Term two has been fantastic for fostering cultural diversity at Riccarton High School with lots of activities. Here are some highlights.

Ethnic Parents’ Meetings

At the end of last term the CDCT organised a number of ethnic parents hui, for Chinese, Filipino, Afghan and Eritrean communities. These were organised to support the families with NCEA information. Deputy Principal Mr Joel Hammond and Head of ESOL department Ms Juliet Fry highlighted the NCEA changes during the meetings. Our bilingual learning assistants supported the meetings with interpreting.

Chinese culture on the road

In Term Three, RHS students got a chance to take part at the Chinese Culture on the Road programme organised at our school by the Confucius Institute of UC. Many of those students experienced dumpling making, calligraphy and Taichi for the first time. Xièxiè to all who participated.

Language weeks

The Chinese, Fijian and Niuean Language Weeks were celebrated in school with students, parents, and staff community. A number of activities were organised, highlights including student presentations for staff, traditional performances with dance, music, poetry and instruments, wearing cultural clothing, and shared kai. Our Pasifika studies teachers, Milika and Poe, organised the Fijian and Niuean Language Week activities following the cultural guidelines, and took this opportunity to practise and celebrate the respective languages. Along with our school’s celebration, the Chinese dancers got an invitation to perform at the CCC libraries, which was a fantastic experience for the team.

Diwali

Diwali is regarded as one of the widely celebrated South Asian events globally which symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance". This year Diwali starts on 12 November. Since the seniors will be leaving soon, the school celebrated Diwali on week 3. Students proudly observed Diwali within our kura by showcasing cultural performance, information video and tasting traditional snacks.

We wish Happy Diwali to everyone who celebrates this festival of light.