This morning we welcomed our big brothers and sisters from Aquinas College Year 11-13.They were at the start of a 22 km walk from our school to Aquinas College, carrying the cross.

Each year volunteers from the Aquinas College discipleship class and RE classes carry the cross from our school through Matapihi, over the Matapihi Rail bridge, into Tauranga, to St Mary's, on through Cameron Road, past Boys and Girls' Colleges , through Barkes Corner overbridge to Aquinas.

They are accompanied by teachers and the Director of Religious Education (Aquinas) who lead the prayers and stations of the cross.

It was wonderful to see so many of our old girls and boys in the crowd (so much more grown up!)

Our children gathered together to welcome the Aquinas walkers with our welcome song "Tutira Mai - stand together, be strong" and we joined in with the first station prayers with our loud voices. The "Our Father" was the loudest and affirming from our children. I think the Aquinas group were very emotional listening to our children supporting them so well.

Thank you Miss Fielden for leading our waiata today.