This week we have celebrated one of the highlights of the Columba College year – Cultural Week! Kaimahi and ākonga came together to celebrate all the diverse cultures that make up the Columba Community.

The week kicked off in the usual style with the special Cultural Assembly at which we were treated to a varied selection of talent. The line-up included a wonderful performance from the kapa haka group, musical items on the piano, ghuzeng, flute, clarinet, drums and vocals, and an energetic K-pop number to finish. The hall also looked fantastic decorated with flags from all around the world.

This year, Ms Stirling compiled an interesting display for the library which showed the locations all around the globe where members of the Columba whanau were born and all the languages that are spoken here displayed. Students could also test their knowledge of the cultural diversity of Columba with a challenging quiz. Ms Gardiner shared videos each day during the week of staff showcasing the many languages they can speak, to be shared at form time, and students enjoyed learning about the diverse cultural backgrounds of their teachers.

Another new addition to Cultural Week this year was the essay writing competition “What Culture Means to Me”, run with the support of the English Department. This gave everyone a chance to reflect on the many facets of culture and what it means in their own lives.Thursday was Food Day, always a crazy but fun day where delicious snacks from all around the world were sold at lunchtime. This year there was certainly standing room only in the International Classroom, as students and staff jostled to get their favourite treats. Some of the highlights included Thai coconut jelly, fresh spring rolls and cat-shaped rice balls.

Friday was Dress-Up Day and students from all year levels enjoyed dressing up in clothing of a culture special to them or in the colours of their favourite flag. Teachers also looked fantastic in their chosen cultural dress.

We rounded off this amazing week with Cultural Chapel, at which International Prefect Amber Zhang spoke based on the Chinese proverb “All rivers flow into the sea, and the sea embraces all rivers”, a perfect theme to encapsulate the importance of cultural diversity and the richness it adds to our school. Three girls gave a reading in Chinese, Thai and Japanese and there was also a cultural fashion show of amazing traditional outfits.

A huge thank you goes to all the staff and students involved in making this such a special week.