Multi-Cultural Week

On Monday, Year 6 practiced designing their own Mehndi patterns using a variety of common designs used by Muslims for religious celebrations. Mehndi is made from henna and applied to the the hands, arms, feet and legs with a cone shaped tool (similar to a cake decorating tube).
On Tuesday, the whole school enjoyed watching a Korean play. The play was about how the sun, moon and stars were created. The mother of a poor family went to work for a selfish, rich lady who lived far away over the mountains. On her return journey from her work, the mother was attacked and eaten by a hungry tiger. The tiger then went to the mother's home, where her children were waiting for her, and tricked them into letting him in. Whilst he was preparing the oven to cook the children, they ran away and hid up a tree. When the tiger started climbing the tree too, the frightened children begged the Sky God to save them, which she did. The children then became the sun and moon, and their mother was the stars.
On Wednesday, Year 5 learnt how to perform Bollywood dancing with professional dancers Hina and Co. and will exhibit their new-found skills at St. Edward's International Evening on Thursday. Year 3 created some Asian art also with the help of Hina and Co.
On Thursday, Key Stage 2 had the opportunity to listen to and take part in a music workshop with Caliche, a South American band. There were many differnet instruments, and all made from something to do with nature, like shakers made from nuts and goats hooves, and guitar-like instruments made from armadillo shells.
Later on Thursday, the school held an International Evening, which was enthusuastically supported by children, parents, staff and members of the community. Performances included more music from Caliche, Bollywood dancing from Hina and co. and year 5 children, Irish dancing from Roisin and Orla, Steel Pans played by year 5 and 6, Mehndi patterns, Chinese calligraphy and food from around the world! What an eventful evening enjoyed by everyone!
Finally, on Friday, Granny Butt visited year 6 and applied Mehndi, using henna, to the children's hands.