Back to School

As our kids head back to school, we want to ensure they know they are supported by their local church whānau. Here are some great ideas and resources to help you pray for your students and teachers, giving them the best start to the academic year. Small things really do make a big difference.

Back to School Pencils of joy

ORDER YOURS >>

Back to School Blessings

A blessing written by Strandz for back to school in 2024.

Download

A4 Blessing (pdf)
A4 Blessing (jpeg)
Widescreen powerpoint slides (pdf) and individual jpeg images of each slide (slide 1, slide 2, slide 3, slide 4)

Backpack Blessing

What is a Backpack Blessing?
A Backpack Blessing is a segment in a worship service just before students and teachers return to school at the beginning of the year. Children and students are encouraged to bring their school bags into church for a blessing. The aim is to encourage and help students to feel excited and supported by their church community and by God, as they go back to school. It is also a great opportunity to pray for teaching staff and parents who are starting a term of homeschooling.

Blessing of the devices

As children and young people increase their use of digital technology within their learning, churches are including a blessing of the devices at the start of the year.
For more information, see this idea from UCA Children and Families Ministry.

Some churches are thinking about printing off cool stickers for their children to add to their laptops/cellphones, with quotes or text to encourage them throughout the year (without being too cheesy)

Back to School Gifts

Some churches like to hand out a trinket or gift at the start of the school year, as a reminder of God's faithfulness and care. These have included keyrings, stickers, pens and notebooks.

Gift Tags

Attach these fun gift tags to a small gift for students and teachers.
Download printable pdfs: students or for teaching staff.

Photo: Reverend Rebecca Apperly ready to bless the socks off the teachers at the school next door.

Last year, St Mike's in Newlands, Wellington, blessed the staff of the primary school next door on their training day in January, before the school term started. They were stoked!

Who could you bless with these tags?