Learning Hubs in Christchurch

Last week I was in Christchurch helping to establish a Learning Hub (one of 11 on the east side of Christchurch). These hubs are designed to cater for the needs of the students in Christchurch who still do not have a school to attend.

Listening to the students talk about their experiences was a humbling experience.

Back at Bluestone we continue to have enrolments from Christchurch. It has been great to see how the Bluestone students welcome the Christchurch students. There is healing in human kindness. I have also been amazed at the wonderful generosity of people who have made generous donations to support the students displaced. A group of friends in Australia sent an amazing $850 to help put the Christchurch students in uniforms. A school in Wellington gave 75% of their school gala fundraiser (Some $58,000!) How amazing are these stories of human generosity.

Even though there has been real sadness in Christchurch there have also been great acts of kindness. It gives us faith in the human race!

Earthquakes and reality

The reality of the past week is setting in.

We are only 2 hours away from ChCh and yet it is so hard to fathom the extent of the tragedy.

In Timaru we have been so lucky to escape the direct damage.

Over the past week we have enrolled more than 20 children from schools that have been affected in ChCh. The students that have arrived have received a warm welcome and I am very impressed with the resilience they are showing.

Today I felt very proud of our students. A mufti day with a Canterbury theme was well supported and raised $1200 to contribute to the relief fund.

We paid tribute to those who have lost lives by holding a two minute silence at 12.51 (exactly a week after the quake). This was a powerful and humbling experience.

We can only hope that those in Christchurch are able to get the basics back ASAP and start to rebuild their shattered lives.

It certain puts life into perspective!

Makes you reconsider what is really important.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families as they face the realities ahead.

Kia Kaha