Pupils celebrate school’s diversity

Queenstown Primary School pupils celebrated their diversity yesterday at the school’s annual International Day, organised by the school’s international ambassadors.

Among them were (from left) Anju Okajima (8), representing Japan, Annette Maydl-Strika (7), representing Chile, Lilli Badenhop (7), representing Australia, and Milley Ichihara, also representing Japan.

International student co-ordinator Sarah Ferguson said the years 7 and 8 pupils organised the day to celebrate the more than 40 nationalities represented at the school.

Part of their role was to support pupils who did not speak English as a first language and translating for teachers and parents to promote "global awareness".

Following a shared lunch, with food stalls from 17 different countries, the entire school took part in a parade, which included flag bearers, led by Queenstown bagpiper Graeme Glass.