Cultural Diversity

“Our diversity is our strength” is not just this year’s theme for Harmony Day, but it is also something that we believe here at Staughton College. We have recently celebrated Cultural Diversity Week, and are happy to share that this year was even bigger and better than the last.

We started off with a sausage sizzle last March 11, where we catered for the hungry crowds of the S-Factor Finale.

On March 15, Mr. Abdi Aden guested through the Melton Youth Services, and spoke to the Year 8 cohort about his refugee experiences. You can learn more about his story by following him through Instagram as @shining_thestoryofaluckyman, Twitter as @inspiredbyabdi, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/inspired.abdi.

The Soccer World Cup was held from March 15-17, with Bol Dengdit (7.4) as the victor. DJ Will Cachia had fun playing international hits during the lunchtime radio, also on the 15th.

On March 16, the weather was in our favour as the ice cream and gelati truck rolled in, just as a music concert was set up in Courtyard 3. Massive thanks goes out to Ms. Lauren Moore and DJ Will for making this happen. Our very own Henry Lal Din Mawi and Sharie May Castillo were among the performers.

On March 17, the henna tattoo booth was set up alongside the Rubik’s Cube Challenge. This year’s winner is Gabriel Manalastas (9.6), and a big thank you once again to Ms. Shelley Eckel and Ms. Angela Watters for organizing the henna.

From March 17-18, parents and students were busy preparing authentic international cuisine for the Tastes of the World. We opened our doors to sell $5 meals to a massive crowd that Friday. We had food like Sudanese kebab and dabough, Samoan chop suey and taro, Sri Lankan cutlets and samosas, Filipino spring rolls, and much, much more!

The culmination of these celebrations was held on Harmony Day, March 21. We awarded Reinier Restrivera for his submission for the art wall competition. Nyibol Atoc, this year’s Cultural Captain, hosted the Cultural Fashion Parade and Dances. This is her third year directing this event, and it has been the biggest one to date.

The Samoan performers include: Celine Aiulu, Malouamaua Faaola, Grace Taulamago, Suitupe Seu, Christine Papalii Seu, Rosanna Faaola, Ramona Tuiletufuga, Lily Taulamago, Stacey Tulaga, Tuputala Tulaga, Afioga Kainano and Adoralyn Papalii Seu.

Sharie May Castillo sang an original Filipino song by Charice, entitled “Reset”. It was a special treat to hear an English song with Filipino rap.

The models and Indian dancers include: Isabela Battaglia, Nandita Prasad, Alisa Chakik, Amira Kid, Jasraj Singh, Rose Mary Lauchai, Ro Da Thangaw, Maria-Rose Kalafatis, Lily Pun, Serge Mwaka, John Riak, Racheal Aleer and Alieu Chol.

Matthew Pamintuan edited the music and Ashley Gould created the visuals.

Overall, it’s been a massive success enjoyed by students and staff. Everyone is raring to go again, and we won’t make them wait a full year. Please lock it in --- October 13, Thursday, will be our Annual Cultural Family Picnic. We hope to see you all there!

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email yme@staughtoncollege.vic.edu.au

Yvette Medina

EAL iNewsletter

Multicultural Education Aide

Cultural Diversity Cont'd

Cultural Diversity week videos and photos