need to build trust with others.”
These phrases are not magic words, and growth doesn’t happen overnight. They are simply one way we can consistently point children toward the wisdom, character, and self-control that God is forming in all of us.
As we partner together to form hearts and habits in our students this year, I want to emphasize that the goal is transformation of the heart, not conformity to rules. We want God to renew our hearts and minds by the work of His Spirit and draw us closer to Him, so that we become more like Jesus each day. We want our children to grow not only into students who make wise choices, but into people who understand why those choices matter: because they are learning to love God, love others, and become more like Jesus each day. May that guide our prayers and our patient, faithful work together.
Blessings,
Erin Johnson
Elementary Assistant Principal
Mission Delivery Survey
Please take a few minutes to complete our ES Mission Delivery Survey. Your feedback helps us evaluate and enhance our academic, spiritual, and co-curricular programs to ensure we continue providing an excellent Christian education for your child. The survey is completely anonymous. However, if you would like a response to your specific comments, please leave your email address along with your comment in the optional comment box.
Please complete a separate survey for each child attending ICS.
Thank you for partnering with us, sharing your valuable insights, and for your ongoing prayers and support!
Link to ES Mission Delivery Survey
MAP Fall Progress Reports (Sending Friday, September 25)
Please watch your school email next Friday, September 25, for your child’s Fall Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Progress Report. These assessments provide valuable insights into your child’s academic growth and learning needs in key foundational areas. We encourage you to review the results, as they will serve as a helpful touchpoint for celebrating progress and setting goals for the school year ahead.
Upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences (October 16 – 17)
Mark your calendars! Our Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on Thursday and Friday, October 16 – 17. This is a dedicated time to partner together, discuss your child’s holistic progress, and collaborate on their growth. Teachers will send Google Calendar invites next Friday, September 25, so please watch your inbox to reserve your conference time slot.
Mid-Autumn Festival - Traditional Dress
The Chinese Department would like to invite students to wear traditional Chinese attire or their school uniform next Friday to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. Participation is optional.
Elementary School Google Calendar:
Elementary School Google Calendar:
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.
September & October Calendar (Sep 21 - Sep 25)
September & October Calendar (Sep 21 - Sep 25)
Elementary "A" Week
Sep 19 (Sat): Parent U
Sep 25 (Fri): Parent Coffee Chat (8am - 8:45am)
Oct 1 (Thu): National Day (No School)
Oct 2 (Fri) - Oct 9 (Fri): Fall Break (No School)
Oct 15 (Thu): ES Early Release (1:00pm)
Oct 16 (Fri) - Oct 17 (Sat): Parent-Teacher Conferences (No Students)
Oct 19 (Mon): Chung Yeung Festival (No School)
Join Us for "Books & Bonding" in the ES Library!
Join Us for "Books & Bonding" in the ES Library!
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!
ES Parent Library Book Checkout
ES Parent Library Book Checkout
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).
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
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