Interfaith Dinner

Girton Grammar has attended the Bendigo Interfaith Council Annual Dinner since its inception seven years ago. This event aims to foster harmony, understanding and acceptance of the diverse cultures and faith traditions that we see in our community.  

This year the school was represented by teachers Mrs Sarah Siakew, Mr Jack Smeelie, Ms Barbara Fielder and Mrs Melinda Naughton, our School Captains Aksharan Shobanan and Ava Griffin, Vice Captain Remus Brasier and Year 10 student Eva Westbrook.

Here are some reflections from our students:

My experience at this year’s Interfaith Dinner (my second time at the event) was an overwhelmingly positive and rewarding one, where I felt welcomed by the myriad of faith representatives and immersed in their cultures. I was inspired by the words of the guest speaker Associate Professor Father John DuPuche,  who challenged us to find consistencies and shared values between faiths, looking for ‘the bridges that connect us, rather than the walls that divide us’. As we celebrate Harmony Week and continue to work towards a truly multicultural society that respects and appreciates differences, events like the Interfaith Dinner challenge and empower us to continue endeavouring towards this vision, now and for years to come.

Remus Braiser, 12 Millward

The Interfaith Dinner was an experience that I hadn’t had before. There was cultural dancing and speeches about topics that don’t come up in everyday conversations. After attending this event I have learned how diverse different cultures are but also how they still accept and welcome each other in society. I loved understanding how we are able to practice our own faith whilst respecting that we are all one and can come together in celebration and unity. I now have a greater perspective of how faith and culture fits into our local community.

Eva Westbrook, 10 Frew