BMG 2021 Grammarian Issue 2

4 INTERNATIONAL WEEK 2021 International Week was celebrated at both campuses during the first few weeks of Term 2. This is a wonderful way in which we embrace the diversity and multiculturalism within our school and the wider community. Over the course of time, this event has grown significantly to not only include activities based on the languages we offer at the school, but to now incorporate performances from students showcasing the various cultures we have within our school community. Over the course of the week, students were able to experience a diverse range of activities run by both teaching staff and external providers. Opening our week at Maddingley were the Taiko drummers and the Year 12 Dragon Boat Races against the teachers. Woodlea students started their week with some incredible Bollywood dancers, allowing students to join in the activities during their lunchtime. These activities set the atmosphere for the rest of the week. Lunchtime was filled with fun activities that were embraced by our students. Some of these activities included Irish and Indonesian dancing, French boule, Japanese calligraphy, badminton, origami and many more. Language students participated in workshops during class time, including Indonesian batik dyeing, French Drama and Music, and learning the Japanese martial art of Kendo. Students studying the drums were able to learn about Japanese Taiko drumming in small group workshops. International Week is a celebration and an appreciation of the cultural diversity we have within our school and community. It was exciting to see many students come to school dressed in traditional dress from their own or another culture. Gold coin donations from this event raised an incredible $2,028.40 from both campuses, with all proceeds going to the Royal Children’s Hospital. This diversity was also showcased at the end of the week with an incredible performance of international dance and music by our wonderfully talented students. Students from both campuses came together to share music and dance from their own cultures, creating an amazing festival atmosphere. I would like to say a huge ‘ merci ’ to all the staff who helped manage and supervise events and activities, with a special ‘ arigato ’ to the Music Department for helping with the performances, and of course, ‘ terima kasih ’ to the LOTE department. Mrs Jacinta Davie - Head of Asian Studies P-6