Chapel Messages
Thursday 25/07/2024
The language and korero of the Maori Land March 1975 led by Kuia Dame Whina Cooper, was a ‘New Beginning’ not only for Maori but for thewhole of Aotearoa as a nation and people. The hikoi from Te Hapua to Wellington led by Kuia Dame Whina then aged 79, spoke strongly
protesting against the loss of Maori rights and land through the actions of Pakeha. It spoke too of Dame Whina’s dreams and aspirations for her Aotearoa.
Take care of our children
Take care of what they hear
Take care of what they see
Take care of what they feel
For how the children grow, so will be the shape of Aotearoa
Mauri ora
Rev Ali'itasi Aoina-Salesa
Superintending Chaplain
Wednesday 24/07/2024
Kia ora … Morena kia koutouOUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS for the Hey Family after the passing away during the holidays of Rev Roger Hey.
Both Roger and Mrs Hey were great supporters of young people and of the School. Their generosity will be remembered
by many students who benefitted from their support. Our condolences to Mrs Hey and the Family.
Thank you to the Trust Board Chair Jan Tasker and the Secretary Chris Johnston for representing.
Thank you again to Koka Lia and Matua Matiaha for leading chapel worship this morning.
Last term a group of Wesley students along with Koka Lia and Matua Matiaha represented us at the opening of
the new school and campus Te Putahi Maori o Manurewa which now houses two existing schools - Te Kura Kaupapa o Manurewa a primary school,
and Te Wharekura o Manurewa a secondary school.
A dawn ceremony marked the long awaited completion of the new two storied building and grounds. A powhiri held later in the morning
saw much support from the community including our kura to witness and participate in the event.
Kia ora to staff and students who represented and supported this new kura and its kaupapa.
Matariki … New Beginnings
Have a blessed day
Rev Ali'itasi Aoina-Salesa
Superintending Chaplain
Tuesday 23/07/2024
Good Morning AllKia ora to Matua Matiaha and Koka Lia for leading chapel worship this morning as we continue to celebrate ‘Matariki - New Beginnings.’
The following karakia written by Te Manahau Morrison was recited by the whole school in both opening and closing of worship.
The karakia is used to centre and call on energy and vitality from the universe.
Tutawa mai i runga
Tutawa mai i raro
Tutawa mai i roto
Tutawa mai i waho
Kia tau ai
Te mauri tu te mauri ora
Ki te katoa
Haumi e, hui e, taiki e
I summon from below, above, within, from the outside environment
to calm and settle the vital inner essence, the wellbeing of everyone.
Be joined together united.
Matariki was celebrated by the school for the first time with a hautapu. In mid-winter when Matariki appears in the eastern horizon in
the morning, a ceremony takes place called whangai i te hautapu. It means to feed the stars with a sacred offering.
A hangi was put down by staff and students working together the night before Matariki and enjoyed by all the following Matariki Day.
At dawn a visit was made to Anzac Hill where the Matariki constellation could be viewed.
Kia ora to all staff and students who made this celebration and experience possible. A new beginning …
Have a blessed day
Rev Ali'itasi Aoina-Salesa
Superintending Chaplain
Monday 22/07/2024
Kia ora koutou katoa ... Morena ki a koutouWelcome back to staff and students after the July holidays
As a nation and school we celebrated Matariki last term.
As Matariki is a year long celebration and about new beginnings our theme for this first week of term is
'Matariki: Whakanuia te tau hou ... A time to celebrate new beginnings.'
Matariki is a time of remembrance where we recall whaanau who have passed away during the previous year.
It is a time to give thanks for them and their contribution to our life together.
Matariki is a time to celebrate the present, the here and now, where we are and how as a people we collectively continue to work together.
Matariki is a time where we can together look forward to the future with hope.
Sometimes life can throw us curveballs as the Bible reading reminds us this morning.
It's during those hard times when perhaps the way forward is not as clear or straightforward, that we are reminded of Job's story.
The hard times Job experienced through no fault of his own, he could have easily just walked away and understandably so.
Instead Job hangs in there and hangs onto God. For Job life without God was the unthinkable in comparison to what he was going through.
Inherent in the notion of 'new beginnings' is the strongest sense of hope.
When we hang in there and hang with God, every day is one of celebration, of thanksgiving and of hope.
Have a blessed day
Rev Ali'itasi Aoina-Salesa
Superintending Chaplain