There was a kaleidoscope of international food, music and traditional dress when Ardeer South Primary School celebrated its multicultural diversity.
Event organiser Lisa Adams said the school’s international day, held every second year, promoted respect for all nationalities.
“We have 32 different languages spoken at our school, so having a day to let the students and their families to celebrate and learn about each others’ cultures is very important,” she said.
“It’s also important to communicate their appreciation of the positive contributions the various cultures make to the school and the community at large.”
The event is a big occasion on the school’s calendar.
Ms Adams says it is made all the more special by the enthusiastic participation of the students.
“The kids really loved it,” she said. “They really got involved in the singing and dancing and got to eat foods they’d never tried before.
“The participation we got from parents was fantastic, too. We sent an invite out to all parents and we had a really strong turn out.”
While the culinary delights were a highlight, Ms Adams said the performances and entertainment stole the show.
“The children performed on a grade-by-grade basis and the looks on their parents’ faces when they were up there was just brilliant,” she said.
“We also had professionals come in and perform Bollywood dancing and Japanese Taiko drumming sets. They also taught the students a few moves as well, which added to the fun.
“This has been a major event at a school for well over a decade now, but we really do think this one was our best one ever.
“Each year our cultural diversity grows and so does the importance of events like this one.”
