Our Languages Faculty, International Department, Performing Arts and Cultural groups put on a fantastic display of performances, activities and snacks for all students to sample during our Cultural and Languages Week. Out of the 1100 plus students at St. Peter’s, we have students from over 20 countries representing Africa, Asia, Europe and the Pacific!
Leading up to Week 6, many meetings were held to make sure we could include as many of our international students, cultural groups, and have different language subjects represented. Many of our senior students came back early from their weekend leave to set up the quad with beautiful decorations and flags, and tested out the snacks and games to make sure all was in working order for the next three lunchtimes.
On Wednesday lunchtime, the Chinese cultural group performed a set of traditional Chinese songs, and students tried their hands at calligraphy and jian-zi shuttlecock kicking, as well the Indian rangoli art painting. The Pasifika group also performed, and students got to sample snacks from China, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Korea, India, Samoa, South Africa, Iraq, France, and Germany! The whole student community got behind it, with our Indian students bringing yummy samosas and fryums, and students with Iraq heritage making delicious dolma!
Our international students from Japan worked hard to make loads of shaved ice with the traditional Japanese syrup, and our Thai students made their own coconut shell from scratch to take part in a traditional Thai game. It was fantastic to see the interaction and exchange, and for students to give it a go venturing out of their comfort zone, whether it’s a traditional game, activity or new snack from another country.
On Thursday and Friday, more activities and food were shared including a traditional Thai dance workshop, Japanese Taiko drumming, World Map games, Pinata, and Petanque. St Pierre’s Sushi and Dumpling House also supported the event with giant platters of sushi and dumplings for students to sample.
It was a great way to celebrate the cultures and nationalities that make St. Peter’s so special. Thank you to our senior language students and international student leaders for leading a lot of these activities to make it such a success. We also want to acknowledge all the staff and students that either performed, participated or supported in the activities and events!