St Martins Lutheran College held its annual “Blessing of the Backpacks” ceremony to mark the start of the school year.

The Year 12 cohort buddied-up with the Reception students for the special activity, bringing together the college’s youngest and oldest students.

The newest members of the college were presented with a special key tag and some wise words as a welcoming gift from the experienced students.

St Martins Lutheran College captain Alex Laube said the Blessing of the Backpacks was a special event for the Year 12s as it was the “old” welcoming the “new” and a great way to symbolise the start of their St Martins journey.

The college welcomed parents and caregivers to watch their children participate in the memorable event.

St Martins Lutheran College Head of Junior School Wellbeing Robyn Teakle said the event had become an annual tradition for the college.

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

“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.

“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.”