International Week

International Week was a vibrant celebration of diversity, culture, food, and community spirit. The week began on Monday with our International Assembly, where I spoke about the German influence on Namibia. The Chinese Captain delivered an engaging presentation on unique Chinese cuisine, while the International Captain introduced students to the culture and traditions of people from Malaysia.

Throughout the week, students participated in a variety of cultural activities that celebrated the richness of our multicultural community. Food-related activities included the Dumplings Lunch, international food cooking and German cookie decorating. Junior School students also took part in an International Costume Parade and a Chinese fan craft activity.  

Overall, International Week was a meaningful and engaging experience. It strengthened cultural understanding, encouraged inclusion, and fostered a strong sense of belonging within the school community. Through shared learning and a deep appreciation of diversity, the week brought students and staff together positively and memorably. 

Zia B (10.4)

German Captain

Secondary School Assembly & Chapel

International Week brought two memorable and enriching experiences for the Oxley community: International Assembly and International Chapel.

During the International Assembly, Oxley alumnus Tiani Greenwood (née Walters) (Class of 2010), delivered an inspiring address on the importance of diversity and belonging. She reminded us of the beauty found in our differences and the strength that comes from embracing one another's backgrounds. The Assembly also featured vibrant cultural presentations from students across the school, celebrating the rich tapestry of heritages within our community. A particular highlight was a student performance of the beloved classic Mandarin song,月亮代表我的心 (The Moon Represents My Heart).

In International Week Chapel, we were privileged to welcome back another Oxley alumnus, Francis Lian (Class of 2021), a Burmese Australian. He shared his powerful personal journey as an American college footballer. Francis spoke candidly about how a serious injury became an unexpected turning point that led him to a profound and life-changing encounter with God. 

Together, these two events reminded us that our world is made richer by diverse cultures and stories, and that sometimes it is in our most vulnerable moments that we find the deepest meaning.

Jonathan T (12.7)

International Captain

Junior School International Costumes Parade

This year, I had the privilege of hosting the Junior School International Costume Parade, and it was a truly memorable experience. As I introduced each class onto the stage, students proudly showcased traditional outfits representing cultures from around the world. What stood out most was the uniqueness and detail of the costumes. Students spoke about how these outfits were traditionally worn during festivals, ceremonies, and cultural celebrations, thus making them deeply meaningful symbols of heritage and identity.

The parade also highlighted multiculturalism in Australia. It was heartwarming to see many families continue to preserve and pass down their traditions to younger generations, even while living in Australia. Events like this encourage students to take pride in their heritage while learning to appreciate and respect the cultures of others. The costume parade was not only colourful and enjoyable, but also a meaningful celebration of diversity, belonging, and community.

Harry H (11.13)

Chinese Captain

International Lunch

On Thursday 14 May, a group of students and teachers gathered in the Food Studies kitchens to prepare food for the annual International Lunch. It was so special to have students from various backgrounds uniting to create a delicious lunch. Helping cook and serve food at the International Lunch was one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences I have had.

While cooking, the room was filled with the delicious spices, sauces, and warm meals. I could hear people laughing, talking, and sharing ideas as we worked together, which created a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Seeing all the colourful ingredients and beautifully presented dishes made the event feel even more special and showed the diversity within our school community.

During the lunch, I helped serve food, and it was great to watch people smile as they tried foods from different countries. The sounds of conversations and excitement around the room made the event feel vibrant and full of energy. I enjoyed interacting with others, answering questions about the dishes, and encouraging people to try something new. 

Through this experience, I developed important skills such as teamwork, communication, organisation, and responsibility. I also became more confident speaking with others and working under pressure in a busy environment. Most importantly, the lunch taught me how food can bring people together and help positively celebrate different cultures. I feel proud to contribute to such a successful event and to be part of something that fostered a happy and connected atmosphere at my school. I will forever treasure the special memories made with different students on this day, and the amazing time I had.

Priscilla P (10.4)

Dumplings

During International Week, numerous Year 8 and Year 9 students who were learning Chinese volunteered to cook dumplings for both the Junior School and Secondary School students. We gathered in the Food Studies room early in the morning and began cooking promptly to ensure everything would be ready on time. After cooking, the dumplings were kept in the ovens so they could be served warm and fresh at lunch, and be comforting to students.

International Week is always a highly anticipated event within our school community, and volunteering for the Dumpling Lunch was a rewarding experience for everyone involved. It is wonderful to be part of a school that so actively celebrates and values multiculturalism. While preparing food for so many students was initially challenging, the support and guidance from our teachers made the process enjoyable and meaningful. Most importantly, the experience highlighted teamwork and cooperation. Seeing students enjoy the dumplings gave us a strong sense of accomplishment and reminded us of the saying, “Food connects people, one dumpling at a time.”

Cassie L (9.10)

Home Group Captain

German Cookies Decorations

On Friday 15 May, we decorated German Lebkuchenherzen (gingerbread hearts) with a variety of fun colours and creative designs. It was an enjoyable activity because it allowed us to express our creativity while also learning more about German culture and tradition. As we decorated the cookies, we discovered how the giving and receiving of the cookies during Oktoberfest and other festivals in German-speaking countries has traditionally been associated with friendship, love, and relationships in German culture, which made the activity even more interesting and meaningful.

Everyone decorated their cookies differently, and it was exciting to see the wide range of creative ideas and unique designs. My favourite part was being able to decorate the cookies freely and then enjoying eating them afterwards. The activity was both fun and educational, creating a lively, enjoyable atmosphere in the classroom.

Riddhima S (8.6)