Thursday 6 August 2026
Pacifica Service
What a privilege it was to host the Pasifika Service on the first day back of school term. This service is a significant one for the Chapel as we get to celebrate the faith that is held by so many from our region, in languages from around the Pacific.
It was also a special honour to hear from Deputy Head student Tyler-Rex Samasoni (Year 13, Averill), as he gave the homily and spoke to the theme found in Psalm 137, “Now, how should we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” If these words are familiar to you, then you will remember them from not just the Psalms, but also the disco number by seventies band Boney M – By the Rivers of Babylon. Tyler-Rex spoke movingly of the sacrifice that many of his aiga had made to these lands – a story that was shared by many people who attend the Monday service.
It was an honour to hear Tyler-Rex speak of grandparents and their desire to give their children a brighter future. It called to mind Sir Isaac Newton’s famous quote which Tyler-Rex shared with the congregation: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulder of giants...” The weaving together of culture, language, family bonds and faith proved a powerful chord, that enabled those who made the journey to move away from what was familiar and known (‘orientation’) and go through the unenviable task of leaving and settling in a new land (‘disorientation’) to finally call Aotearoa home (re-orientation).
It was wonderful to hear Samoan, Tongan, Rotuman, Cook Island Māori and Fijian being offered as we heard students read and pray in their own heart language. The lotu/sung worship was also a treat.
Next year, we shall be aiming to move the service to a more convenient time, but for those who were present it was joy to be part of such a special service.
On another note… Religious Studies – Senior Courses
As junior and senior students think about what papers they’re going to do next year in preparation for their future beyond the College gates, give some thought to a paper in Religious Studies (NCEA/CIE Year 11, Level 2, Level 3) or Cambridge AS/A Biblical Studies. Why you might ask…
Essentially, because their content matters most, and addresses the deepest concerns we can have – What does it mean to be human, how do we become wise, where can we find reliable answers as we navigate the complexities of this thing called life…?
These courses are easily overlooked but given that we live in a world where there is a lot of interest in world religions (three-quarters of the world’s population) – it’s a valuable series of papers to consider. What’s more you get the opportunity to hone your craft in writing essays, examining texts, weighing arguments as well as considering the ethical implications for issues that affect us all.
Family Chapel Services – Term 3
The Chaplaincy is really looking forward to hosting you for your Term 3 House Chapel services. This is a Family Communion service and is designed for students and families who wish to, to take Holy Communion or receive a blessing. Along with our usual service and after-service function (for Day Houses) we will also be collecting for the Anglican Trust for Women and Children as they do invaluable work for the needs of our local community.
The dates are as follows:
- Sunday 9 August – 6pm, Peart and Marion Bruce Sunday House Chapel, 7.15pm, Third Quarterly Service
- Sunday 16 August – 6pm, Parnell and Major Sunday House Chapel, 7.15pm, Middlemore and St John’s Sunday House Chapel
- Sunday 23 August – 6pm - Taylor and Averill Sunday House Chapel, 7.15pm - Selwyn and School Sunday House Chapel
- Sunday 6 September – 6pm - Marsden and Greenbank Sunday House Chapel
We look forward to welcoming you there.
Peace and grace,
Your Chaplaincy Team – Rev’d Walters, Mr Max Masters and Mr Antony Hoarcek-Glading