KITE

Global Mindedness in Action- Harmony Week

“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.”

• Maya Angelou

In the previous Solstice, I wrote about how our rich professional learning offerings demonstrate our commitment to fostering global mindedness in our students. Over the past week, our students have embraced the opportunities to engage in Harmony Week celebrations, embodying the very dispositions required for this outlook.

Conducted by Elisheba-Wendy Adu-Osae, our Cultural and Global Connections prefect, a cultural census of our Senior School highlights the “rich tapestry” of diversity within our school community. In our Harmony Week panel discussion, Old Girl and former CNN journalist Olivia Yasukawa reminded us that developing a global mindset does not require traveling overseas. Rather, it comes from being curious about the people around you, asking questions, and listening to others’ stories.

Year 11 student Jackie Howe, a member of the Cultural and Global Connections committee, drew on Maya Angelou’s powerful words in the Global Threads fashion show, the purpose and highlights of which are captured by Elisheba-Wendy below.

We look forward to more celebrations of the Kambala ‘tapestry’ harnessing the opportunity to listen and learn from the multiple perspectives that underpin our Sisterhood.

Ms Lauren Walsh 

Director of KITE

Harmony Week Highlights 

Harmony Week at Kambala was a beautiful way for our school to celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and cultural respect. As an annual national week-long event, it was a time for everyone to recognise the contributions of multicultural communities and promote belonging for everyone, regardless of cultural background. This year’s theme, ‘We all Have a Role to Play’, reminded us that we all contribute to a more inclusive and united community. 

At Kambala, the Cultural and Global Committee continues to foster this idea within our school, to encourage global mindedness and ensure our sisterhood can grow without stigma. 

Panel Discussion: On Thursday the 20th of March, a Global Citizenship Panel was held in the Lecture Theatre for students to learn more about how they can make a global impact and establish themselves in a rapidly evolving world. The event provided valuable insights into fostering cultural awareness, social responsibility, and leadership skills essential for success in today's interconnected world.

We were joined by two inspiring Kambala alumni: former CNN journalist Olivia Yasukawa, and Natasha Zurnamer, founder of the global fintech company Optty. Despite the hybrid format, both speakers provided wonderful and valuable information and advice. They shared how, through their unique experiences, they discovered their place in the world, whether it was by sharing diverse stories through journalism or by establishing a user-experience based technology platform. 

Their insights, highlighting the importance of curiosity, resilience, and embracing global citizenship, were especially relevant and empowering for young women in our school community, encouraging them to confidently pursue their passions and become influential leaders in their own right.

Global Threads: Kambala's first cultural fashion show was a great success, bringing students and teachers together to celebrate diverse cultures through clothing. The Music Performance Theatre was filled with energy as students enthusiastically cheered for each model walking the runway, embracing the beauty and significance of cultural identity. It proved the significance of fashion being more than appearance as it carries history, tradition, and personal meaning. By showcasing cultural attire, students and teachers celebrate the heritage of others while fostering understanding and appreciation within our school. In a diverse community like Kambala, Harmony Week reinforces the importance of identity in building a more inclusive and connected sisterhood.

As Kambala is known to be a multicultural school and welcomes more international students over the years, it is important to highlight the communities that make up our school. This is reflected in events like Harmony Week, where we celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity, and our recently conducted Cultural Census. We can continue to support diverse identities and foster genuine inclusivity through events such as the Panel Discussion and Global Threads, where students can personally connect with other cultures and challenge biases. As the world and Sydney continue to diversify, it is important to educate students, the minds of the future, on how we can build a more understanding world and slowly break down stereotypes and segregation.

Elisheba-Wendy Adu-Osae

Year 12