Last Tuesday, our Year 12 students had an eye-opening experience as they visited some of Auckland’s religious communities.  This trip, part of their World Religions topic, provided an incredible opportunity to see, hear and experience first hand, the beliefs and practices of the world religions we have studied.

We started the day at Carmel College with a visit from Buddhist Monk, Phramaha Somkid Howhan, who spoke about the core principles of Buddhism.  His insights into mindfulness, compassion, and the peaceful way of life deeply resonated with our students, setting a thoughtful tone for the rest of the day.

Our first stop was the Hindu Bharatiya Mandir in Sandringham.  Students were welcomed warmly and heard about Hinduism’s rich traditions.  We then visited the Ponsonby Masjid, where students were invited to cover their heads and remove their shoes as a sign of respect.  Here, they learned about the five pillars that guide Islamic life.

After a packed lunch at St Patrick’s Square, we wrapped up our day with a visit to St Patrick’s Cathedral in the CBD.  Exploring the Cathedral’s history and significance gave students a chance to reflect on Catholicism’s role in both spiritual and community life—a perfect way to end the day’s journey.This trip was more than just an academic exercise; it gave our students the chance to experience the richness of Auckland’s religious diversity.