St Joseph the Worker is continuing to set the bar for multiculturalism with the school this year boasting students from 32 nationalities, 99 of which speak a language other than English in their homes.

It’s a level of cultural diversity that would be impressive in any organisation, let alone in a primary school with just over 100 students in Auburn South, in Sydney’s west.

WE ARE ONE BUT WE ARE MANY

According to St Joseph the Worker Catholic Primary School Principal, Gai Melville, multiculturalism is something that has always been part of the fabric of the school.

“I think one of the things we like to do is just acknowledge that our families have travelled from distant lands to live in this country as one community,” Mrs Melville said.

“We all belong and we all bring different gifts and different abilities to the community, and together it makes us richer and stronger” – Gai Melville

“What people often say is you can feel the warmth in the welcome here; that it feels like a family,” Mrs Melville said.

CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES

One of the most important events in St Joseph the Worker’s school calendar is its annual Multicultural Day.

Traditionally held on a single day, this year’s weeklong celebration was held in the first week back after COVID lockdown.

It began with a multicultural prayer service. Students then took part in a range of activities, including sampling Ukrainian dancing, Italian music, French art and Ghanian crafts, among other things.

St Joseph the Worker Auburn South dressed in traditional clothes.

“It was a great chance for the school’s diversity to really come alive,” said teacher and head of the 2021 Multicultural Day Committee, Markian Stefanychyn.

“You see the colours and …