True meaning of Christmas

The Parent Association Executive Committee wish all our parent community at ICS a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


May our spirit be filled with His joy and glory and trust in His love day by day in 2013!

FIR TREE - the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven.
STAR - the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise.

CANDLE - symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.

WREATH - symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.

SANTA - symbolizes the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December.

HOLLY LEAF - the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood shed by Him.

GIFT - For God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son. Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

CANDY CANE - represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper.

ANGEL - angels heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men.

BELL - lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.

Holiday Season at the Kindergarten

The Kindergarten Reps hosted a lovely teacher appreciation Thanksgiving lunch.

An ICS family donated a Christmas tree and parents decorated the Kindergarten campus for Christmas soon after as well as helped prepare a Christmas gift for the whole staff of 200+. The MPR looked festive with decorations depicting the Christmas story and the children were adorable when presenting their Christmas skits and singing songs! We are thankful for all the parents that help!

Parent Resource Library Book Review

Happy Thanksgiving!

The PA provided turkey for both the HS and MS student potluck lunches - there was food aplenty and it was so nice to see the school community enjoying this time together. Please join our upcoming prayer group meeting (info also on Schoology).

Happy Thanksgiving! "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations."  Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ! The Evening parents’ prayer group would like to invite you to join our Worship & Prayer - it is a wonderful opportunity for us to give thanks to the Lord and lift up our school, families, children, teachers, and leadership in one accord!  Please feel free to pray in the language of your own choice.  Where? 5/F ICS Chapel When? Monday, Nov. 26th, 7:30pm-9:30 pm  Hope to see you there!

The school held its' annual Walkathon and Fall Festival on October 20th. It was a beautiful day - the school community gathered under the covered stage at Sha Tin Park - it was lovely to hear everyone singing praise and worship songs before the walk (a bit over 4km) back to the school along the Shing Mun River.

The school was awash with activity - from the seniors dancing to a popular Korean pop song, carnival games, food for sale and various other sales booths as well as informational tables from various companies as well as your very own  Parents Association! PA reps manned a "meet and greet" table and accepted sign-ups for events needing parent support and donations for second-hand uniforms. The PA also sponsored a bouncy house for the Fall Festival - a fun, but tiring day!

Prayer Group calendar 2012-13

We very much appreciate your support of the parents' prayer groups and have kicked off the new school year! Please mark your calendar for the dates of our meetings and we encourage you to join us in this special time as we lift up our school, families, children, teachers, and leadership.

Quote from an administrator, "There are a group of dedicated parents who come to school to specifically  pray for you, students, and various needs of the school.  Please pass on any prayer requests to these ICS prayer warriors!  We are blessed to have such a dedicated and humble group lifting all of us up."

ICS Kindergarten hosted opening ceremonies for both AM and PM sessions and "New Beginnings" in the evening, a more formal dedication ceremony for the new ICS Kindergarten location with members of the community present in addition to key donors, HM, Board of Trustee, School Supervisor, Parent Rep, Student Rep, Teachers, and Principals


Welcome - Headmaster John Nelson


Principal Karen Whenuaroa - "Walk Down Memory Lane"


Principal Gillian Wu - "New Beginnings"


Amy Leung, from Advancement gives special thanks and acknowledges important people in attendance - district council member, police dept rep, neighboring school principal and head teacher, donors, etc


Teachers cut the cake


Some of these current seniors started ICS in Kindergarten!

Tony Ma - Board member, Becky Su - PA ExCo member

It was nice to see part of the playground the PA helped fund in honor of
Beverly Van Hoy's service was relocated to the new Kindergarten - the part that didn't fit is currently at Shek Mun campus on the 2/F podium playground

New Die-cut machine for the Kindergarten

When parents join the Parents Association, membership fees go toward supporting school events and helping in other ways. This beautiful new die cut machine at the Kindergarten was made possible with your support. It saves the Kindergarten teachers from traveling to the Shek Mun campus to use the machine there. Thank you parents!

"Donated with blessings from the ICS Parents Association in honor of Mr. Tim Wong's service to ICS in 2001-2012"

From ICS Kindergarten dedication

ICS PA has been busy serving the ICS community

The Prayer groups from SS and ES of the ICS community prayed on Friday, Aug 24th at a joint SS & ES prayer meeting for all the ICS teachers, administrators, staff, children and parents.

"Praying Parents" (by campus) gather on a monthly basis at the campus prayer meeting to pray for the community. We welcome any parents who share in the same faith and with a burden to pray for the school to join us at the SS, ES prayer meetings (usually held during the day) or the evening prayer meetings (for working SS & ES parents).

The ICS PA ExCo made their first meeting on Saturday, Aug 25^th a quick one to meet new ExCo and discuss a few agenda items before hosting a welcome lunch for "Newcomers in the ICS community" at the Chinese Restaurant of the Royal Park Hotel. The new headmaster Mr. John Nelson, new members of the Board of Trustees, and many new teachers and their families enjoyed dim sum for lunch.

On Sunday, Aug 26th, the ICS PA sponsored a live streaming broadcast of “The Story behind Linsanity” at Asia World-Expo at the Lu Kao Hwa Theatre. Jeremy Lin, the sensational Asian American NBA player, shared with us his walk with Christ, how “Linsanity“ came about with the grace of God and the “13 miracles” that needed to happen to him to become who he is today.

Mr. John Nelson opened the event with a word of prayer for the adults, youth and children who packed the theatre in anticipation of hearing Lin's message. At the invitation of Jeremy Lin and Pastor Fai, Chairman of the ICS PA, many accepted Jesus or re-dedicated their lives to Jesus. (For more information about Jeremy Lin, visit http://jeremylin.hchannel.tv or http://goodtvhk.tv)

If you have children in Elementary, and want to be more involved in the PA, please join us by serving as an ES PA Rep. Campus Reps meet once a month with the principals to discuss issues pertaining to the school, students and how we can work together to serve God in various capacities.

If you would like to join one of the prayer group meetings (dates are on the school calendar), we want to hear from you, too!

Please write to us at ICSPAExCo@gmail.com

The Story Behind Linsanity on August 26th will the first big PA event!

Basketball Star Jeremy Lin will be at Asia-World Expo, Hong Kong on August 26th to speak on the phenomenon known as "Linsanity."

A live feed of the broadcast will be presented at ICS in the Lu Kao Hwa Theatre sponsored by the ICS Parents Association and hosted by ICS.

This event is free for all ICS families and their friends. Doors open at 3pm - broadcast starts at 3:30pm. It will be inspiring - see you there!

Welcome to a new school year 2012-13

PA ExCo is excited to start the new year. We will have our first meeting on August 25th and are looking forward to all the events we're planning for this year. Prayer groups are setting up their schedules and we'll be working with the counselors to roll out some interesting/informative topics for parent seminars. Back to School Nights are coming up starting with MS and ES next week, and the HS new parent info night the following week.

Here are your 2012-13 PA Executive Committee

Chairperson: Fai Chan, HS parent
Vice Chairpersons: Marlon Cheung, HS parent, Andrew Ngo, ES parent
Treasurer: Kirby Chan, Middle and HS parent
Secretary: Becky Su, HS parent

Secondary PA Reps: Grace So, HS Parent
Rosemary Choi, Linda Glover, Middle and HS parents,
Amy Turner, Penny Yue, MS parents (1 vacancy)

Elementary PA Reps: Ruby Lam, Eddie Tsui (4 vacancies)
Kindergarten PA Reps: Ada Kwok, Chris Lo
Prayer Group Coordinators: Phyllis Fung, Eppie Lam, Middle and HS parents

You will notice we have some vacancies, so if you or someone you know would like to serve, please email us: ICSPAExCo@gmail.com

The ICS PA had our Annual General Meeting on May 29th. Eighteen people were in attendance, 14 families were represented, and 12 of them are current PA members. Thanks to the support of our members, the Election Committee received 60 proxy forms. We received nominations for several of the positions up for election or re-election, but we still have vacancies available for Kindergarten and Elementary Representatives and encourage those who would like to serve as PA campus rep to look over the job duties, fill out the nomination/statement of faith documents that you can find here: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9D-NCfIwUuVZmd2Ml9NTnJrZzQ/edit?pli=1

One more busy week to before school's out!

2011-12 Chairman's Report

As parents, nothing makes us more proud than seeing our kids come home with a smile, telling us how the teachers, classes or events at school have helped them grow as a person. It is towards this end that many parents from the P.A. continue to serve voluntarily and tirelessly at ICS. 

For our beloved teachers and staff, we organized appreciation lunches and sent them cards and gifts on festive occasions. Every month, our campus representatives (2 for Kindergarten, 6 for Elementary and 6 Secondary) met with their principals to create positive communication channels to keep the parent community informed and to mobilize people to assist in school-wide activities.

For the students and parents, we served them through our regular prayer meetings (Elementary and Secondary daytime, evening for All School, and lunchtime at Central) and Elementary Parent Support Groups. We kicked off the year with a special evening prayer session led by Cindy Aufrance and we specifically prayed for God's direction for ICS. Ms. Maria Lau organized the monthly Elementary Parent Support Group meetings by inviting speakers to share interesting and important topics, and all who came received great benefits in their parenting journey. We will certainly miss Maria when her family relocates next year, and pray that someone will fill her role soon.

For the wider ICS community, we held two outreach events: Fireproof movie at the school Lu Kao Hwa Theater in the Fall, and the Annual Gospel Dinner in March 2012 (ran with a surplus due to generous donations, and praise God that 20+ people committed their lives to the Lord). This year we again invited staff from Hong Yip to attend the dinner as a way to show our love and appreciation to them.

This past year the parent community was honored to take part in the new Headmaster candidates’ forum. The PA formed a special committee called Parents Association Next Headmaster Committee (PANC), through which we collected over 100 parents’ opinion by eClass, and then recruited 30 parents as a fair representation of our community to attend the forum. I personally want to thank the five members of PANC for their sterling efforts.

As in previous years, we continue to use our membership dues wisely in supporting the Fall Festival, Renaissance Dinner, HS camp, Alpha Oxygen Camp, Vida Nueva camp, HS and MS fellowships, and made book donations to the library. We also show our appreciation and recognition to long- serving staff at ICS by purchasing special items for school use in honor of their faithful service.

We would like to express our utmost thanks to Ben Norton, Tim Wong, LC Wan and Lydia Lee as they leave ICS this year. They have been wonderful stewards and servants and we wish them the best in the future.

We covet your prayer and we invite all parents to consider joining the PA Executive Committee as a campus representative. Together we can make things better, all for His glory and honor!

Blessings,

Pastor Fai Chan

P.A. Chair on behalf of the P.A. Executive Committee

-----

Don't forget to fill out your proxy forms and send it to ICSPAExCo@gmail.com if you can't make the meeting May 29. Proxy form, AGM Agenda, and minutes from last year's meeting here:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9D-NCfIwUuVY1FMcGhOUGlEUzQ

Serve on the ICS PA Executive Committee

As ICS continues to expand, so does our need for parental involvement. Involvement in the ICS Parent Association allows parents to voice their concerns and ideas. It is also an opportunity for parents to be part of their child’s school life.

As we look forward to the next school year, it is time to choose new members for some of the positions on the Executive Committee (ExCo). If you would like to serve for a term in ExCo or know another member of the Parent Association you would like to recommend to serve, please read the nomination material and complete the Nomination Form that is posted on the ICS PA documents website:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9D-NCfIwUuVY1FMcGhOUGlEUzQ

For the 2012-13 academic school year, the following positions are up for re-election or are open.

- Treasurer (1)

- Campus Representatives: Kindergarten (1), Elementary (4), Secondary (2)

Please return all Nomination Forms to the “PA Election Committee” by May 27, 2011. Please e-mail to the “PA Election Committee” or put the Nomination Form in an envelope marked “PA - Election”, and send it to school with your child. For Secondary parents, your child can give the envelope to the School Office.

The election will take place on May 29, 2012, at the ICS Chapel 5th floor, during the AGM that begins at 7:30 p.m. Any last minute nominations can be written in on the ballot at the meeting. If you cannot make the meeting, your vote will still count if you fill out the proxy form, attached, but we hope to see you there. Please contact the “PA Election Committee” if you have any questions.

PA Election Committee Chairperson:

Queenie Wong queenieyflo@yahoo.com M: 9095 9687 or ICSPAEXCO@gmail.com

Last Parent Support Group meeting of the school year. If you have ideas for topics or speakers for 2012-13 please let us know!

Notice of Parent Association Annual General Meeting (PA AGM) 2011-12

Attention PA members/ICS Parents,

 

The ICS PA AGM will be held on Tuesday the 29th of May 2011, 7:30 -

8:30 PM at the ICS Chapel, 5th Floor.

Chairman's Report, Finance Report, AGM Agenda, vacant positions, and

nomination information will be posted soon.

ICS PA ExCo

May 4, 2012

Today was the grand opening of the new Parents Resource Library in the Lam Ka Chung William Memorial Library in the Secondary wing. There were parents on hand to celebrate the availability of this collection of parenting resources and to enjoy some cake and conversation. Over 100 books and DVDs are now available containing many excellent parenting and family resources. Parents will need to bring their electronic ICS entry tag to register and will be able to borrow these items for a two week period. These resources are available through generous donations of the PA and individual parents, working together to further strengthen ICS' families and community. Parents will also be able to check out one item at a time from the Secondary Library collection.

ICS Gospel Dinner Follow-up

PA hosted a Gospel Dinner for the school community and friends. Many thanks to our hard-working dinner committee and thank you to all our supporters!

Please click on the picture to enlarge.

 

Parent Resources in the Lam Ka Chung William Memorial Library

The Parent Resource section in the Secondary Library is set up and books are available to check out. If you are interested in helping expand the collection, click here to see information posted earlier on our blog.

Join us for a special prayer and lunch celebration

Dear Parents of ICS,

You are cordially invited to join a special prayer and lunch celebration on:

Feb. 11th 2012 Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

At 5/F Chapel

We are so thankful that many grade level parents prayer fellowships were formed in the past year, we invite you to come pray with us and hear more about how this can impact your family and your children in this Celebration! We will have:

1. Lively worship time led by Kirby Chan

2. Sharing on: "Unleashing the Power of Intercessory Prayer" by Pastor Fai Chan

3. Parents testimony

4. Gospel Dinner update

5. Luncheon celebration starting 12:30 p.m.

Please contact your grade level prayer group leaders or email Phyllis Fung at pfung2009 "at" gmail.com to make reservations. Bring a friend along!

Blessings,
Fai Chan
Parents Association Chairman

Christian Living/Parenting Book Donations Request

The Parent Association in conjunction with the Secondary Library is setting up a "Parent Resource" section, for parents to borrow books and teaching DVDs which will help them in raising their children.

Housed in the Secondary Library, the items will be available to parents of all grades. If you are able to donate good condition Christian books or DVDs relating to child development, family matters, relationships, etc, we would like to share them with the ICS community. We accept books in any language, hard-cover preferred for durability.

If you have further questions, you may contact PA member Penny Yue at 9437 7181. Kindly bring your book donations to either the Elementary Office or the Secondary Library, thank you!

Parent Support Group Report

Fourteen parents attended a parenting session in early January on the topic of Understanding Children with Special Needs. There was an overview of some types of disorders and sharing from parents of special needs children about how we can help ourselves and our children accept and understand children with special needs.

Upcoming session on Feb 3 - Peer Pressure 8:30-10:30am Elementary Conference Room