On Sunday, the boarders and their whānau came together to celebrate the mother figures in our boarding community.

Boarding students organised a special Mother’s Day benediction, with head boarder Tai explaining how this is a part of regular boarding life in his opening welcome. 

"We come together each week for benediction. It’s a quiet moment in our busy routine where we reflect, slow down, and think about the things that matter—like community, kindness, and gratitude.

"It’s become a meaningful part of our week, and we thought today would be a great opportunity to share that experience with you, our families.

"Today is all about honouring the role of mothers and the incredible influence you have in our lives. Whether it's your support from afar or the little things you do every day, we’re so grateful. This service is a chance for us to say thank you."

Archie and Jack also read a poem which recognised the special connection between Mums and their boarding sons.

Not Always Said

— A Mother's Day Poem from Boarding Sons

I know I don’t always say it right,
And sometimes we even have the odd fight.
I text late, I forget to call,
You still love me through it all. 

From Christchurch halls and boarding life,
You’re still my mum, my heart, my hype.
Your voice in my head when the days are long,
Reminding me quietly to stay kind, stay strong. 

You send me snacks and notes in the mail,
And somehow just know when I’m starting to fail.
Even far off, your care finds a way,
In messages sent to brighten my day. 

You cheer me on when I’m out of view,
With the kind of love that sees straight through.
From chapel pews to muddy boots,
You’re still the one who knows my roots. 

You raised me to stand, to grow, to try,
And here I am - almost a fully grown guy.
Not always perfect, sometimes slow,
But I’m thankful more than I let show. 

So here’s to you, Mums - on this special day,
From your boarding sons, just a call away.
This boarding life’s teaching me a thing or two -
But nothing means more than coming home to you.