| Fizah HAB |
IN CELEBRATING cultural diversity of various nations, International School Brunei (ISB) hosted an International Day celebration for the fifth consecutive year at its Sungai Hanching Campus yesterday.
This was the 25th celebration of the International Day in the school’s 55-year history. The event celebrated the diversity of cultures, nationalities, and languages of the school body, with 46 nations represented by ISB students and staff.
The celebration was attended by Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim ibni Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah binti Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah.
The highlight of the day was a whole school assembly in the multipurpose hall with a ‘Parade of Nations’, where representatives from 46 countries present at ISB made a procession into the hall, to the cheers of the 1,200-strong audience.
Students, staff, parents and family members were present to celebrate the day wearing the national dress of their nation, or a nation of their choice.
The audience were seen donning Baju Melayu from Brunei, Kimono and Yukata from Japan, Ponchos and Sombrero’s from Mexico, Hanbok from Korea, Cheongsam from China, Lederhosen from Germany, Quilts from Scotland, Traditional Dayak costumes from Sarawak, and Saree from India, as well as North African Kaftans and West African Dashikis.
Many activities were held throughout the fun-filled day and the school displayed flags from different nations.
Acting Executive Principal of ISB Laura Thomas summed up the spirit of the day and ethos of ISB, saying “there is beauty in our diversity and it should be celebrated”.
The celebration also saw various cultural performances by students representing the different year groups and included the New Zealand Haka and Maori song, traditional Filipino dance, traditional Scottish, and a Japanese Karate exhibition, before a closing whole school performance of the song ‘Wavin’ the Flag’.
On the sidelines, more than 50 booths were set up as part of the ‘International Food and Fun Fair’.