February 27, 2026
February 27, 2026
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Dear High School Community,
To better align recognition with our mission, we are adopting a Latin honors model in high school and elevating the ICS award for Christian character at graduation.
Cum laude: 3.75–3.89 cumulative GPA
Magna cum laude: 3.90–3.99 cumulative GPA
Summa cum laude: 4.00 cumulative GPA
Any senior who meets a threshold will receive the corresponding honor. This is not a quota or percentage, it is criteria-based. Given our historic GPA patterns, we anticipate a healthy number of graduates will be recognized. Latin honors are widely understood by universities and will be easy to interpret alongside transcripts.
With board and headmaster guidance and directives, we want to move beyond a single valedictorian in order to spread the honors more fairly. This recognizes all students who have sustained excellent scholarship, not just one rank. It also encourages a healthier academic culture by reducing zero‑sum competition. Furthermore, it also fits our Christian vision, including the desire to “Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10). We want to celebrate God‑given excellence without turning achievement into identity.
Alongside academic honors, our most significant recognition will be our historic school‑based ICS award for the graduating senior who best embodies our core values, Christlike character, integrity, humility, service, love of neighbor, perseverance, and wisdom, regardless of GPA. We want our students to know that who you become matters most. “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1).
Alongside these graduation honors for seniors, we are also extending the practice into an honor roll for grades 9–11. We will introduce an honor roll using the same GPA criteria each term:
Headmaster’s Commendation: on track for Summa cum laude (4.00)
Principal’s Commendation: on track for Magna cum laude (3.90–3.99)
Dean’s Commendation: on track for Cum laude (3.75–3.89)
In this way we hope to further entrench a Christian framework for excellence. We work “heartily, as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23), and we honor excellence as a gift to be stewarded. At the same time, virtue, namely faith, hope, and love, remains the center of our community life.
We will share practical details (timelines and how honors will be listed in year‑end communications) in a follow‑up communication. Thank you for partnering with us to form Christlike men and women and rigorous scholars.
Blessings,
Kiel Nation, D.Min
High School Principal
Advanced Notices:
Mar 4-8 (Wed-Sun) - ACSC Music Festivals
Mar 20-22 (Fri-Sun) - VIDA
Mar 23 (Mon) - SS PD Day (no school)
Mar 24 (Tue) - Spring Honors Recital
Mar 27 (Fri) - JSB
UK STEM Adventure – Itinerary, Programme Details & Registration
UK STEM Adventure – Itinerary, Programme Details & Registration
We are thrilled to confirm our UK STEM Adventure for High School students. This hands-on journey will ignite curiosity through innovative STEM on Track "Monster Build" workshops, National Race with UK high schoolers and inspiring cultural discoveries - an experience that will truly make your university applications stand out.
🏎️ About the STEM on Track "Monster Build" Experience
The STEM on Track programme is normally an integrated build-and-learning experience that runs over several months. For international teams, the organisers have created a special "Monster Build" option, which means all the kart assembly is completed in an intensive five-day period before the national final.
Preparation (April – June):
Mr Seward will be working closely with participating students to ensure they complete all the online learning modules on the programme platform. Students who wish to be drivers will also undertake one or two preliminary test sessions and complete specific driver-training modules (including learning race and flag signals), which we will arrange before departure.
In the UK (June 12-22):
Oakham School has kindly agreed to allow us to use their workshops to assemble our electric race karts. An experienced mechanic will work alongside our students to guide them through the build process and help them troubleshoot, so they can be confident and safe on race day. During the week, drivers will also have the opportunity for track test time before the National Race.
A key purpose of the trip is the rich engineering and problem-solving experience, combined with an international exchange with British students. Our boys and girls will spend each day on campus at Oakham School for workshops, meals, and collaboration with their UK peers, while staying at a hotel conveniently located right next door. This will offer a genuine taste of UK school life and teamwork in a supportive environment. We are confident that our ICS students are more than capable of taking on this challenge, and that the experience will be an excellent addition to their personal growth and future university applications.
✈️ Provisional Itinerary & Cost
Total Cost: HKD 35,000 per student (Includes flights, accommodation, meals, and all workshops)
Jun 12 (Late flight): Depart Hong Kong
Jun 13: Arrive & settle in
Jun 14: Sunday Church visit
Jun 15-19: STEM on Track "Monster Build" Workshops & International Exchange at Oakham School + Track Trial
Jun 20: STEM on Track UK National Race
Jun 21: Sunday Church & Cultural Exchange
Jun 22: Flight back to HK
✅ How to Confirm Your Interest
Spaces are limited! High School Students, if you would like to join us, please complete the registration form by the deadline. After submitting the form, we will reach out to you regarding the deposit payment to secure your place.
📅 Deadline: Next Tuesday, Mar 3 at 9AM
HS Career Month 2026: The Rosters Are In!
We are thrilled to officially kick off Career Month next week! After weeks of planning, student rosters have been finalized and are now available for viewing. We’ve been so impressed by the diverse interests our students have shown, and our guest speakers are eager to meet the next generation of leaders.
Want to explore even more? In addition to the two assigned sessions, we are opening 20 walk-in seats for every speaker on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re curious about a career outside your mandate, come join the conversation!
Parent Tributes for the Class of 2026 (Yearbook)
In a few short months, G12 will be graduating from ICS. Each year, we offer parents of graduating seniors the chance to put a message in the yearbook composed of text and photographs.
If you would like to prepare a tribute for your son or daughter, please use the attached link.
TRIBUTES ARE DUE BY 4:30 PM ON APRIL 24
IN THE EVENT WE RUN OUT OF SPACE, TRIBUTES ARE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST COME/FIRST SERVED BASIS
Please follow the instructions in the form carefully to ensure your tribute is acceptable.
Whether you plan to attend university near or far, you can stay on track with the SAT. Most colleges—including those that are test optional—still accept SAT test scores. Together with high school grades, the SAT can show your potential to succeed in college or career. And if you're thinking about studying abroad, there are more than 400 universities in 85 countries outside the United States that use the SAT in the admissions process.
Parents, be empowered and equipped with the knowledge and resources you need to support your 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.
International Christian School
highschool@ics.edu.hk | 852-3920-0136 | Room 237, 2/F, 1 On Muk Lane, Shek Mun, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
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