November 13, 2026
November 13, 2026
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Dear ICS Community and friends,
As someone born and raised in the US, the month of November means Thanksgiving. Thankful, grateful, blessed is a popular saying displayed. To me, Thanksgiving is not just about sharing a delicious meal with family and friends, but a time to reflect. It is a time to stop and think about what I am thankful for and how God has blessed me.
When I was in elementary school, my grandmother would often sing to each of her grandchildren a hymn called Count Your Blessings by Johnson Oatman Jr. Not only did she sing it often, she also wrote ‘Count Your Blessings’ on the chalkboard in her basement alongside the name of each of her children, grandchildren, and the spouses of her children. We always knew that she counted each of us as one of her blessings, part of what she was thankful for.
Recently, Count Your Blessings has come to my mind frequently. I find myself singing it in my head and then pausing to actually count my blessings. Of course my greatest blessing is the gift of salvation from Jesus. In addition, I count among my blessings: My family. ICS faculty, staff, students, and families. The city of Hong Kong with its beauty, kind people, and delicious food. My church family and Bible study group. My friends. Beautiful sunsets. Colorful flowers in bloom. The smile and greeting of friendly elderly ladies on the MTR. The countries I’ve lived in and schools I’ve worked at in the past. A high five and wave from a P1 student on the podium.
If you haven’t already done so, I recommend that you stop and count your blessings. What are you thankful for? What do you see as the blessings that God has given you?
Count Your Blessings (Johnson Oatman Jr., 1897)
Verse 1: When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God has done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
Verse 2: Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.
Verse 3: When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
Verse 4: So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discourage, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Yours in Christ,
Kristin Barber
Dean of Curriculum & Instruction
Literacy Week: Booking Character Prade Costume Contest on Nov 13, 2026
Stories came to life at our school’s podium this morning during the Book Character Parade Costume Contest! Students and staff dressed as their favourite book characters, showing off imaginative costumes and sharing the books that inspired them. From colourful crayons to fairytale favourites, the parade was a joyful celebration of creativity, school spirit and the love of reading. Thank you to everyone who helped bring a little book magic to our morning!
ICS High School Theater Proudly Presents:
It's a Wonderful Life
Experience a holiday classic like never before! The high school theater arts department invites you to travel back to the 1940s with our upcoming production of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Production. Watch the heartwarming story unfold as a live radio broadcast right before your eyes.
Show Schedule
Thursday, November 19: 3:30 PM
Friday, November 20: 3:30 PM
Saturday, November 21: 7:30 PM
How to Get Tickets
Tickets are available now through the ICS portal.
Be sure to book your seats in advance!
A Beautiful Tradition: Decorate Our Theatre & Celebrate Christ's Birth
A Beautiful Tradition: Decorate Our Theatre & Celebrate Christ's Birth
For years, it has been a cherished ICS tradition for families to order poinsettias that transform our theatre into a festive wonderland for the Christmas concerts.
These stunning plants (priced from $45-95) do more than just decorate our stage; they are a living testament to our joy as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. By participating, you are directly helping to create a joyful and worshipful atmosphere for our students and the entire community.
Your poinsettia plays three important roles:
It Decorates Our Theatre: Your poinsettia will be placed at the front of the stage, creating a beautiful and festive frame for our performers and spreading joy throughout the concerts.
It Comes Home with You: After the final concert on Dec 19, you can collect your poinsettia from the JLL security office (8 am - 5 pm) to enjoy at home.
It Spreads Love: If you prefer not to collect it, we will donate your poinsettia to an NGO in the Shatin area, sharing the love of the season with the wider community.
This is a simple and meaningful way to contribute. The cost will be conveniently charged to your school bill next month. We are in the final days to place our order. Let’s come together to fill our theatre with the spirit of Christmas.
ICS Community Football Fundraising Tournament 2026
Play with Purpose. Give with Joy.
Join us for an exciting afternoon of friendly competition, school spirit, and community connection at the ICS Community Football Fundraising Tournament. Teams will compete across two venues in a fast-paced round-robin format, followed by championship and placement matches.
Using two venues simultaneously, with matches beginning at 2:00 p.m., spectators can enjoy an energetic and well-paced afternoon of competition.
More than a tournament, this event brings together parents, staff, alumni, and friends of ICS in support of our school’s fundraising efforts. Every registration, donation, and word of encouragement helps strengthen the learning environment and opportunities we provide for our students.
2027-2028 Shek Mun Campus & KG Holiday Calendar:
Key Dates Confirmed
2027-2028 Shek Mun Campus & KG Holiday Calendar:
Key Dates Confirmed
The skeleton framework and main dates for the 2027-2028 School Calendar have been confirmed.
This early release is designed to help our families and staff plan ahead for the upcoming academic year. While the core structure is now in place, please note that some smaller details and specific event timings will be refined and communicated closer to the time.
We encourage you to mark these key dates in your personal calendars first. The final version will be finalised and published in the coming months.
Join us for the Domestic Workers Clothing Drive
Join us for the Domestic Workers Clothing Drive
Our school’s domestic worker clothing drive is a wonderful way to show support and appreciation for the hardworking domestic workers in our community. The goal is to collect gently used clothes in good condition that can make a real difference in someone’s life. It’s a chance for all of us to come together and give back in a meaningful way.
Please remember, this drive is specifically for clothing, hats, backpacks. so no personal hygiene items or worn-out clothes, please. The collection will take place at the ICS carpark ,so let’s work together to make this effort thoughtful and impactful! Thank you!
Register Now: ICS Homecoming 2026!
Attention ICS Alumni! We are excited to welcome you back home for ICS Homecoming 2026 on Saturday, Dec 12 (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) at the ICS Shek Mun Campus!
Reconnect with old friends and teachers, explore past yearbooks in the Nostalgia Hub, play "Battle of the Decades" trivia, join our multi-grade scavenger hunt, and hear from our alumni panel while enjoying afternoon refreshments.
International Christian School
1 On Muk Lane, Shek Mun, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
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