ST PETERS’ PARADE OF NATIONS: A CELEBRATION OF HERITAGE AND DIVERSITY

The Parade of Nations on Multicultural Day at St Peters Lutheran College celebrated cultural heritage, diversity and unity. One of three annual whole-College events, the Parade of Nations is a highlight for many students, offering an opportunity to connect with their roots, proudly share their backgrounds and learn about their peers' customs and traditions. With students dressed in colourful attire representing countries across the globe, traditional dances and a collective sense of pride, the event left a lasting impression on students, staff and families.

For Year 9 boarder Ava Pensio, representing her country was a moment of pride and self-expression. She shared how meaningful it felt to walk with the Torres Strait Island flag among peers from different cultures. "To me, it means being able to show people my true colours, my culture, where I'm from and what I hope to continue sharing with others," she explained. Her favourite moment was performing a traditional dance. "Dancing with my friends and family made the event even more special," she said.

Jaxson Taylor, a boarder in Year 10, felt proud to honour his heritage during the parade. "It was important to represent my heritage and the place where a large part of my family still lives," he said. Jaxson's experience wasn't just about representing his culture; he also enjoyed seeing the excitement of the younger students, especially the preppies. His comments highlight how the Multicultural Day celebrations help spark curiosity and cultural appreciation in students across the year levels.

Head Boarder Boy Rohan Samjowan (Year 12) found that the Multicultural Day celebrations broadened his perspective on the different nationalities and cultures represented within the College. "Participating in the Parade of Nations opened my eyes to the diversity of the St Peters community," he said. "It was interesting to learn about different traditions from other cultures."

The annual Parade of Nations is more than a display of cultural pride; it reminds us of the unity to be found in diversity. For students like Ava, Jaxson, and Rohan, the event was an opportunity to celebrate and share their own identities while exploring the unique backgrounds of others.

Article by: Stuart Delaney, Director of Boarding