Disability Awareness Every year in June, the Anglican Church celebrates Disability Awareness. It is an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary lives that disabled people live. In addition, it gives us the chance to advocate for kindness, equity and respect. That makes the language we use important.

First off, in Aotearoa NZ, disabled people have been asked to be referred to as "disabled people". The emphasis here is on all people being people. In addition, it acknowledges that the way we build and organise our world can put barriers in the way of some people. In this sense, our world dis-ables some people and limits their participation. Our responsibility is to listen to one another and discover how such barriers might be removed.

During our Disability Awareness Chapel service, we were blessed to hear our very own Fahizah Sahib (Year 13) offer an insight into her life as a disabled person. Fahizah spends much (but not all) of her life in a wheelchair to protect her fragile bones. Her story is one of courage and faithfulness. At one level, her message was very clear: if you want to make a difference, here are two bits of advice:

• If you see people struggling, ask them if they would like help. Don't hijack their wheelchair. Don't take their purse and try to pay. Don't take over. Ask.
• Please don't stare or make assumptions. If there is something you would like to know, just ask. A careful question is always better than goggle-eyes and mistaken assumptions.

Remember that disabled people are not 'less than' and do not need to be fixed. You will find that people of all kinds can be amazing, inspiring, resilient, and tolerant - if given the chance. Let's work together to remove all barriers that prevent us from living the best lives possible.

Tahi ka taea e tatou te kawe huringa - Together we can bring about change.

Unite for Ukraine - Raise Funds for Refugees

Our school response to raising funds for refugees started with outrage; an outrage that so many lives could be so affected by the cruelty and selfishness of others. Out of outrage, came action. On May 26 the whole community came together to make a difference. Our non-uniform day donations, combined with hot chips, Ukrainian fruit punch, and a colour run, raised in excess of $1000! This money will go to World Vision's on-the-ground response to the refugee crisis in Ukraine.

There were several highlights across the day - almost too many to mention - but here are some key moments.

Our Year 9 coin collectors were blown away by the generosity they encountered as they worked their way around the school.

The hot chip line at lunchtime was absolutely off the charts! A huge thank you to the Mission Council and Brad's catering team for their combined effort to cook and sell an epic batch of fries.

The very first obstacle relay race pitting house against house against staff with blue and yellow cornflour colour bombs. Absolute carnage.

It was wonderful to see so many happy faces participate in this important Mahi. A special thanks go to Kate Spence (whose idea this was) for all her energy and hard work, as well as to the Mission Council for getting behind the cause.

And it's not over yet. Standby for the "Unite for Ukraine: Recipes, Refugees, & Reconciliation" cookbook. This fundraiser will include recipes from our local Russian and Ukrainian communities as well as prayers, info about Ukraine, and the humanitarian crisis.

Kia a tau te rangimarie ki a tatou - May peace settle on us all!

Reverend Stephen Black / Chaplain