Special Character Reflection

With social justice week being in this term, our focus will be living in solidarity with others and acknowledging those less fortunate than ourselves. We have already had amazing acts of Solidarity this year, such as last term where the Year 13’s, stayed overnight in cardboard boxes to raise awareness to those whose livelihoods have been changed in Fiji due to extreme weather conditions and COVID.

During this time of Matariki, we acknowledge the blessings of food, nature and whānau that God has gifted us. This is a really important period to connect with those around us, our families and school community. The word Matariki can be translated as Mata Riki (Tiny Eyes) or Mata Ariki (Eyes of God). For us as Christians this reminds us that the eyes of God watch over the land and his people. Matariki is a special time to celebrate our connection to the whenua (land) and to the environment. It is time to remember our history and roots. Matariki is a time of growth and change, a time to celebrate what we have and what gifts we have to use.

Matariki is a celebration of culture, language, spirit and people.

Let us pray.

E te Atua, God of the cycles and patterns of the

universe and all living things whose ways

we only begin to comprehend, open our

hearts to the wonder of the natural

world, to your incarnation throughout

creation, and to your presence with and

in us now.

Amen

Have a great rest of the week and enjoy this exciting new term ahead!