Dear Parents/Carers, Staff and Students,
Plans are well under way for our much-anticipated Intercultural Day which will take place on the last day of Term 1. This marks a move away from nations and national identity and towards individual and more personal cultural (and indeed multicultural!) belonging. Throughout the day students will celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures represented in our school community and beyond. The day will feature learning activities, performances and food from different cultures. We encourage students to participate with spirit, sharing their own cultural heritage and supporting other students in their learning.
TBS is proud of its cultural diversity and indeed many of our families and staff can celebrate multiple cultures within their own family. At home and at school we can support their child’s cultural identity and its place in global citizenship in many ways, including:
Encourage Cultural Expression: Provide opportunities for creative expression that reflect children’s cultural background, such as traditional crafts, music, and dance. Sharing stories, myths and legends from their culture and encouraging them to express their identity through narratives. Encourage them to share their traditions and customs during gatherings or school events, promoting understanding and appreciation.
Diverse Curriculum: At TBS we endeavour to create a curriculum that includes literature, history, and contributions from a range of cultures, fostering a sense of belonging and pride. We teach global issues through multiple cultural lenses, helping children understand different viewpoints and their interconnectivity.
Encourage Language Learning: Both school and home can support the learning of languages (especially children’s home language), which can strengthen cultural identity and open doors to understanding diverse cultures.
Community Engagement and Promoting Critical Thinking: Facilitate conversations about identity, culture and global citizenship, encourage children to think critically about their place in the world. Inspire children to ask questions and explore different cultures, fostering a sense of curiosity and positivity about the world and its many cultures.
Wishing you a pleasant weekend,
Caro
