From the Chaplain

Left to right: Sophie Pye (Head Girl), Rev Paul Morrow (STAC Chaplain), Rev Anne Stewart (Alpine Presbytery Moderator), Rev Charissa Nicol (Rangi Ruru Chaplain), Dr Sandra Hastie (Principal), Nicki Carter (Chairperson of Rangi Board of Govenors), Francesca Gallaway (Head of Community).

FROM THE CHAPLAIN This has certainly been an interesting year to begin as Chaplain at Rangi!

As I write, I cannot help but wonder how much the world will have changed by the time you read it! It is as if COVID-19 is an invisible boat generating unpredictable waves on the lakeshore of our lives. Whether riding the waves, tossed about learning new ways to swim, or perhaps in need of a supporting lifebuoy, we are all immersed in this changing reality. My hope is that, guided by Aroha, the Rangi Ruru Whānau offers shelter from life’s buffeting waves by caring for others whereby, “if one falls down, another can help them up” (Ecclesiastes 4:10).

Clearly, we are impacted by each other and the world around us. As Chaplain, I believe holistic well-being is formed and nurtured in community and that it involves physical, social, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Chapel services contribute to fostering our spiritual wellbeing and sense of togetherness.

Whilst many of our existing Chapel traditions were maintained, change was inevitable this year. Celebrating Easter during lockdown meant that our usual Family Services were replaced with opportunities to meet online during Holy Week and that our Resurrection Sunday message was a soundbite on Rangi’s Instagram. When the online learning timetable kicked off in Term Two, our weekly Chapel and Assembly Services were pre-recorded and shared via Teams. I am grateful to those students and staff who helped make this happen - especially to Sophie Pye and the Senior Leaders for their adaptability, and to Agave Yu and the Tech Angels for their assistance.

On our first day back on campus in Term Two, we hit the ground running with an outdoor Harvest Festival Service. Phoebe Sugrue and the Service Council, supported by the Clan Leaders and Chapel Council, promoted the Harvest Festival Collection. Thanks to their hard work and the generosity of the Rangi community, over 1500 nonperishables were donated to the Christchurch City Mission.

Other special occasions in Term Two were the Clan Service and the Founders’ Day Service, both of which were reimagined. Instead of Family attending the Clan Services, Ella Stephens and our Clan Leaders led an exuberant Service that was attended by a selection of students suitably spaced in the Chapel and livestreamed via Teams to the rest of the campus. The Founders Day Service was a more formal, fabulous celebration that was made available to our wider community online.

In Term Three, it was “business as usual” for our Services and Assemblies in St Andrew’s Church. A highlight was having Elisah ViliUmaga and the Chapel Committee lead the school in a thoughtful Service. This team, led by Camille Perelini and her deputy Elisah, are to be commended for their work supporting Chapel this year. I also appreciate Mrs Kingsbury and Ms Herangi-Harrison leading our himine. As the year draws to a close, I am glad that we will celebrate our Christmas Carol Services together as planned. (However, in any case), I am confident that the wellbeing of the Rangi Whānau is in the hands of a loving God who is beside us facing whatever may come.

Words by Rev Charissa Nicol CHAPLAIN