The newsletter this week is another mini-edition due to staff illness. Check the school calendar for all upcoming events and take the chance to download the new Hail App and follow Cornerstone Christian School.
Principal’s message:
Celebrating Community, Compassion and Participation
It has been another busy and rewarding week at Cornerstone Christian School, with students representing our school across a wide range of sporting, cultural and academic events. We are continually encouraged by the way our students seek to glorify God through excellence, perseverance, service and character.
Cornerstone Crossfit Games & Frizzy Friday
Today our school grounds were filled with colour, energy and excitement as students participated in the annual Cornerstone Crossfit Games and Frizzy Friday fundraiser.
Students proudly represented their tribes, taking part in a variety of challenges including confidence courses, tyre flips, cone collection events and fitness circuits. The day provided plenty of opportunities for teamwork, encouragement and healthy competition. It was wonderful to see students of all ages supporting one another and embracing the challenge of doing their very best.
Alongside the games, students enjoyed the fun of Frizzy Friday, coming dressed in mufti and tribe colours while raising funds for the Kids Cancer Society. Creative hairstyles, colourful wigs and a range of lunchtime activities helped make the day memorable, while reminding us that even small acts of generosity can make a significant difference in the lives of others.
A sincere thank you to all staff, tribe leaders, parents and students who contributed to making these events such a success. Your willingness to serve and participate helped create a wonderful sense of community across the school. A big thanks to Mr McDonald and Mr Doody for today, as well as all those teachers who undertook various supporting and leadership roles throughout the day.
As Hebrews 10:24 reminds us:
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
A big well done also to Ruth Quitiquit for her dedication and sacrifice in ‘shaving for a cure’ as part of the fundraising event.
AIMS Games
A special congratulations to all of our students who represented CCS at the AIMS Games this past week.
The AIMS Games has become one of New Zealand’s premier sporting events for intermediate-aged students, bringing together thousands of competitors from schools across the country to compete in a wide range of sporting codes. Beyond the competition itself, the event provides invaluable opportunities for students to grow in resilience, teamwork, sportsmanship and confidence.
Thank you to Mr Henderson, Mrs Mulder and Mrs Ng as well as our parents for accompanying and supporting our students throughout the week. It was encouraging to hear regular updates regarding the progress of individual competitors and teams as they represented Cornerstone with distinction.
A very special thank you must also go to Mr McDonald for his passion, vision and exceptional organisational skills in supporting sport across CCS. The opportunities our students enjoy are only possible because of the dedication and commitment shown by staff who willingly invest their time and energy into developing young people through sport.
Well done to all involved.
Dance NZ Made
Congratulations to our students who participated in Dance NZ Made this past week.
Dance NZ Made provides students with a wonderful opportunity to perform before audiences and adjudicators while celebrating creativity, discipline, teamwork and artistic expression. Participation in events such as these requires significant commitment through rehearsals, preparation and the courage to perform under pressure.
Mr Doody and Mrs Simpson were incredibly proud of the way students rose to the occasion. The professionalism, commitment and positive attitude displayed by our performers reflected the effort that had gone into their preparation.
We extend our thanks to all staff who helped organise and support the event, as well as to the families who encouraged our students throughout the process. Most importantly, well done to each student who represented CCS. You should be proud of your efforts and the manner in which you carried yourselves.
Northern Cluster Speech Competition
A special congratulations goes to Keziah Anderson, who represented our school at the Northern Cluster Speech Competition held at Terrace End School on Thursday evening. The competition brought together students from schools across the northern cluster to present speeches on the theme:
“Why we need everyday heroes now more than ever.”
This broad topic challenged participants to entertain, persuade and inspire audiences while demonstrating strong speaking skills, research, audience engagement and presentation techniques. Competitors were judged on a range of criteria including clarity, tone, structure, eye contact, gestures and overall effectiveness of delivery.
Public speaking takes courage, preparation and perseverance. We are proud of Keziah for stepping forward to represent our school and for the hard work that went into preparing for such a significant event.
Whether on the sports field, stage or speaking platform, these opportunities help students develop confidence and skills that will serve them well in the future.
Well done, Keziah.
Staff Quiz Night
On Thursday evening, staff enjoyed an opportunity to gather together socially for a mini CCS Quiz Night.
In the busyness of school life, moments like these are important. They provide opportunities for staff to relax, laugh together, strengthen relationships and build the sense of community that contributes to a positive school culture. When staff enjoy strong connections with one another, it strengthens teamwork and ultimately benefits our students as well.
A big thank you to our Staff Social Committee for organising the evening and all the behind-the-scenes work involved. Thank you also to everyone who attended and helped make the evening such an enjoyable occasion.
Keeping Up with the Board
Last month the Board met to consider the business of governance for August. Matters discussed included:
-
Mid-Year Academic Data Report.
-
Bible Studies for Years 11-13 in 2027 and the Working Group proposal.
-
Student Attendance Report for Terms 1 and 2.
-
New industry-led subjects for Years 12-13 in a post-NCEA environment.
-
NZQA briefing documents regarding the future use of AI in examination marking processes.
-
Scheduled review of the school’s Inclusive Culture Policy.
-
Updates regarding the 2026 Strategic Planning process.
-
Ongoing review of current school financial obligations and long-term viability considerations.
-
Processes surrounding the current vacancy on the Board for a Parent Trustee.
-
Continued discussion regarding the effective management of conflicts of interest across CCS.
-
Farewell and thanks to departing Student Trustee, Matthew Meyer.
-
Approval of the Year 10 Camp for Term 4, 2026.
-
Year 6 Camp proposal for Term 1, 2027, currently on hold pending financial considerations.
-
Changes to privacy legislation and implications for School Boards.
-
Monthly financial reporting.
-
Health and Safety updates.
-
Correspondence matters.
As always, we sincerely thank our trustees for their commitment, wisdom and willingness to give their time in service of our school community. Governance is often a largely unseen ministry, yet the decisions made by the Board play an important role in supporting the mission and future direction of CCS.
A Short Devotion: Strength for the Journey
One of the lesser-known verses in Scripture comes from Isaiah 30:21:
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”
Life presents us with countless decisions. Sometimes the big decisions are easy to recognise, but often it is the small daily choices that shape the direction of our lives. God’s promise is not that He will reveal every detail of the future, but that He will faithfully guide those who seek Him.
As we watch our students compete, perform, lead, serve and learn, we are reminded that success is not simply about achievement. True success is found in learning to walk faithfully with God, listening for His voice and following His direction.
May we encourage our young people to seek God’s guidance daily, trusting that He will lead them in the paths He has prepared for them.
Blessings,
James Rose
Principal
Cornerstone Christian School
Upcoming events:
Term 3 Week 9
-
Māori Language Week – Monday 14th – Friday 18th September
-
Tumanako Cycle Safety – Sunday 6th September – Thursday 24th September
-
L1 SPS Mountain biking – Tuesday 15th, Thursday 17th – Friday 18th September
-
CAA Y11-12 Numeracy – Wednesday 16th September
-
E-Pro8 Regional Finals – Wednesday 16th September
-
NCEA Music Performance evening – Wednesday 16th September
-
Y5 Swimming – Wednesday 16th September
-
CAA Y10 Numeracy – Thursday 17th September
-
Whānau Hui Dinner – Thursday 17th September
-
Dance NZ Made Nationals – Friday 18th – Sunday 20th September
2026 Term Dates:
-
Term 3: Monday 20th July – Friday 25th September
-
Term 4: Monday 12th October – Wednesday 9th December
Public Holidays:
-
Labour Day – Monday 26th October
Hail App for Cornerstone Christian School
We are introducing the Hail App for CCS across the whole school and will be looking for parent/caregiver feedback in week 7-8 of next term. You are invited to download the app, follow Cornerstone Christian School and turn on alerts for the app. Stay up-to-date with all incoming announcements, alerts, calendar items, newsletters, and use the easy ‘report an absence’ feature.
