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Celebrating Cultural Week

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Students from the South Asian Dance Group ensured the start of Cultural Week was a bright and vibrant occasion. Photo supplied by William Xu

Celebrating diversity is a cornerstone of ACG Parnell College, and we are justifiably proud of our reputation for inclusiveness and a multicultural mindset.

We encourage students to think of themselves as citizens of the world and recently celebrated our annual Cultural Week, where the nationalities of all students were showcased across the school. Head Boy Shivaansh Gounder and Cultural Committee Leader Siva Nachiappan have shared their thoughts on this educational and entertaining event.

MONDAY
"Desi Day celebrated South Asia's rich culture and heritage, beginning with the South Asian Dance Group performing a medley of Bollywood songs. Their interactive dance, choreographed by Ihara Ekneligoda (Year 13), was a huge hit with students and teachers alike. There was also a breath-taking Indian classical Bharatanatyam performance by Year 12 Prefect Sreenidhi Nair, along with a mini-workshop teaching students how to drape a sari.

"In addition, Primary students enjoyed lessons in rangoli art, and mouth-watering Indian sweets and snacks were available during break time."

TUESDAY
"As a non-uniform event, Diversity Day was a great chance for Middle and Senior School students to dress in traditional cultural attire. Plus, we held an interclass cultural quiz for the Middle School with prizes for the winning class going to 7CUI."

WEDNESDAY
“Next was Māori & Pasifika Day with Year 1 students performing the Waiata, E Rere Taku Poi. A Tongan Taulunga dance by Year 12 Prefect Amelyiah Tanevesiand followed, and we thank her family and friends for joining in to showcase their culture.

"There was an opportunity for students to learn how to make poi, and with Matariki fast approaching, Primary students had fun making stars to celebrate the Māori New Year."

THURSDAY
"Chinese, Japanese and Korean Day started with a bang! Students Sungyeon Han (Year 13) and Jenny Jiang (Year 11) led a spectacular [Chinese and Korean] C&K-Pop dance performance to a lively and excited crowd. Additionally, Jake Yang and Year 12 Prefect Shotaro Koizumi performed a selection of Japanese Anime music. While Middle School students were treated to a Chinese calligraphy and painting activity as well as playing Jianzi (a traditional Chinese national sport).

"There were delicious treats for sale, including Chinese baozi and Korean hotdogs, and as with many of the events this week, proceeds were donated to WorldVision's 40 Hour Famine Fund.”

FRIDAY
"Friday was Hispanic Day with Spanish music and a stunning acoustic performance by Linda Filimoehala and Year 12 Prefect Diya Ashok. Students also got their groove on with our Zumba session. And for those looking to replenish their energy levels, an amazing food truck came to the school, serving empanadas, churros and alfajores.

"The Primary School held their Cultural Assembly with a whole host of performances as well. And we ended the week with a Copa del Mundo de Fútbol (Football World Cup) – where staff and students competed in an exciting and action-packed futsal tournament."

THANK YOU
"A big thank you to the Language Department, in particular to Mrs Pascual and Mrs Mariño, who helped us to organise the week, and to Mr Leafe and the wider property office. Special mention must be made of Deputy Head Girl Charlotte Conder and her team of student photographers who helped capture each event. And finally, thank you to the entire ACG community who helped support our efforts to celebrate diversity in our school!”

“Cultural Week was definitely a highlight of our high school careers,” confirms Shivaansh. “Our goal was to work on embracing diversity in a fun and exciting manner, and we hope everyone that participated had a blast or learnt about something new.”

“We felt it was an amazing occasion for everyone to experience and gain a better appreciation for the diverse cultures of our school,” adds Siva. “We are so grateful to have had the chance to help organise this vibrant event, which has helped shaped our leadership skills as a learning opportunity for future events.”

Shivaansh (2nd from left) and Siva (3rd from left) with the Cultural Week helpers