YK Pao School Primary Division's inaugural ‘International Week’ recently concluded! The celebration of diversity was initiated and largely arranged by the school's Year 5 Student Council members. With the support of their teachers, students adopted and learned about a country. Each classroom door was decorated to illustrate the colours and flavours of their country. On April 15, the week-long celebration closed with a ‘Parade of Nations’ on the school’s football pitch, in which students and teachers wore their adopted country’s customary dress. Pao School Co-Founder Mr Philip Sohmen was also on hand to deliver a speech, reminding everyone the importance of recognising the strengths of one's own culture but also to be open to other cultures: ‘Today we are celebrating diversity of different nations, but there are many different types of nations, religions, sets of beliefs. These are all types of diversity and it's important that we accept people who may be different from ourselves.’
A cultural fair took place in the afternoon, during which Year 4 and 5 students created stations representing a range of countries in the school's auditorium, serving food and offering fun games and themed activities. These booths were opened to Year 1, 2 and 3 students, giving them the opportunity to learn more about each country. 'International Week' was a true community event that saw the support and contribution of many parents, who shared their culinary skills and cultural expertise. In addition, internationally-themed menu options were available at the canteen all week long, and dining areas decorated with flags. The music around the school during 'International Week' also represented a range of countries and cultures and the play areas have come alive with the colours of the flags which represent the diverse backgrounds of our students.
?/p>
As one of the pioneers in bilingual, multicultural education, Pao School nurtures its students to become global citizens, focusing on international perspective, an awareness of international regulations as well as international exchange. With events such as 'International Week,' Pao School hopes to instill in its students the importance of peaceful coexistence as well as respecting and understanding different cultures, in an effort to give these future leaders of society a sense of mission and responsibility to the world.
