Junior College Fourways recently celebrated culture, diversity, and the dedicated support staff who help create a caring school environment.

The school was filled with colour as learners arrived in traditional Heritage Day outfits before taking part in a fashion parade celebrating the different cultures represented within the community.

For principal Aimee Shaw, the celebration was about introducing children to the value of diversity from an early age.

“Heritage Day is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity within our school community and to help our young learners begin to understand and appreciate where they come from,” Shaw said.

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“Even though they are still very young, we believe it is important to teach them early that every family, culture, language, and tradition has value.”

The celebrations also recognised another important part of the school community – its helpers, who play a daily role in caring for and supporting the learners.

The helpers were treated to Maureen’s Marvellous Master Cooking Class, where they learnt how to prepare the school’s famous Marvellous Meatballs under the guidance of teacher Maureen Reseroka, who has been part of the Junior College Fourways family for 16 years.

“Our helpers are such an important part of our school family,” Reseroka said. “They are the people who care for our children every day, often in the small moments that can go unnoticed, and they play a very special role in creating a warm and nurturing environment for our learners.”

The cooking class brought plenty of laughter and excitement, with the helpers getting the opportunity to spend time together, learn something new, and eventually sit down to enjoy the meal they had prepared.

“It created such a lovely sense of community,” Shaw said.

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While Heritage Day provided a special opportunity to celebrate diversity, the school said the values behind the event extend beyond a single day.

“At Junior College Fourways, diversity and respect are not lessons that happen on one particular day – they are woven into our everyday learning and interactions,” Shaw said.

Shaw said the aim is to help children understand that differences should be embraced.

“Most importantly, we teach them through everyday experiences to be kind, curious, and respectful of differences,” Shaw said. “At this age, we are laying the foundations for children to understand that being different is something to be celebrated, not something to be afraid of.”

Shaw summed up the message behind the celebration: “Be proud of who you are, be curious about the people around you, and always celebrate the beautiful differences that make each of us unique.”

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