Later in the day, the boarders enjoyed a special supper, after learning how to make traditional Chinese dumplings assisted by some of our international students. Wednesday 1 August An international themed quiz at lunchtime, with an eclectic mix of questions ranging from the historical, to food, geography, sport, pop culture and more, tested the wits of all participants and, after a very tight competition, results came down to a tie. Thursday 2 August Nothing beats food – especially international cuisine from the food trucks set up in Upham Quad to make lunchtime on our Cultural Gala Day something special. With everything from souvlakis and bratwurst, to sweet puffed Egyptian doughnuts, Japanese yakitori and yakisoba, and spring potato (deep fried spiral cut potato on a stick) of unknown, but nevertheless delicious, provenance, the boys were spoiled for choice. Alongside these tasty morsels, they were treated to performances from cultural societies representing China, India, Thailand and Sri Lanka. Their stunning, colourful costumes and head dresses and traditional dances brightening the dull day. Inside the Chapman Room, calligraphers from the Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury and the
Zhong Hua Qing Culture and Arts Education Centre demonstrated how to write in Chinese script and then supervised as some of the boys had a go at writing their names. The Zealandia Academy of Indian Arts and members of the Wat Buddha Samakhee Thai and Buddhist community were among other groups demonstrating their cultural specialities, including mask painting. All the activities gave valuable insight into some of the many different cultures and peoples who call Christchurch home. In keeping with the international theme, the proceeds from Thursday’s mufti day were earmarked to buy mosquito nets for people in affected communities, to support efforts to rid the world of malaria.
Friday 3 August At lunchtime, Junie chaired a Q&A session on globalisation, with Year 12 student Ivan Panyarachun from Thailand and guest speaker Shola Olaniyan from Nigeria sharing information about their countries, and discussing some of the challenges and rewards of moving away from home and embracing a new life in a strange land.
College Issue 35 2018
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