Schools gather to pay their respects to Christchurch victims

Sacred Heart college held a prayer vigil for the victims of Friday's Christchurch terrorist attack. Photo / Warren Buckland.

The start of the school day was marked with poignant tributes to the victims from Friday's terrorist attack.

Many schools around the region observed a minute of silence, and gathered together to share their collective grief.

Sacred Heart College held a prayer vigil for the 50 people who lost their lives and for those affected in Christchurch.

Principal, Maria Neville-Foster said it was about sending "aroha" to Christchurch.

"We are standing with them in solidarity .. We believe in respecting everyone and that everyone has the right to human dignity and the right to feel safe in their environment.

"Our thoughts and our prayers go out to our colleagues and schools in Christchurch. It would have been traumatic for them on Friday with being in lockdown and we want them to know that we are thinking of them all and praying for them all, as well as the families who are effected by the trauma."

Te Aute College held a special chapel service at school and will be involved in an Anglican Schools' vigil at 1.40pm on Friday.

Principal Shane Hiha said his boys posted a moving tribute to Facebook on Friday which has since had more than 25,000 views.

But alongside the grief, a strong message of safety was echoed by all principals.

Tamatea High School principal, Robin Fabish said they offered support to their students and reassured them about their safety.

Hawke's Bay Secondary Principals' Association chairman and Taradale High School principal Stephen Hensman said while he did not know of any direct links between his students and the victims, tragedies like this are upsetting and can give rise to previous difficulties people have faced.

"We will keep an eye on how students are responding to see if there are any who require some support.

"The best response to such a hateful incident is to show love. This can simply mean being kind and caring at all times, but particularly now."

Today, Napier Girls' High School will hold a special assembly, as well as raise funds for the victims.

Wairoa College too will raise money and will reflect on the tragedy, in the coming days.

Ministry of Education deputy secretary sector enablement and support, Katrina Casey, said while they remain very focused on Christchurch schools, kura and early learning services, "we know children and young people around the country have been impacted by Friday's events and we are also ensuring they are provided with the support they need".

Casey said all schools have been contacted by their local director of education to provide some resources for educators and parents and to advise how to seek support from their Traumatic Incident teams, if needed.

"A very small number have subsequently reached out. All regions have put Traumatic Incident trained staff on standby to provide support if requested. There are nine regional offices outside Canterbury."