International Services

International Peace Night

After global events last year interrupted a 15-year run, we rejoice in the return of the International Peace Night (IPN) concerts. Since 2005, when the UNESCO Club and a group of early International students joined forces to put on an evening of cultural entertainment, the IPN concerts have become a much-loved annual fixture on the Kristin calendar. There is perhaps no better time than this year in which to come together and celebrate peace, harmony, and cultural diversity.

While some cultural reviews may rely on cookie-cutter stereotypes or caricatures, IPN has delighted audiences with unique and authentic performances. A steady crowd favourite since the beginning, Buchaechum (Korean Fan Dance) represented Kristin’s first International student cohort. Samulnori drumming has been another resounding success for Korean students. Soran Bushi, a traditional Japanese folk dance first performed by students from Kunei GHS, Osaka, unveiled a unique aspect of Japanese culture, while the highspirited Taiko drumming performance has more recently become synonymous with our Japanese cohort. As our Chinese student numbers grew, exquisite items such as umbrella dances and a special performance of the Lion Dance have continually delighted. Pasifika drumming, Indian classical dance, Russian singing and Spanish guitar are among the many other memorable performances that come to mind. Not only has IPN brought together students from many different cultures and entertained audiences, it has also given students a space to share their pride and reconnect with their cultural origins. Jessica Kim, a 2012 student participant, recalls her involvement as one of the most valuable privileges of her high-school life. “I had never felt so connected and proud of my own culture. Yet, it was not just about learning more about your own culture but also about bringing all cultures together in harmony. As a secondary-school teacher, my experience as both a performer and an instructor has impacted heavily on my teaching pedagogy; understanding and embracing the different cultures of my students, to promote multiculturalism in Aotearoa. IPN will always be the most memorable highlight above all of my Kristin School experiences.” IPN has also been an outstanding example of a student-led production. Notwithstanding the predictably wonderful reserves of support drawn from the wider school community of parents and staff, the IPN concerts have harnessed a myriad of talents on and off stage, involving over 100 students each year. The Jenny Taylor

commitment in terms of planning and implementation, from the Year 13 International Committees and UNESCO Clubs across the years, deserve special recognition. The countless hours of independent practice by the performers, and their evident energy and enjoyment, have always guaranteed impressive nights of entertainment. Furthermore, the students’ commitment to social responsibility and engagement as global citizens has also been profiled. Each year the students

“International have contributed the bulk of ticket sales to a chosen charity, with past examples including

Peace Night gives the Japan Tsunami Relief Fund, Médecins san Frontiers, and Children of Malawi students a space to Fund. Contributions to the construction of a school in Nepal, a project specific to share their pride and Kristin, and in 2019 to the Christchurch reconnect with their Mosque Relief Fund, which supported values of peace and inclusivity within cultural origins.” our national setting, have been especially significant. “IPN is one of the highlights of the Senior School year, both for me personally and for the wider student and Kristin community. It is an opportunity for our students to celebrate their culture and heritage, in what is always an extravaganza of colour, sound and passion,” recounts Senior School Principal, David Boardman. “As an opportunity for students to share with others some of what it is that makes them who they are, it is second to none and as a learning opportunity, it is priceless. I would strongly recommend that everyone makes this one of their ‘go to’ activities for the year.” This year the event will cap off a week of celebrations fostered by the Language Faculty. This exciting and positive initiative will extend a long-held vision, but within a broader, more impactful context. Please join us on either Wednesday or Thursday night of the last week of this term (7 and 8 July) to support our Kristin international community.