SAINT (St) Joseph Tenaru Catholic School on the eastern outskirt of Honiara celebrated its Annual Cultural Day on Saturday night, a colourful event that saw students from the country’s nine provinces proudly showcase their vibrant and diverse cultures.
Themed ‘Our Culture, Our Way of Life’, the event brought parents, ex-students, locals and guests to join teachers and staff of the school to enjoy a night of cultural extravaganza.
The celebration commenced with welcome remarks by the Deputy Principal, who expressed gratitude to guests, parents and students for their participation in this significant occasion.
“This special day is a testament to our commitment to preserving and promoting our cultural heritage while fostering a deep appreciation and respect for the myriads of cultures that coexist harmoniously within our school,” the Deputy Principal stated.
School Principal Jeffrey Poea, in his opening remarks, emphasised the importance of Cultural Day in the school calendar, saying it serves as an annual programme for students to showcase their diverse cultural identity.
“We believe that recognising and preserving our cultural identity is essential. Through this event, our students can learn from each other and understand the significance of cultures, especially in Honiara, where many different cultural backgrounds converge.”
Elaborating on the theme, “Our Culture, Our Way of Life,” Principal Poea asserted that cultures are not just an aspect of celebration, but a fundamental part of everyday life.
“This year’s theme reflects our commitment to embracing and celebrating our diverse cultures. Understanding our roots is crucial for fostering unity and respect within our community, especially at school here at St Joseph Tenaru.
“We believe in the Solomon Islands setting, particularly in our villages, that much of the things we do are supported by our cultures. We believe that cultures safeguard our lives.
“Promoting and protecting our cultures is like looking after our lives. We can say our cultures are our way of life, how we live with nature and how we interact with different people and respect one another and our cultures. Because the way we relate to other people is part of our cultures and also how we live with people in our communities.
“At St Joseph Tenaru School, we align culture with our school programmes because there are diverse cultures in our school. Since we come from different cultural backgrounds, we learn how to respect one another as respect is one of the virtues of this school.”
Principal Poea also acknowledged the challenges of hosting such an event.
“While it is vital for our students to engage in their cultural heritage, organising such event can be difficult. Financial constraints and ensuring that students adhere to school rules during rehearsals pose significant challenges. Balancing cultural activities with academic responsibilities is not easy.”
Nevertheless, Principal Poea expressed deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s cultural event.
The enthusiastic participation from the community and parents showcased the strength of cultural ties and the importance of nurturing the next generation’s connection to their heritage.
By JIMMY NOLAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
