Whānau Time Message: 

Today I want to share with you the story of St Patrick and how he was kind to people and animals.

Once upon a time, in the beautiful green lands of Ireland, there lived a man named Patrick. Patrick wasn't born in Ireland, but he loved the country and its people very much.

One sunny morning, Patrick decided to take a walk through the lush, green hills.As he walked, he hummed a cheerful tune and greeted everyone he met with a warm smile.

On his journey, Patrick came across a small village. The villagers were worried because their crops weren't growing well. 

Patrick saw their trouble and felt a deep kindness in his heart.

“Don't worry," Patrick said. "I have an idea!" 

He knelt down and gently placed his hands on the ground. He whispered kind words to the earth, asking it to be generous to the villagers. 

To everyone's amazement, the crops began to grow! The villagers cheered and thanked Patrick for his kindness.

As Patrick continued his walk, he met a shepherd who had lost one of his sheep. The shepherd was very sad. Patrick knew he had to help.

He walked through the hills and valleys, calling out for the lost sheep. 

Finally, he found it all alone, scared but safe.

The shepherd was overjoyed to see his sheep again and thanked Patrick for his kindness.

Later that day, Patrick sat under a tree, resting. A group of curious children gathered around him. They had heard of his good deeds and wanted to learn from him.

Patrick smiled and plucked a three-leaf shamrock from the grass. See this shamrock?" Patrick said, holding it up. "It has three leaves, but it's one shamrock. Like the shamrock, even though we are all different, we are part of one big world. We should always be kind and help each other." The children listened intently and promised to spread kindness, just like Patrick.

As the sun set, Patrick looked around at the happy faces of the people and the beauty of Ireland. He felt a warm glow in his heart, knowing he had made a difference with his kindness.

And so, every year on St. Patrick's Day, people remember the kind man who loved Ireland and its people. They wear green, the colour of the shamrock, and celebrate with joy and kindness towards others, just like Patrick.