Three went to town (on behalf of Rimu)

Three of our School Council members took our class responses into the Botanic Gardens today to lay at the wall where all the flowers have been placed. 

The girls looked and read all that they could in the time that they were there.

They also took a few moments to lie our class items down. They felt very proud that we were able to contribute something that will be shared with the Muslim community. 

Mika, Mia and Julia found the experience very moving saying that they were amazed at how much was there and how fantastic it is that so many people are showing Aroha to the Muslim community. 

Responding and Remembering - Rimu Coloured Friday

On Wednesday in Rimu we took some time to look at and discuss the different positive responses that have been happening around Christchurch and New Zealand in response to the tragedy that happened last Friday. 

We watched footage of high school students lighting candles, singing, doing haka. We saw people laying flowers. We talked about the words we saw on signs and cards, words like Aroha, kindness and unity. 

We then decided what we wanted to do in response. Each student wrote their idea/s on to a post it and put it on the board. And then it was action stations. Here are some photos of what the students produced.

As a whole school, we had Colour Our Day Mufti Day to raise funds for the victim's families. We dressed up in colourful clothing and took some time to write messages of hope and love around our coin trial. 

Mia popped in with her creation before school to leave it with us. She was sick so came in wearing a mask. We thought she showed real commitment to do this while sick. 

Our senior leaders Julia, Parwin and Jedi counted up the money once everyone in the school had put their coins down. 

The YMS community raised a whopping $454.00, the most we've ever raised in the past few years as a school community. We were all very moved by this. 

At 1:20pm the school bell was rung and the whole school headed outside to the court for the 2-minute silence. Rimu class brought out their creations with them and were able to show these to the school. 

We were so impressed at how still and respectful all our students were as we listened to the call to prayer and then stood for 2 minutes. One of our classmates was excited to hear the call because this is what she hears at her own mosque. What a privilege to be able to show our Muslim friends that we care and love them. 

So blogging world: Did you Colour Your Day? Did your school do anything to participate in the movement of Aroha and Unity that happened around the country? Did you create something to share with others?

We can't wait to read your responses.

With Aroha - Rimu @ Yaldhurst