Tongala Primary School, a small yet community-focused institution, celebrated its new Filipino students during this year’s Education Week.
From May 19 to 23, the school embraced the theme ‘Celebration of Cultures’, mirroring its changing demographics.
Six Filipino families have become part of the community over the past two years, thanks to HW Greenham and Sons’ involvement in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility program, which facilitates temporary migration for work.
School principal Rob Hogan highlighted the timely nature of this year’s theme.
“The Filipino families that have become part of the school community have given as much as they have received since arriving in Tongala,” he said.
“It hasn’t been easy for them, coming into a school which doesn’t communicate in their native language, but they are all working very hard — and are a pleasure to have in the school.”
The school’s international community extends beyond Filipino students, including children from Fijian and New Zealand families working in the local dairy industry, with an Indian student soon to join who is linked to the nearby Respect aged care facility.
During Education Week, each class studied a different country, exploring its cuisine, culture, geography and notable figures.
The week culminated in students taking “a trip around the world” by visiting each other’s classrooms.
Australian Indigenous culture was celebrated with a Welcome to Country ceremony in the school’s Indigenous Garden, led by Uncle Rick Ronnan, father of the school’s Koori education support officer Simone Ronnan.
Mr Hogan said while it had been a “big learning curve” for the families, it had also been for the staff and students.
“The biggest thing we are learning is the difference in culture,” he said.
“But they are so grateful for the opportunities they get here, compared to the Philippines.
“It really has been a pleasure to have them on board at the school.”
15°C