Multiculturalism heralded at Arts Festival

Ashfield Public School was transformed into a colourful and lively arena recently, as children danced, sang, enacted dramas and showed multi-media presentations, much to the delight of their proud parents. Nearly 200 children, aged between 5 and 12 years, put their best foot forward to showcase their talent for the school’s annual Arts Festival, bringing the Inner West Australian suburb to vibrant life.

Cheered on by parents, siblings and school staff, the younger ones were absolute show-stealers with their bright and spunky costumes, coordinated movements and melodious voices. The school’s multiculturalism shone through the performances, as children from different communities and ethnic backgrounds including Indians, came together to put up their best act – be it while rendering their version of High School Musical, Happy Feet or Viva La Vida

The Art Festival kicked off with ‘Another Opening, Another Show’ – a dance performance by students dressed in black, followed by song and dance sequences, piano solo performances, skits, an aerobics show and multi-media presentations. While each act had its own charm,

Happy Feet – the Hip Hop Penguins was one of the most anticipated performances of the evening, as Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 students tapped their ‘happy feet’ away. The school’s teachers deserve a special mention, as they had painstakingly coached the children, directed and choreographed dances and even guided them through some of the songs.

“Such events bring different families, communities and the children closer,” said Robyn Hutchinson, principal of Ashfield Public School. The school, which is home to children from 40 different nationalities, is also witnessing a rising number of Indian families, she observes. “This is an annual event and it showcases the work of children in different talent groups including art, film, performing arts, music and dance. It is a whole school event and every class and every child is a participant. There are three special needs classes and they are also a part of it. The Arts Festival brings families and children together and it helps build a child’s self-confidence,” added Ms. Hutchinson.

“The percentage of Indian students is rising in the school and so is the number of Chinese students. This is reflective of the changing landscape of Australia and Ashfield, where a number of families are moving in,” she stated.

Parents, on the other hand, were brimming with pride as their children took to stage. “My son, Pathik Desai, has a part in the drama. It is really nice to have such events and we meet so many people from our own community,” said proud mum, Parul Desai.

“My niece, Sania Parekh, is in the penguin dance and we are really excited to see her. The education system here is very different from India, where the emphasis is always on studying. Extracurricular activities are hardly a part of the system in India. On the other hand, children are ensured holistic development in Australia,” observed Meha Parekh. However, she added that both systems have their pros and cons. “When they go back to India, they realise they are academically way behind children of their own age. Besides, after living here all their life, it’s really hard for them to adjust back into the Indian way of life,” she said.

Neville Shah, another parent, agreed that Australia was a healthy environment for Indian children as multiculturalism exists and children are more understanding of other communities.

Kara Holt, a former student of the school, who had come to watch her sibling perform, said she loved the fact that the school brought together so many different communities. “The school has always been very multicultural. It’s important for it to be that way, as children learn right from the beginning to be more accepting and tolerant of other cultures. We understand other communities better and are geared to be better adults,” says Kara, who is Australian.

David Webb, a Scottish parent who has been in Australia for many years, conceded that the school mirrored the change which Sydney and the area was undergoing.

“There is a diverse mixture of families here. The Arts Festival is a fine example of teaching our children more harmony and helps our children understand that it is important to judge people as human beings first, rather than the colour of their skin or ethnicity, which is a narrow-minded and preposterous view,” said Webb, who had come to watch Luis, his six-year old son perform.

The cultural pot-pourri ended aptly with the songs: ‘Best years of our lives’, ‘Sing a little song’ and ‘We go together’. It was an evening to remember, and one that will be etched in the memory of young and old.

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Open days for international students

Fridays, 11.00am – 5.00pm The High Commission of India in Canberra, Indian Consulates and Honorary Consuls have designated every Friday an Open Day for students, when any Indian student can walk in, without prior appointment, to meet the High Commissioner, Consuls General, the designated Student Welfare Officers and Honorary Consuls and discuss their problems and grievances.

Classical music duet

25 Sept – 30 Oct The South Indian Fine Arts Association of Canberra sponsors the visit to Australia of Indian classical musicians Debapriya and Samanwaya, vocal and sitar performers. While in Australia, Dev and Sam are scheduled to perform at various venues in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Byron Bay. Details email devasaman@gmail.com or visit website www.myspace.com/debapriyasamanwaya

Spiritual discourses by Swami Omkarananda

Pujya Sri Swami Omkarananda will be giving following spiritual discourses in Tamil in Sydney

Happiness Seminars

12-14 Oct Happiness Guru Sunanda Parthasarathy will present talks on spiritual health and wellness at South Campus, Blacktown TAFE, 1 Main Street, Blacktown.

How to Beat Stress 7.30pm Monday, 12 Oct

3 Spiritual Laws of Success

7.30pm Tuesday, 13 Oct

JET Australia Prajna Classes

3rd & 4th Sunday of the month JET Australia invites you to weekend Prajna classes, Sundays at 1.00 pm. Venue: Aurelia St Catholic Church Toongabbie. Separate English and Telugu classes. Healthy refreshments served after the class. Contact: Prajna coordinators Keshav 02 9837-4792 or Navneeth 0434 537 242

New Day Care service for aged

6, 7, 8 Oct, 7.30 - 9 pm

“Aanmeegha Vaazvu” at Sydney Murugan Kovil Cultural Hall, 217 Great Western Highway, Mays Hill

12 & 13 Oct, 7:30 to 9 pm

“Purushothama Yogam” Bagvath

Gita Chapter 15 at Dundas Community Hall, 27 Sturt St, Dundas

10 & 11 Oct Retreat – Manisha Panchagam at Yerrinbool Bahai

Centre

For details contact Rama 9837 2595 or Ramanan 0430 487 780

Paratha-eating competition

10 Oct Newly opened Blacktown restaurant Singh da Dhaba announces a unique paratha-eating competition. Entry $5.00. Winner gets cash prize of $100. Details 02 9676 4677

IWA picnic

10 Oct NSW Indian Welfare Association is organising a sightseeing trip and picnic to Napean and Cordeaux Dams. Tour departs at 8.30am from Parramatta (opposite to the Council Library) and drop off at 6.00pm.

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MEFF Eid Festival

11 Oct Sydney’s annual Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair (MEFF), a family event to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr and showcase Islamic unity in diversity and Australian multiculturalism, will be held at Fairfield Showground. Details visit www.meff.com.au.

The Secret of Happiness

7.30pm Wednesday, 14 Oct Tickets www.vedanta.org.au or call Mohan on 0412 995 230.

Curries by Candlelight

13 Dec Enjoy a Christmas meal with an Indian feel, at Pennant Hills Community Centre, cnr Ramsay and Yarrarra Rds. All proceeds will be donated to Hornsby Hospital’s Koala Care Cottage. Details Pam 4733 0445 or Shalini 0410 485 522.

Australian Carrom Federation

The International Carrom Federation has appointed the Australian Carrom Federation as the parent body for Carrom in Australia.

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Volunteers required

The Health Promotion Service for Older People is looking for volunteers (both male and female and 50+) to give talks about health issues to older people. Details: Habib/ Barbara: 02 9281 3588 or 1800 451 488 (free call) or health@cpsa.org.au

New branch of Maharishi Ramana Ashram

Maharishi Ramana Ashram announces a new branch at 11 / 48 – 54 Shaw Street Bexley North. Meetings will be held on 3rd Saturday of every month from 2 to 3.30pm