On March 5th, 2025, St Lawrence College came alive with a vibrant celebration of culture, tradition, and unity as students gathered for our annual International Day. This much-anticipated event showcased the incredible diversity within our school community, bringing together students from across the globe to share their heritage through music, dance, fashion, and storytelling.
A Showcase of Global Talent
The event kicked off with a warm welcome speech from Amber and Freddie, setting the stage for cultural exploration. A short video on diversity, introduced by Ileri, reminded us of the importance of embracing different cultures and perspectives.
The audience was then treated to a spectacular line-up of performances, including a Nigerian dance by our talented boarder girls, a Cantonese song by Oceana from Year 9, and a mesmerising Nepalese dance by the Nepali boarders. Each performance offered a glimpse into the rich traditions that shape our students’ identities.
Conversations That Connect
A highlight of the event was the panel-style cultural interviews, where students and staff shared personal insights about their home countries. From discussing the true meaning of St. Patrick’s Day with Jools and Sophia (Ireland) to debating the great jollof rice rivalry with Mr. Seneyga (Ghana), these engaging conversations brought cultures to life. Other discussions included:
- Yusrah (Syria & Algeria) – Sharing traditional proverbs and the soul of Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Dr. Khan (India) – Exploring the vibrancy of Indian festivals and Bollywood storytelling.
- Valentine & Marie (Germany) – Revealing surprising facts about German culture beyond engineering and efficiency.
Engaging Activities and Cultural Fashion
Bringing a fun, interactive element to the event, cultural trivia games challenged students to test their global knowledge, with coffee shop vouchers as prizes. Meanwhile, our much-anticipated fashion show gave students the chance to proudly display traditional attire from their home countries. From the elegant Rwandan Imishanana to the bold patterns of Nigerian Ankara, each outfit told a story of heritage and pride.
A Celebration of Unity
As the event came to a close, Spandan and Daniele led the thank you speech, recognising the incredible efforts of all performers, organisers, and contributors. The celebrations then continued in the dining hall, where students had the opportunity to connect further and share their experiences.
At St Lawrence College, celebrating our diverse community is more than just a one-day event—it is woven into the fabric of who we are. International Day is a vibrant reflection of the rich tapestry of cultures that make our school unique, but the spirit of inclusivity, respect, and global awareness is something we embrace every day. A huge thank you to everyone who took part and helped bring this incredible celebration to life!
