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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National

Learning in cultural Harmony at St Colomban's

INCLUSION: St Columban's students Lincoln Hushon, Fatimah Alsahlani, Zara Onu, Fadi Allawi and Milo the dog. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

St Columban's Primary School leader Zara Onu moved to Australia from Nigeria six years ago and says she loves when people ask her where she is from.

"It allows me to share my story of coming to Australia and explain what Nigeria is like," said Zara, who still speaks Igbo at home.

Zara is one of the majority of students at the Mayfield school from language backgrounds other than English and part of the third of students born overseas.

Related: St Columban's Primary at Mayfield holds centenary celebration

While the school celebrates that cultural diversity everyday, it will be at recognised even more prominently during Harmony Day on Monday.

The school provides pastoral support and education to children who hail from more than 20 countries.

"We are very proud of our school's cultural diversity and the opportunities that this creates for students and staff to learn from each other," principal Danielle Reed said.

On Monday, students and staff are encouraged to wear orange and participate in a Harmony Day Liturgy, a Japanese cultural experience, a quiz on world flags, an Aboriginal painting class and learn an Auslan song.

"Our community has a strong tradition in welcoming families from various cultures, and on Harmony Day, we make a special point of celebrating our rich tapestry," Mrs Reed said.

Year 5 student Fadi Allawi moved to Australia two years ago. He speaks English fluently at school and Arabic at home.

"I love that in Australia, there is no war, but I do miss the snow and my grandparents," Fadi said.

Fellow year 5 student Fatimah Alsahlani is from Iraq and moved to Australia when she was one.

"I love that in Australia, everyone is included," said Fatima, who speaks both English and Arabic at home.

St Columban's has two teachers who specialise in helping students who speak English as an additional language or dialect.

Mrs Reed said there was a misunderstanding that students from non-English speaking backgrounds should only speak English by school age.

"We tell our students' parents to keep reading and speaking in your language at home as it actually supports their ability to learn English," Mrs Reed said. "Maintaining first language also maintains first culture, which is essential to developing a strong identity."

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