Mohamed Camata of “Rhythm of Life” and Cultural Infusion performs to the students. 70205 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By Vanessa Chircop
STUDENTS at Bayside College in Williamstown last week took time out from their studies to celebrate the different cultures within their school community.
Despite Harmony Day traditionally being celebrated in March, the college decided to hold their own inaugural version of the day last Thursday.
Student Representative Council (SRC) co-ordinator and Bayside College teacher Natalie Garcia said she was very happy with how the day went.
Ms Garcia said the students didn’t celebrate Harmony Day in March because the SRC hadn’t yet formed and with many of their students being from various cultural backgrounds, the SRC felt it was something worth celebrating.
To mark the day, the SRC organised a special assembly where there were different cultural dances, song performances and speakers – including Altona Meadows Ward Councillor Luba Grigorovitch.
After the assembly a multicultural lunch was held and then workshops in the afternoon.
Ms Garcia said the workshops were a huge hit with the students.
“There was African drumming, Capoeira (Brazilian martial arts/dance) and a Bollywood dance and culture workshop,” she said.
“From the perspective of SRC co-ordinator it was great to see some students in particular rise up to the occasion and be on top of all the things they needed to organise.
“I was pleased with the extent to which students got involved.”
With the day being such a success the college is now considering holding the event once a year during September.
