The World Comes to Huili Culture Diversity Day

Carina Ma

Head of Primary Pastoral

HSH primary held Culture Diversity Day on 24th May 2024. The event aimed to celebrate and promote the diversity of cultures within our school community. It was a way to recognise and appreciate the various customs, traditions, languages, and beliefs of different groups of people. It also fostered a sense of unity and understanding among people from different backgrounds, and encouraged respect and acceptance of diversity.  

On that day, pupils came to school dressed up in traditional costumes from different countries to further promote cultural awareness and appreciation. The costumes included items such as traditional clothing, jewellery, hats, and other accessories that were representative of the culture being showcased. We were glad to see that this initiated some thoughtful conversations among pupils in the corridor. This was exactly the kind of outcome that the event aimed to achieve. Asking each other about the history of different countries was a great way for pupils to share their knowledge and learn from each other. It also enabled pupils to recognise the similarities and differences between cultures, which helps to promote a more inclusive and harmonious school community.  

The two opening performances were incredibly important as they showcased the diversity and richness of both Eastern and Western cultures, which set the tone for the rest of the event. 

The performance of "It's a Small World" by G1-2 pupils was a classic Disney song that celebrates unity and diversity. It was a great choice for Culture Diversity Day as it sent a message of inclusivity and acceptance of different cultures. The song was also very catchy and fun, which made it a great way to start the event on a positive note. The performance of "The Painting Masks of Beijing Opera" by G3-4 pupils was a traditional Chinese art form that has been around for centuries. The use of colourful masks and costumes, along with the unique style of singing and movement, created a mesmerizing performance that showcased the beauty and complexity of Chinese culture.  

Culture Diversity Day is a community event that was strongly supported by parent volunteers from each homeroom in primary. The involvement of parents created a sense of ownership and pride in the event, which led to greater participation and enthusiasm among pupils and staff. There were 21 booths with each focusing on a different country from around the world. Through various activities such as food tasting, music and dance performances, and cultural displays, Culture Diversity Day provided an opportunity for pupils to learn about, and appreciate, the richness of different cultures in a fun and interactive way. 

Culture Diversity Day was a huge success! We had a great turnout, and everyone had a fantastic time celebrating the many different cultures that make up our community. The live photos that we shared with parents received an overwhelming response, with more than 260,000 views. 

It was truly heartwarming to see so many people come together to celebrate diversity and embrace each other's unique backgrounds and traditions. We are already looking forward to next year's event and cannot wait to see what new and exciting cultural experiences it will bring!