International Week

One Big Family in Christ

International Week is a great chance for all of us to appreciate and learn from different cultures. At our college, we are blessed to be able to learn new languages and explore different cultures. Even though we all come from different backgrounds, it’s important to remember that we are one big family in Christ.

After this I looked, and there before me was a great crowd that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. Revelation 7:9

This verse shows us that God’s family includes people from all over the world. Everyone is welcome in His Kingdom, no matter where you are from or what language you speak. 

God sees all of us as His children, and our differences can be a good thing. They help us bring new ideas, talents, and experiences to serve God and help each other. 

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

God does not show favouritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right. Acts 10:34–35

These verses remind us that in God’s eyes, everyone is equal and valuable. 

Now, let’s talk about the reasons why we learn a new language and appreciate other cultures. 

Learning a language can be useful in today’s world, especially here in Australia where we’re such a multicultural country. Speaking another language can lead to more job opportunities, help us communicate with more people, and give us a deeper understanding of the world around us. 

In Junior School, students learn Chinese (Mandarin). In Middle School and Senior School, students have the option to learn German or Chinese (Mandarin). Both are valuable in different ways. For example, German is an official language in the European Union, and it’s spoken by millions of people, especially in Europe. Did you know there are approximately 600 German companies in Australia? They employ more than 60,000 people! Companies like Allianz, BMW and Mercedes-Benz all use German. 

Mandarin is the second most spoken language in the world, after English. Around 1.3 billion people speak it! In Australia, almost 3% of the population speaks Chinese at home, making it the most common language other than English used at home in Australia. 

This shows just how important Chinese is in our country too. 

Jing T (10.2), German Captain

Jack D (10.4), Chinese Captain

Senior School Assembly  

We celebrated International Week at Assembly. We honoured different cultures around the world and the countries in which students came from. There was an International Flags Display. We heard a short devotion from the language captains and watched a Guzheng (Chinese zither) performance by Kimmy Q (8.6). Our German Captain, Jing T (10.2), took time to speak about German fairytales and how they evolved to what they are today.

My personal highlight of the Assembly was getting to share with all the students in the school about the 2025 China Trip which I was part of. It was awesome to have Henry Z (11.15) end the Assembly with his rendition of ‘Yi Jian Mei’, a timeless Chinese classic. Henry also sang this song to the staff and students of the school we visited in China and the audience erupted in a huge round of applause. 

All in all, the Assembly was a wonderful way for us to learn and tell each other about where in the world we come from. 

Jack D (10.4)

Chinese Captain

Students’ Dumpling Lunch 

On Monday 12 May, a group of students from the Year 9 Chinese classes, volunteered to assist in the Students' Dumpling Lunch.

My classmates and I cooked meat and vegetarian dumplings. We were all very eager to cook! The lively atmosphere was filled with the sounds of simmering pots, laughter, and excited chatter as we cooked. We worked as a team to boil the dumplings and serve them alongside various sauces, including chilli oil, vinegar, and soy sauce.  

I feel that this experience was valuable because I was able to create unforgettable memories with my classmates. The dumplings were then served to students during lunchtime. It was a privilege to see students eating the dumplings we cooked. I felt proud to be part of something that helped bring people together and celebrate the diversity within our wider school community. Beyond learning some practical cooking skills, I will remember the sense of teamwork and the joy of creating something special with my classmates. 

Sherah S (9.9) 

Senior School Chapel

The Senior School gathered for a special International Chapel on Tuesday 13 May.

I began the Chapel with a badminton racket and a shuttlecock game. Then we had a dynamic worship song led by international students, migrant students and students whose parents were migrants. These students involved were Daniel L (11.15), Henry Z (10.4), Jonathan T (11.14), Nicole M (9.9), Susanna L (9.11), Tasman F (12.8), Xin Ran H (12.8) and Henry T (8.6).

Our special guest speaker was Noel Aruliah. Noel is the founder of Subtle Curry Traits, one of the world’s largest Facebook groups. During his message, Noel spoke candidly about his personal journey—the challenges of relying solely on his own strength, and the transformation that came when he chose to trust in God's plan instead. He reminded us that while our own efforts may fall short, God’s purpose for our lives is always greater, even when it unfolds in ways we don’t expect. Noel’s words left a lasting impression, encouraging us to walk in faith, remain open to unexpected paths, and pursue lives grounded in both passion and purpose. 

Gwen W (12.10)

International Captain 

Chinese Dance Incursion 

On Wednesday 14 May, Junior School students participated in a Chinese Dance Incursion. Ms Bonnie Fearn, from Diversity Academy, taught Prep to Year 2 students the Chinese Ribbon Dance. She also taught Years 5 and 6 students the Chinese Fan Dance. Both the students and teachers had heaps of fun learning the Chinese dances!

In addition, Ms Fearn also choreographed a Chinese dance for the Years 5 and 6 Chinese FUEL students. They had a fantastic time learning and performing the dance at the Junior School Chapel.  

Mrs Seh Yeh Ong 

Head of Languages 

Junior School Chapel 

It was a joy and a privilege to participate in this year’s Junior International Chapel on Thursday 15 May—a special time when our school community came together to celebrate both our rich cultural diversity and our shared faith in Christ. The morning began with heartfelt worship, as the children lifted their voices in praise, creating an atmosphere filled with joy, sincerity, and the presence of God. Their singing was a beautiful reminder of the simple, wholehearted faith that Jesus calls us to, and it set the tone for a meaningful time of reflection and celebration.

At the Junior Chapel, Paul T (6B) treated us to an impressive display of his skill with the Kongzhu (traditional Chinese yoyo). His presentation offered the audience a glimpse into the richness of Chinese cultural arts. 

I also shared some interesting things about German, especially the comparison between the original versions of fairy tales and the modernised versions of them. 

One of the highlights of the event was the traditional Chinese dance, performed with elegance and joy by a group of students dressed in vibrant, traditional attire. Their graceful movements and expressive faces not only honoured their cultural heritage but also reminded us of the creativity and unity that God so beautifully weaves into His creation. 

The entire chapel experience served as a powerful reminder that every culture has a place in God’s Kingdom, and that as a school rooted in Christian values, we are called to appreciate, honour, and celebrate one another’s backgrounds while walking together in faith. 

Jing T (10.20)

German Captain

International Food Fair 

Participating in the International Food Fair during International Week on Thursday 15 May was one of the most enriching experiences of my Year 12 journey. As a student volunteer, I had the opportunity to help prepare and serve traditional dishes from around the world alongside classmates and teachers of different cultures. We made everything from scratch—peeling, chopping, seasoning, and plating dishes while learning about the stories and traditions behind each recipe. It was hard work but incredibly rewarding to see people enjoy the food we made and to witness the variety of flavours and ingredients from diverse cultures. 

Beyond the cooking itself, the event was a powerful celebration of diversity and community. Students and teachers each brought a piece of their heritage to the table—literally. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and the irresistible smells of international cuisine. It gave me a new appreciation for how food connects people, and it made me proud to contribute to an event that brought our school community closer together. 

Tasman F (12.8)