Dear ICS Community,

In my 7th grade Bible class this semester, we have been thinking about the most important question there could possibly be: “Who is Jesus Christ?” In these seasons of Advent and Christmas, I enjoyed the Middle School choral concert very much, so I used their piece In Dulce Jubilo (which happens to be my absolute favourite Christmas carol) to help teach the Bible truths that the early Christians came to profess. The Latin lines, “Matris in gremio, Alpha es et O!” mean that God is in the mother’s lap; the virgin has given birth to Immanuel, “God with us”, just as Isaiah prophesied 700 years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Another less well-known carol is Past Three O’Clock. I love this one because it echoes the catechism we’ve been using, which tells us that Jesus’ death pays the penalty for our sin, and also redeems every part of fallen creation as well. The carol speaks of, “hinds o’er the pearly dewy lawn early”, seeking the “High Stranger laid in the manger”. It speaks of good things being brought to Mary, the new mother: cheese, butter and honey. It reminds us that God made all things good. The Incarnation of Christ both affirms that and brings hope to a creation groaning under frustration.

Even in the Bible there were those who denied that Jesus had truly come in the flesh (1 John 4:1-3). John calls them antichrists, because they are denying the truth of salvation. As an early Christian called Irenaeus said, “What has not been assumed (in the Incarnation) has not been healed.” Another called Ignatius of Antioch states the truth of Scripture: Christ is “truly born, truly persecuted, truly crucified, and truly raised.” It has been a dark time in Hong Kong recently, but the Christmas story is always good news in a dark world. Let us be encouraged again by the good news of the Gospel and its promise of salvation to all who believe, and the redemption of all creation.

Statement from the Board of Trustees

Following the November 21 update, the Board of Trustees completed a thorough evaluation of the funding options outlined, carefully reviewing the extensive feedback and diverse perspectives from our parent community, which included further options.

Many of you have shared valuable insights through the Parents Association and direct conversations with school leadership. This input has been instrumental in helping the Board evaluate the various approaches and was carefully considered in preparation for the Board's meeting on December 10. After prayerful deliberation, they have released this statement for today:

"The Board has decided to put on hold the collection of Annual Capital Levy. We will discuss with the EdB in reviewing and maintaining the debenture program. At the same time, we will look into ways of fundraising for future capital expenditure."

Should any future options include an Annual Capital Levy, there are no plans to charge this to faculty or staff in the eventuality of its introduction. 

Thank you for your ongoing partnership, encouragement, and prayers. The strength of our community and shared commitment to ICS's mission continue to guide us as we plan wisely for the school's future. As Head of Schools, I will continue to provide further updates from our Board as their discussions with the Education Bureau progress and alternative funding approaches are developed.