The day kicked off with inspiring speeches from Dr. Yixu Lu and Jamison Power, highlighting the profound impact of language learning. Engaging workshops ranged from Danish mythology and Indigenous weaving to traditional chocolate making and African drumming, offering a rich array of cultural experiences.
High School gathered at Assembly to reflect on the significance of the day. In addition to guest speakers, the assembly featured speeches from Principal Shauna Colnan, Director of Languages Regine Berghofer, and our Head Boy and Head Girl. Each speaker shared their perspectives on the importance of language learning and cultural understanding, emphasising how these elements are integral to the identity and mission of IGS.
As the weather cleared, the rooftop buzzed as students, families and staff enjoyed a culinary journey around the world, with food stalls offering Greek souvlaki, Spanish paella, German pretzels, Japanese Karaage chicken, Chinese dumplings, French pastries, and Italian cannoli. For the students, this was a special moment where they had the opportunity to try foods they may have never experienced before.
A special highlight was the community lunch hosted by Shaun Christie-David and catered by Kabul Social, where parents, carers, grandparents, students, and staff united to celebrate community and culture. This inspiring event exemplified our commitment to fostering global connections and cultural appreciation.
We are grateful to Regine Berghofer Director of Languages, whose leadership and vision were instrumental in making this event a success. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all IGS staff, particularly the Language staff, for their hard work, dedication and creativity in sharing their cultures with our students. This allows everyone to appreciate and participate in the richness of our diverse community.
Huge appreciation also goes to all the Volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to make these activities a success. This includes not only our enthusiastic students but also the wonderful IGS Parents & Carers (P&C) who consistently go above and beyond to make events like these happen.
Engaging Workshops
The event also featured a variety of engaging workshops and vibrant activities, each offering a unique glimpse into different cultures and disciplines.
Check out the gallery from the Workshops.
Here are some of the Workshop highlights:
- Life of a SBS Journalist with Dr. Florencia Isabel Melgar Hourcade: Students gained insights into the exciting and challenging world of journalism on a global stage.
- African Drumming: Rhythmic and engaging drumming sessions that brought everyone together in the Renaissance Centre.
- Indigenous Weaving: Hands-on experience in traditional weaving techniques with Wiradjuri Artist Bianca Caldwell.
- Exchange Student Workshops: Sharing experiences and tips from our visiting students from Italy, Germany, France and Spain.
- Argentinian and Chilean Consulate visits: Cultural presentations and interactions with representatives from Argentina and Chile.
- Country-Themed Fun in Our Global Learning Centre: Interactive activities and displays in rooms themed around different countries, promoting global learning and cultural appreciation.
- Virtual Reality Experiences: Immersive VR experiences that transported students to different places and times.
- Chocolate Workshop: A delicious exploration of the art and science of chocolate making from a traditional perspective.
- Danish Mythology: Delving into the fascinating world of Norse myths and legends.
- Philosophy Workshop: Thought-provoking discussions on philosophical concepts throughout the world and their relevance today.
- IGS World Cup: a break from learning saw students working together in teams to play soccer.
- Drama Performances: Showcasing the theatrical talents of our students, transporting viewers around the world.
- Shadowplay and Puppet Performance: Creative and imaginative performances that captivated audiences of all ages.
- Wasabi Performance: A dynamic and energetic display of Wasabi, a traditional Japanese art form.
A Culinary Journey Around the World
As lunch grew near and the weather cleared up, the roof quickly became packed with excited students and teachers as they all began eating their way around the world.
Check out the gallery from the rooftop.
The food stalls, representing various countries, were a major highlight:
- Greek Stall: A spit roast lamb souvlaki caught the attention of many, offering a taste of traditional Greek cuisine.
- Spanish Stall: Serving paella, a classic Spanish dish that delighted everyone’s taste buds.
- German Stall: Pretzels and Wurst were on the Menu, bringing the flavours of Deutschland to IGS.
- Japanese Stall: Featuring Karaage chicken and vegetable curry, a hit among the attendees.
- Chinese Stall: Selling delicious dumplings and steamed buns, adding to the diverse culinary experience.
- French Stall: Providing an array of pastries and crepes, ensuring dessert was well taken care of.
- Italian Stall: Highlighting ricotta and custard cannoli, a sweet finish to the global feast.
The St Leon Circus
Principal Shauna Colnan delivered an inspiring speech, highlighting the theme Local Beginnings, Global Voices and its connection to the school’s history. She recounted the story of the school’s founding by Reg St Leon, who was a Professor of Germanic Studies at the University of Sydney in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Reg St Leon’s vision was for every Australian child to become bilingual, a gift that would last a lifetime. Ms Colnan also revealed Reg St Leon’s unique background, coming from a family of circus performers, the St Leons, known for their creativity and entertainment. She emphasised that the school’s foundation is a blend of academic excellence and creative ingenuity, reflecting in the vibrant community and celebrations like International Day.
Keynote Speakers Inspire and Motivate
Dr. Yixu Lu
We were honoured to have Dr. Yixu Lu, a distinguished academic and advocate for language education, as one of our keynote speakers. Dr. Lu’s journey in the world of academia is as inspiring as her contributions to language education. After obtaining her BA from Peking University, Dr. Lu spent seven years as a postgraduate at the Universität Regensburg in Germany, completing her MA and DPhil in German Literature and Modern European History. She came to Australia as a Postdoctoral Fellow and has taught at the Universities of Adelaide, Melbourne, and UTS before joining the University of Sydney in 2007.
Currently, she serves as the Head of the School of Languages and Cultures and McCaughey Professor of Germanic Studies at the University of Sydney, a position once held by Reg St Leon before he turned his attention to the creation of our very own International Grammar School.
In her address, Dr. Lu shared powerful insights, emphasising our shared commitment to language learning. She highlighted the profound impact of learning another language, describing it as a unique opportunity to open a world of possibilities. “There is immense joy in learning another language,” she noted, “it also gives us a sense of satisfaction and pride.”
Dr. Lu’s words resonated deeply with our community: “Together, we are here to foster an environment where we respect each other’s differences. You are building bridges that span cultures. As you move forward, these local beginnings become global voices.” Her message was clear – languages are not just subjects, they are tools to connect us with people across the globe. She encouraged us to continue making our voices heard and to embrace the leadership roles that come with this journey.
Jamison Power
One of the highlights of the assembly was listening to distinguished Alum Jamison Power speak about his time as IGS. Jamison is a 20-year-old student currently pursuing a double degree in a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws at Sydney University, majoring in Italian.
During his HSC, he excelled in three languages: Accelerated Italian Advanced in Year 11 (mark 91), Spanish Continuers (mark 95 and first in the state), Spanish Extension (mark 48/50), and French Beginners (mark 98). Jamison’s passion for languages, which began at IGS, has continued to thrive at university, where he has completed units in Italian, Spanish, and French.
In his speech, Jamison spoke glowingly about his support for learning languages and the joys of speaking to locals when travelling. He emphasised the importance of making the most of the resources available at IGS, stating that teachers who still teach at IGS gave him the support he needed to excel. Jamison reminded students that his success was achieved with the same resources they have access to.
Jamison’s journey is a testament to the power of language education in shaping global citizens. His achievements and experiences serve as an inspiration to current students, demonstrating that dedication and passion for language learning can open doors to a world of opportunities.
A FAMILY Lunch Celebrating Community and Culture
To further celebrate this special occasion, we welcomed members of the IGS community to a formal lunch, hosted by Shaun Christie-David, founder of Plate it Forward, a non-profit organisation that focuses on providing meaningful employment opportunities and support for refugees, asylum seekers, and marginalised communities. This family lunch, catered by Kabul Social, took place in the IGS Bibliothèque and brought the community together in a unique culinary experience. Students working together to prepare and serve food was a wonderful example of collaboration and cultural exchange in action. Parents, carers, grandparents, students, and staff all came together to honour the power of community with exceptional cuisine.
A Student Perspective
To show what this day means to students, Year 7 student Remy shares her perspective on International Day.
“When I started at IGS, the only thing on my to-do list at International Day was visiting the food stalls. This year though, I realised that even though the food stalls represent an incredible part of all these special cultures, it is just one of several ways to immerse yourself in these different lifestyles.
I learnt so many new things during International Day, and they vary from culture to culture. For example, I learnt practical things, like knot-tying in an Aboriginal weaving workshop and tips for studying languages from a former student. I did fun things, like learning a French dance in a French workshop and taking photos with my friends. I learnt cultural things, like engaging with an important part of African lifestyles in an African drumming workshop.
International Day opened new pathways for me, and I hope that this integral part of IGS continues to happen, so that more students can have the opportunity to explore different cultures and different opportunities.”
Ms Berghofer reflects on her first International Day
International Day was filled with vibrant colours, diverse languages and a joyous celebration of global cultures. It was once more a true reflection of our School’s commitment to cultural understanding and language learning.
Students were able to immerse themselves in a wide array of workshops and country rooms, offering rich cultural experiences. From traditional crafts to culinary delights, these activities provided a hands-on opportunity for students to explore and appreciate the diverse traditions of our world.
Our students, from Kindergarten to Year 10, participated with enthusiasm and curiosity. They embraced the chance to learn new languages, taste international foods, and engage in cultural practices, making the most of every moment. Their excitement and willingness to learn were truly inspiring, and it was wonderful to see them so engaged and eager to explore new perspectives.
International Day was not just an educational experience but also a celebration of our diverse community. It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and a shared appreciation of the cultures that make up our school. We look forward to continuing this tradition and further enriching our students’ understanding of the world.
Since its founding 40 years ago, IGS has been a beacon of language learning and cultural appreciation. Let us continue to celebrate our differences, learn from each other, and make our voices heard on a global scale. Together, we are not just learning languages; we are building bridges, creating leaders, and shaping a future where our local beginnings truly become global voices.
