On March 15, 2019, both Masjid An-Nur and Linwood mosque were attacked on what would be one of New Zealand’s darkest days. 51 lives were lost, many others were injured, families and communities were left suffering.

Hagley College played a key role in the initial response acting as a wellbeing hub in the days following the attacks. On the two year anniversary on March 15 we wanted to acknowledge this significant moment and our close connection as a school community.

In the morning a number of the ELL classes visited the Tuku Aroha quilt that hangs up inside the front entrance of the school. This quilt was made the year before by staff and students and represents Hagley’s commitment to Christchurch’s Muslim communities and to all culturally and linguistically diverse communities. A shared morning tea was held and then several of the classes walked across Hagley Park to place a bouquet of flowers at Masjid An-Nur. Our principal Mike Fowler alongside a number of staff as well as Abdirizak Abdi from the Ministry of Education joined the procession. We were warmly received by Imam Gamal Fouda and members of the Christchurch Muslim community who welcomed us into the mosque where a number of speeches were delivered. We all felt humbled by the graciousness of the mosque volunteers and the significance of the moment.

We would like to thank the Muslim Association of Canterbury for their beautiful hospitality.