As a school we are devastated by what happened in Christchurch just a few weeks ago and are still trying to make sense of it. An overwhelming number of students in our school have made suggestions in class meetings about ways in which we can show our support.

The main message that has come through is to display our Balmacewen values of kindness and respect to all students regardless of ethnicity, religion or culture. We believe that solidarity, love and unity are all strengths that will help us move forward together and that to look out for one another is of utmost importance.

We want our Muslim families to know that we stand together as one and want to reassure them that we will continue to show resilience, love and compassion as a school and a community.

Many donations have been made to the school this term which we have now passed on to the Al Huda Mosque in Dunedin. We hope they can be distributed to help any families in need.

Thank you to everyone who made a donation and showed support and unity.

Al Salaam a'alaykum

Arohanui

Balmacewen School Council