Building a strong school community

St Martins Lutheran College senior students welcome the school’s newest arrivals

“As St Martins has continued to grow it is important to us to keep a strong connection between our students right across the college.”

Those were the words of St Martins Lutheran College head of junior school wellbeing Robyn Teakle as the college’s Year 12 cohort buddied up with new reception students at the start of the 2023 school year.

“About four years ago, our then chaplain initiated this beautiful ceremony where we acknowledge the reception students who are at the beginning of their school journey, and the Year 12 students who are nearing the end,” Mrs Teakle said.

“During the ceremony there is a blessing over both Reception and Year 12 students as the older students greet, chat and share with the younger ones and in doing so place a specially designed bag tag on their backpack.

“ It was wonderful to have parents along to share in the ceremony and chat with their young ones and their new buddy. Throughout the year, the two year levels will have the opportunity to share more special moments together.”

Speaking on behalf of the older students, college captain Alex Laube said the ceremony was special for all the students involved. “The Blessing of the Backpacks is a special event for the Year 12’s as it is the “old” welcoming the “new” and a great way to symbolise the start of their St Martins journey,” Alex said.

PHOTOS

1. Bridie shows buddy, Ella her new key tag
2. Nikita helps out Atlas by putting the key tag on his bag
3. Will G gets down to Teddy’s level
4. Year 12 Student Will B helps his buddy, Taylor get her bag up on her back
5. Olivia poses with Shish