18 Sep 2012

Blessing held at school where paedophile taught

8:30 pm on 18 September 2012

The Far North school whose former deputy principal has admitted sexual offending against boys has held a blessing service in the aftermath of the crisis.

James Parker, who taught at Pamapuria School, is in custody awaiting sentence after pleading guilty to 49 offences involving more than a dozen boys.

Clergy from all denominations walked in procession with kaumatua around the school and through classrooms to bless the site on Monday.

One pastor, Howard Cross, says the aim of the ceremony was to lift any feelings of spiritual contamination caused by Parker's actions, and show staff and pupils they have the support of the whole community as they deal with the fallout from his offending.