We celebrated Matariki on Friday 14th July. Matariki, also known as the Māori New Year, holds cultural and spiritual significance recognizing it as a time of renewal, reflection, and gratitude for God's creation. By embracing Matariki, we enrich our faith by integrating elements of Māori spirituality and values, such as stewardship of creation and a sense of communal harmony, into our own spiritual practices. This Friday (21st July )we come together in our House groups to celebrate Matariki by having a shared breakfast.

On 22nd July we celebrate the Feast Day of Mary Magdelene who was a prominent figure in the Catholic faith known for her close association with Jesus Christ. Her significance lies in being the first witness to the resurrection of Jesus, symbolising the transformative power of faith and the importance of women in spreading the message of Christianity.

Mary Magdalene travelled with Jesus as one of his followers. She is mentioned by name more than most of the apostles and more than any other woman in the gospels, other than Jesus's family. All the gospels say she, either alone or as a member of a larger group of women which includes Jesus's mother, the first to witness the empty tomb, and is the first to witness Jesus's resurrection. In 2016, Pope Francis raised the level of liturgical memory on July 22 from memorial to feast, and for her to be referred to as the "Apostle of the apostles".

Lord, please bless all our teachers, friends and whanau as they make their way back to their classrooms for another term. Help them to feel excitement and joy in the promise of a new start. Help to keep our schools and homes warm. Give them everything they need to start their classes. Help us to support those who are hungry and cold. Give them and us all we need all this winter. Amen.