A week of culture and connection
Last week, Korowa came alive with colour, energy and pride as our School Captains, supported by the prefect group, led our annual Celebration Week. This much-loved tradition shines a spotlight on diversity and inclusion in schools, giving students the chance to recognise, respect and celebrate the many cultures, identities and experiences that enrich our community. Each day brought new opportunities to honour the differences that make us who we are.
Lion Dance Performance
Celebration Week opened with an unforgettable Lion Dance performance in front of the Ivory Café. Students gathered to watch the vibrant colours, rhythmic drums and acrobatics that have made the Lion Dance such an important part of Chinese culture for centuries. Traditionally performed during Lunar New Year and special occasions, the Lion Dance is believed to bring good fortune, drive away negativity and invite prosperity. Many students joined in the tradition by touching the lion’s head or mane, a symbolic act to attract luck and blessings for the year ahead.
Neurodiversity Day
Neurodiversity Day was celebrated in the library with a screening of Loop, a short film that offered insight into different ways of communicating and connecting. Thanks to the generosity of Stonnington Youth Services, students also took part in mindfulness activities, including colouring pages, and free fidgets to take home. Stonnington representatives supported conversations about neurodiversity, helping students celebrate the unique perspectives and strengths it brings to our community.
Guess the Flag Kahoot
Wednesday tested global knowledge with a spirited Guess the Flag Kahoot in the senior library. Students gathered for some friendly competition, answering multiple-choice and trick questions that had everyone second-guessing which flag belonged to which country. Along the way, we discovered new countries and their flags, sparking curiosity about the wider world. Activities like this remind us that understanding global cultures is key to building respect, awareness and connection across our community.
Stars and Dodgeball
Thursday was all about connection and teamwork. During mentor time, students worked in their buddy pairs across year levels to cut out stars with their names, passions and joys. This collaboration not only sparked conversation between younger and older students but also reinforced the sense of unity that runs through Korowa. The finished stars now form a constellation of belonging displayed above the senior library reading area, a lasting reminder that while each star shines on its own, together they create something bigger and brighter.
At lunchtime, House spirit roared to life in the hotly contested Dodgeball showdown: Clamieson v Willakey! It was fierce, fast and full of laughter, with the blended Akehurst and Wilkinson team ultimately claiming victory. Events like this highlight the strength of our House system, where competition builds camaraderie and pride while deepening the bonds that connect students across year levels.
Wear It Purple Day
Friday saw the campus awash in purple as Korowa stood proudly with LGBTQIA+ young people across Australia. Even our beloved teacher and therapy dogs joined the celebration, decked out in purple alongside students and staff. At lunchtime, the PRISM crew partnered with Stonnington Youth Services to host a vibrant celebration. Activities included banner-making with paint pens, free Wear It Purple Day merchandise, lolly bags and a successful bake sale.To complement the week’s events, the Ivory Café offered a diverse menu that reflected the spirit of Celebration Week. New tastes added another layer of connection, reminding us that food is a universal language of culture and belonging.From cultural celebrations to playful competitions, every moment reminded us that belonging is built through joy, respect and recognition.
Student leadership in action
More than a calendar of events, Celebration Week at Korowa reflected the vision and leadership of our students. With courage, creativity and organisational skill, they designed Celebration Week festivities that was inclusive, engaging and memorable. We are fortunate to have a community that embraces initiatives of our students and helps bring them to life. Together, we showed what is possible when leadership, creativity and collaboration combine.
Why Celebration Week matters
At Korowa, we believe true leadership starts with understanding and respecting difference. Celebration Week is more than an event; it is a lived expression of our values of courage, curiosity and integrity. It reminds us that schools thrive when students feel safe, supported and empowered to be themselves.Celebration Week continues to strengthen the culture of inclusion that makes Korowa such a dynamic and welcoming place.
