worldwide. On Thursday, the Big Band provided a loud welcome for the International assembly, which featured various speakers dressed in their traditional costumes discussing their cultural identities. We had two “third culture kids”, Yusef Elnahas and Matthew O’Connor giving powerful insights into being living examples of diversity in action, by delivering a speech about their identity as multi-ethnic citizens and what they have learnt from their experiences. By lunchtime, we had numerous food trucks beside the Quad representing international cuisines and giving everyone an intercontinental experience. Finally, the week wrapped up on Friday with a presentation in the Old Boys’ Theatre by experts from Fo Guang Shan to teach us about the way of the Buddha. Big shoutout to the Junior Round Square committee for running an exceptional Junior Round Square week in Term 4 and to International Student Manager Paul McCarthy for helping the boys to achieve this. In 2022, Round Square has allowed all students and staff to strengthen their cross-cultural understanding and appreciate the diversity of our communities. The ideas of Round Square proved vital, especially in preparing the boys to be ready to move into the wider world full of different cultures, backgrounds and experiences. He aha te mea nui ki te¯nei ao? Ma¯ku e ki atu. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. What is the most important thing in the world? I would reply that it is people, people, people. Kevin Chiang Head of International & Round Square SERVICE Throughout the years, service has been one of the key principles instilled into College life. This year was no different, 2022 proving to be great for service at College. The Service committee set out to positively impact the school by
displaying how versatile service really is, allowing boys to understand how they best can be involved in service, learning how they can enjoy giving back. This was done through a variety of different events and fundraisers that targeted different charities, causes and organisations. The Service committee helped set up these events, but it could not have been successful without the full cooperation of College students. It was truly great to see how boys got involved with each and every event. A few notable events stand out: As the year began, in conjunction with the Character & Leadership committee, the boys of the Service committee held a Bake Sale. Baking was provided by boys (and parents) of these committees, and it was astounding to see the amount of food that was supplied. For as little as a $2 donation, the boys were able to purchase from an array of food, savoury and sweet. All proceeds were directed towards the foundation “Relief Aid” as a part of their “BounceBack4Syria” campaign. This provides Syrian refugees with games and sport activities that would help build health and wellbeing. The Bake Sale proved a hit, with lines stretched far outside the OBT at morning tea and lunch, raising a significant amount of money and awareness for this cause. On 26 August, the 2022 Daffodil Day took place. Daffodil Day is an annual event run by the Cancer Society, and is widely recognised due
to the severity and number of New Zealanders the disease affects. It was important that College was able to make an impact, helping create awareness with a bright yellow mufti day, as well as daffodils available for a small donation. This proved to be another day the boys got behind, with an astounding amount of support. Last, but not least, was the long awaited Shave for a Cure, which now occurs at College every two years. This event, in particular, takes a lot of individual courage, and this did not go unnoticed, with a total of over $22,000 being raised for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand. This money is put into different areas, providing information, support to patients and families, or research. Twenty-two boys, from across all year groups, were involved in this event, and the support from boys and staff was immense. It proved exactly how willing everyone was to get behind the cause, whether it was participating, shaving or donating. Going into this year, I was nervous about how each event proposed by the committee would be received by the rest of the school. However, College proved that any idea the Service committee put forward would gain full traction and support from the boys. This made the job of the committee so much easier, and allowed us to pursue far more service opportunities. The everlasting involvement from the boys once again proved how service
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Christ’s College Canterbury
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