As more families migrate to New Zealand and settle in South Canterbury, Roncalli College is becoming more ethnically and culturally diverse.
It is this contrast and diversity that adds richness and understanding to our school culture. It is said that the key to building a healthy community is to understand, accept, and celebrate our individual and cultural differences. These cultural differences should not separate us but rather give us a collective strength. Once we understand and appreciate other people’s cultural backgrounds and perspectives, we can connect with them more easily and broaden our own understanding.
Our Kapa Haka group lead our Mihi Whakatau each year, support the Timaru Citizenship Ceremonies and College Masses. Students participated in a 3-day Hikoi following the footsteps fo the Prophet Hipa Te Maihāroa; students competed in the prestigious speech competition Manu Kōrero and proudly represented Roncalli at the 2023 Flava Competition.
This newly formed group meets regularly and is receiving support and guidance from Multicultural Aoraki. Roncalli hosted a new event called Poly Pull Up which was a combined event hosting other local Pasifika school groups. Recently we celebrated Tongan Language Week.
Our very strong Filipino community celebrated Philippines Independence Day with the theme ‘Fiesta sa Mayon’. We were treated to an array of cultural dances and fabulous food.
