“The Blessing of the Backpacks is a great way to start the school year,” Anglican Parish of Mt Vincent and Weston parish priest, Fr Chris Jackson said.

“The children bring their backpacks to church and we set them up around the altar.

“We pray that the kids will have a good year in a fun, learning environment at their respective schools.”

Fr Chris noted that it was a busy time of year for families and all the school staff.

“It can be a stressful time as children settle into new classes and teachers into their workloads,” he said.

“We want to wish everyone all the best for 2016 and to thank our school communities for all they do in supporting our children.

“Everyone’s welcome – students and staff.”

The Blessing of the Backpacks service will start at 5pm Saturday.

St Paul’s also runs a primary youth group in school term from 3.45pm Thursdays (starting February 4), and a high school group, which meets at the church on Friday evenings every couple of weeks and travels to different locations.

Together with a monthly contemporary families’ service, Fr Chris says these youth groups are a sign of a church committed to ministering to young people.

“Children are the future,” he said.

“We were delighted with the response in 2015 and are looking forward to a big year ahead.”

For more information, call Fr Chris on 0401 717 686 or visit kurrianglican.com.