Embracing Hope at Easter

As the first rays of dawn pierced the sky on April 6, a gathering took place at our Shore Road campus bringing to the forefront of minds the importance of Easter. Students, accompanied by staff and family, assembled beneath the cross to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus – a poignant event symbolising new beginnings and the triumph of light over darkness.

The service commenced with a performance of ‘E Te Ariki’, a beautiful hymn sung by Sessilis Tu’akalau and Oliver Bennett. As the English verse resounded, everyone joined in, singing gratitude to the Lord for the new day He bestowed upon them, a day that held profound significance in the story of Easter.

Principal of the Boys’ School Mr Peter Cassie extended a warm welcome, acknowledging the presence of all attendees and expressing gratitude for their participation in this meaningful gathering.

Chaplain of Saint Kentigern Schools, Rev. Reuben Hardie then began to unfold the narrative of Easter, painting it in two parts. Mr Isaac Williams took the stage, emphasising the centrality of the cross in the first part of this moment in history. He invited the children to recognise the cross not merely as a symbol or a reminder, but as the embodiment of the greatest rescue mission in the history of humanity. Meanwhile, Mr Andy Wright skilfully constructed a cross, sawing and nailing it together before the eyes of the children, breathing life into the story.

The Celtic cross of Saint Kentigern, adorned with a circle, held deeper significance. Mr Williams urged the children to contemplate this symbol, to recognise the sun and the Son intertwined within its design – a profound reminder of the light and hope brought forth by Jesus’s resurrection.

Following this, Liam Jarvis’s ‘Amazing Grace’ on the bagpipes filled the air, prompting all to stand in silent reflection, embracing the solemnity of the moment.

Head Girl Amelia Hardie then graced the stage, reciting James K. Baxter’s ‘Easter Poem’ which encapsulates the essence of the Easter story. Head Boy Ben Roberton followed, sharing the story of Jesus’s appearance to Peter from John 21, where a miraculous catch of fish demonstrated divine providence.

Rev. Hardie stepped forward once again, transitioning to the second part of the story where a boat took centre stage. This Saint Kentigern inflatable boat stood on the lawn, serving as a tangible representation of God’s boundless grace. Despite Peter’s denial, Jesus met him where he was, attending to his physical needs and revealing Himself as Jehovah-Jireh, the ultimate provider. Rev. Hardie artfully explained how each side of the boat represents the human and spiritual aspects within ourselves, reminding all that through Jesus, they have the capacity to embody kindness, grace, and love.

With hearts touched and spirits uplifted, the children concluded the service by collectively singing ‘This is Amazing Grace’, their voices harmonising under the guidance of Mr Williams.

The Shore Road Easter service offered a poignant reminder of the eternal significance of Easter – a time when darkness gave way to light, despair transformed into hope, and divine love triumphed over all.