INTERNATIONALISM Going global
In our little corner of the world it can sometimes be hard to imagine the richness and diversity of other countries, cultures and societies, which is why Round Square International Week is so important.
This year, the multicultural and multitalented boys on the International & Round Square committee devised an interesting, engaging and interactive programme of events to highlight College’s commitment to embracing Round Square IDEALS and celebrating our global community. Monday 30 July International Week began with the International Languages Chapel Service, at which Head of International & Round Square Junie Wee urged his fellow students to embrace globalisation with open hearts and minds. “There will be times when you may feel insecure and threatened by diversity. But do not seek to elevate yourself by putting down someone else’s culture, dignity and self-worth. Rather, confront your irrational fear, and learn to control
it ... Look ahead to the future where we embrace diversity and our common humanity, and treat each other with care and respect.” At lunchtime, teams from each House took on the adventure relay on Upper, with Jacobs winning the junior and School the senior race. Tuesday 31 July At a special assembly, led by Junie and his team, videos featuring well-known Old Boys Robbie Deans and Sam Johnson, and students at Round Square member schools in Denmark and South Africa reinforced the message that embracing a global future enriches all our lives; Junie and Year 11 student Angad Vraich shared some insights about their recent trip to Harvard University for a Round Square research symposium; and the school enjoyed performances from Year 10 student Shyam Hari
and Year 12 student Matthew Todd, who played a duet on Indian Tabla drums, and the combined College– Rangi Ruru Girls’ School kapa haka group. It was all action in the Chapman Room at lunchtime. Wielding a long wooden stick and executing some lightning moves, kung fu– wushu trainer Master Song, from Shaolin, China, gave an exciting martial arts, self defence and fitness demonstration, which included some of the advanced animal- imitation forms of traditional kung fu, as well as moves from contemporary wushu, combative Chinese kick boxing and tai chi. Master Song and his wife Annie then invited the boys to have a go – and participants quickly found the apparent ease with which the moves are executed, requires a very high level of fitness, flexibility and strength.
Christ’s College Canterbury
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