From Country, All Stories Begin

The IGS community came together to celebrate one of the most anticipated events on the school calendar – International Day.

Each year, International Day celebrates the many cultures, languages and perspectives that make up our vibrant community while reflecting our school vision, Unity Through Diversity. This year’s theme, From Country, All Stories Begin, recognised that the rich diversity celebrated at IGS is grounded in the enduring cultures and languages of Australia’s First Nations peoples.

The theme acknowledges Country as the foundation upon which all journeys, identities and stories unfold. It also reflects IGS’s ongoing commitment to honouring First Nations perspectives, including the introduction of Dharug as a language for Year 7 students this year.

A child in traditional attire holds a woven fan that reads BULA and a green book, standing against a pink patterned background with large, bold white text that announces: All Stories Begin in Country.

A group of ten smiling children pose outside against a brick wall, embodying the spirit of All Stories from every country. One child at the front holds a green and yellow scarf. Some wear colourful clothes and football shirts, while sunlight shines on part of the group.

A woman and five young children, all wearing colourful traditional clothing, smile together in a bright, decorated classroom setting—where all stories begin in this vibrant country.

Eight people wear football shirts and paper hats, smiling and posing in a decorated room filled with flags, posters, and wall art from their favourite country. One person kneels in front while the others stand in a row behind, capturing the spirit of all stories shared during this lively celebration.

Two young women in traditional attire stand in front of a pink wall with IGS text, each proudly representing their country. One holds a Netherlands flag; the other holds a Fiji flag and a woven fan, both smiling at the camera, capturing the spirit of all stories shared across cultures.

Two smiling kids pose together; one wears a colourful sombrero and striped poncho, flashing a peace sign, while the other sports a 330 Canton, OH t-shirt. Against the backdrop of a vibrant mosaic mural, their playful energy hints at the stories that bring people together from every corner of the country.

A group of children in colourful clothing and costumes stand in front of a mosaic wall, smiling and posing for the camera. Some make peace signs, and one wears a pink traditional dress, each child bringing stories from their country to life with joyful expressions.

Six boys stand arm-in-arm, smiling in front of a colourful mosaic wall that reflects the vibrancy of their country. Some hold exercise books, and they appear happy and friendly—a moment that truly belongs in All Stories.

Three children stand in front of a colourful mosaic wall with various shapes and animals, as if posed for a photo that tells stories from every corner of the country. Two wear red and pink jackets, and one wears a dark blue kimono with white flowers. The child in pink holds up a peace sign.

Five children stand together, smiling and holding green books filled with stories. They wear colourful, culturally diverse outfits that represent their country, and are in front of a sign that says NOTICE. A purple banner and stained glass are partially visible in the background.

Six smiling children in colourful outfits stand by a wooden coffee table with books, ready to share their favourite stories, posing with two women in formal attire inside a well-lit, modern room adorned with plants and artwork that reflect the vibrant spirit of the country.

The day began with a High School assembly featuring a Flag Procession and an Acknowledgement of Country, compered by Head Girl and Languages Leader Mollie W and Head Boy Oscar F, who wove speeches on this year’s theme. The assembly included addresses from Director of Languages Regine Berghofer and Principal Shauna Colnan, along with an inspiring talk from keynote speaker and Indigenous Artist Brett Groves. It then moved into a series of cultural performances, including an Aboriginal Tea Ceremony performed by Year 7 Dharug class students Rena, Stella, Alahni and Ivy, a music performance by Year 12 student Samara, and a drama performance by Year 12 student Leon, which set the tone for the day’s celebrations. Primary students also had their own assembly and enjoyed an equally rich program with performances.

A woman in a red beret and striped shirt stands at a lectern, smiling, ready to begin sharing her story with microphones in front of her and a projection screen with flags from every country in the background.

A woman speaks at a lectern labelled IGS on stage, with an audience watching. Behind her, a screen displays a group photo and musical instruments—including a drum kit and piano—setting the scene for the country to begin sharing all stories that unite its people.

A person plays violin on stage in front of a projected sign that reads International Day 2026 High School Assembly, where all stories begin, celebrating the diverse traditions of each country. Drums are visible in the background.

A woman with long blonde hair and glasses speaks at a lectern labelled IGS International Grammar School in a dimly lit auditorium, sharing All Stories from across the Country.

Four people stand on a stage behind a table with mugs and a teapot, ready to share stories from across the country. One person speaks into a microphone while holding a piece of paper, contributing to the atmosphere of All Stories being told. A piano is partially visible to the right. The background is dark.

A smiling boy in a blue kimono stands among seated children at an indoor event, sharing stories as adults watch in the background, celebrating the traditions of his country.

A person with curly hair speaks at a podium labelled IGS International Grammar School on a stage with black curtains in the background, sharing their story as part of the All Stories initiative and celebrating the diverse voices from every country.

A woman in a pink top speaks at a podium labelled IGS International Grammar School on a stage, sharing stories while people in traditional attire representing their country stand in the background.

A person stands at a lectern labelled IGS International Grammar School, sharing stories and speaking with both hands gesturing expressively, against a dark background that highlights their connection to country and community.

Three students pose indoors for a group photo. The centre student, representing their country, holds a Fijian flag, a woven fan, and wears a traditional outfit. The student on the right proudly displays a Dutch flag. The left student stands beside them in glasses and a hoodie, capturing the spirit of All Stories coming together.

A young woman with long brown hair sings into a microphone on stage, standing next to a music stand. She is wearing a dark sweatshirt. The background is dimly lit with a piano and drum kit partially visible, creating the perfect atmosphere for heartfelt Country stories to unfold.

Two girls in colourful yukatas stand side by side, smiling, in front of an audience. The audience is seated and blurred in the background, watching the girls as they share stories from their country.

Seven young people sit closely together on a bench, smiling at the camera. Dressed casually, they share stories and laughter against a black brick wall, appearing relaxed and friendly as they enjoy each other’s company in the heart of the countryside.

Three young people stand together, each with their own unique stories. The one in the centre, proudly representing their country, wears a yellow Brazil football shirt and smiles with arms crossed. A small Brazilian flag is in the foreground, and the background is dark.

A diverse group of students stand on stage holding flags and papers, each representing their country and unique stories, with a large audience watching. A woman speaks at a lectern labelled IGS. A screen behind them displays flags and the text Nations and Regions at IGS.

Students immersed themselves in a diverse program of workshops, performances and activities designed to foster cultural understanding through Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese and Spanish workshops, Greek dancing, lion dancing, kung fu, Aboriginal art and painting, dragon boat racing, a World Cup of Futsal competition, Kuaiban (Chinese storytelling), Kabaddi and traditional games, Country room rotations, and a vibrant Rhythms of the World drumming performance that brought the day’s celebrations to a memorable close.

A smiling person in glasses decorates a heart-shaped biscuit with orange icing while sitting at a table, sharing sweet moments and stories with friends. Another person sits nearby, and others are visible in the background, creating a warm and lively atmosphere that feels right at home in any country.

A smiling child wearing a red cap sideways stands in a gymnasium, looking at an adult holding up a boxing pad for practice—a scene that could unfold in any country, capturing the universal spirit found in all stories of determination and growth.

A child smiles whilst wearing a large, colourful purple lion dance costume head, with orange, yellow, and black details, during a festive indoor event that celebrates the stories and traditions of the country.

Two children begin their creative journey, making paper art of the Eiffel Tower at a table covered with colourful paper, scissors, and pencil cases—a delightful scene from above that reminds us all stories can start in any country.

Two smiling children stand indoors holding up colourful paintings of Italy, ready to begin sharing stories about the country. Other children and adults are visible working in the background, and art is displayed on the wall beside them.

A boy in a purple patterned shirt holds up a colourful drawing of the country of Italy in a classroom, with other pupils and shelves visible in the background.

Three smiling children stand in a classroom, holding notebooks and glue sticks, ready to start where all stories begin. Other pupils are visible in the background, and various decorations and projects bring the room—and each child’s story—to life.

Children in a classroom hold red paper fans and smile, celebrating traditions from their country. The room is decorated with red lanterns and Chinese New Year ornaments. Other children and an adult are in the background, joining in the festive activity where all stories begin—with joy and togetherness.

Children in a classroom hold large red fans, with one girl smiling at the camera. Red lanterns and decorations hang in the background, suggesting a cultural or festive event that celebrates stories and traditions from their country.

Four children in colourful costumes smile outside a building, each representing a different country. One wears a kimono, another sports a cardboard sign reading VEGEMITE. Two hold books, celebrating stories from all around the world. People and a red-and-white SELAMAT DATANG banner are visible in the background.

A group of young people in sports jerseys gather around a table, writing and drawing on paper. One person in a red jacket marks a sheet, whilst others watch and participate. A sign for the Consulate-General of Japan is visible, highlighting how all stories can begin with a connection between country and culture.

A group of students sits in colourful tiered seating, clapping and smiling as they watch an event or presentation. Some wear bright clothes and accessories, and the atmosphere appears lively and cheerful, reflecting the vibrant spirit found in schools across the country. With laughter and applause echoing around them, it’s a moment that reminds us of how school events bring All Stories together under one roof.

A woman begins to speak to a group of seated children in a modern lecture theatre with turquoise seating. Stacks of wrapped books—each containing all stories from around the country—are on a table in the foreground. A large round light fitting hangs from the ceiling.

A woman in a grey dress performs Kuai Ban, holding bamboo clappers, in front of a screen displaying show details, her name, and the theme “All Stories Begin.” A laptop and lectern are visible beside her.

Children sit on a gymnasium floor holding tambourines, smiling and looking at the camera, sharing stories with friends from across the country, with more children seated and holding tambourines in the background.

Children sit in a large group indoors, playing hand drums. A smiling girl in the foreground claps above her drum whilst a boy next to her plays his. The atmosphere is joyful and energetic, as rhythms from all stories and corners of the country come together in this lively moment.

A young boy in a pink waistcoat plays a djembe drum among many children, all seated closely at an indoor event. Echoes of different stories seem to come alive in the rhythm, with the children from across the country watching or participating in this lively moment. The background is filled with children, their faces alight with curiosity and joy.

Three children work on paper crafts at a table while other kids stand in the background. One girl, dressed in a pink kimono, and two boys in casual jackets create colourful projects, surrounded by paper, markers, and small craft supplies. This charming scene feels as though it could be found in any country and is just one of many moments captured in All Stories.

A teenage boy smiles whilst holding a painting of a red prehistoric animal, resembling ancient cave art, in a classroom setting. In the background—where all stories begin with curiosity and discovery—two other pupils are blurred, bringing the creative energy of this country’s youth into focus.

Two young women sit at a table holding up their paintings—one of a blue whale, the other of elephants. Paint supplies are scattered on the table, and both women are smiling at the camera, ready to begin sharing all their stories from this creative afternoon in the countryside.

Six young people in black shirts and trousers with orange sashes pose together, smiling and making peace signs, standing against a dark, colourful background that hints at the vibrant stories of their country.

Five people perform on stage, weaving together stories through expressive movement. One woman with red hair is lifted by the others, holding a yellow cloth. All wear black outfits against a dark background, while stage lights shine down on the group as they interact dramatically—evoking the spirit and emotion found in every country’s tales.

The rooftop and areas around the School were transformed into a global marketplace. Each stall hosted by our incredible parents and carers – students, staff and families savoured flavours from across the globe at a variety of food stalls, offering cuisine favourites like dumplings, souvlaki, empanadas, eclairs, pizza, pretzels, Portuguese tarts, gelato, churros and much more. The stalls gave our community the opportunity to come together and celebrate through one of the most universal languages of all – food.

Two women serve ice cream to customers at a counter, where all stories of summer treats begin. One wears bright pink glasses and smiles while handing an ice cream cone, and the other scoops ice cream. Stacks of empty cones are in front of them, ready for more customers eager to savour a taste of the countryside.

A smiling woman wearing headphones stands behind a DJ mixer and sound equipment at an outdoor country venue, sunlight streaming in as she brings vibrant stories to life through her music.

People browse food stalls with white marquees at an outdoor market on a sunny day, sharing stories as they explore each stall; a basketball hoop and tall buildings are in the background. Children and adults from across the country are walking around the area.

A young girl in a white jacket and panda ear headband sits on the ground, smiling and holding a hot dog. Surrounded by food items and with people in bright vests standing at tables in the background, she enjoys a cheerful moment at what appears to be a lively country event—just one of many scenes that could be featured in All Stories.

Two children pose outdoors; one smiles holding a cup of food, while the other wears a festive red outfit and Father Christmas hat, flashing a peace sign and sticking out their tongue. Stories of laughter and joy fill the scene as people from around the country can be seen in the background.

Four children stand together smiling on a sunny outdoor court, wearing colourful traditional and modern clothing that reflect their unique stories and culture. Other kids and adults are gathered in the background near tables with food and drinks, celebrating the vibrant spirit of their country.

Seven smiling children pose together outdoors, holding drinks and snacks, some making peace signs. Casually dressed, they stand on a sunny day at a country festival with colourful tents and other people in the background—capturing the joy found in all stories of friendship and celebration.

Children queue at a table filled with snacks, flowers, and drinks. An adult in an orange safety vest helps serve food. The setting is bright and appears to be outdoors on a sunny day—perhaps in the heart of the countryside, where all stories begin with simple joys and shared moments.

Two people, one adult and one child, smile and hold food trays outdoors at a community event in the countryside. Others stand in the background near a marquee and banners. Sunlight casts shadows on the green ground as all stories begin with moments like these—joyful gatherings that bring communities together.

A special highlight of the day was the formal community lunch catered by Parliament on King, winner of The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide’s Food for Good Award and recipient of the NSW Human Rights Medal in 2022. Over 100 members of our School Community gathered for a shared meal and meaningful conversation including Board Chair Emeritus Professor Shirley Alexander and Principal Shauna Colnan.

Held in the Bibliotheque, the lunch featured two inspiring guest speakers. IGS alum Mi-kaisha Masella delivered an inspiring Q&A with parents, reflecting on the day’s theme From Country All Stories Begin and candidly on her own journey and the role IGS played in shaping who she is today. Indigenous Artist Brett Groves shared further insights that echoed this thread rounding out a memorable afternoon for all.

A large group of people sit at round tables in a library, listening to a speaker at the front as a presentation is projected onto a screen. Shelves of books and award plaques line the walls, celebrating achievements from across the country where all stories begin.

A woman with long hair speaks into a microphone at a lectern with a laptop, ready to begin sharing her stories. Bookcases and a projected presentation are visible in the background, creating a library-like setting that reflects the country’s rich tradition of learning and storytelling.

People sit around a table in conversation at an indoor gathering, sharing stories from across the country. A woman with curly hair in a blue patterned top smiles at a man beside her. Bookshelves are in the background, while bottled water and mobiles rest on the table.

A woman with plaited hair shares stories into a microphone in a modern room, standing near a screen displaying a digital cityscape and AirPlay instructions.

A large group of people sit at long tables in a well-lit room, listening attentively. Plates, cups, and candles are on the tables. Bookshelves line the wall in the background. The atmosphere is engaged and focused as all stories begin to unfold across the room, connecting individuals from every country in thoughtful conversation.

A man holding a microphone shares stories in front of a screen and laptop in a modern library or lounge setting, with bookshelves and green sofas in the background, creating an inviting atmosphere that brings people together from across the country.

A person shares stories with an audience in a modern conference room, standing near a large screen displaying a cityscape and text about the country. The audience listens attentively, seated at tables.

A group of people sits around a table at a gathering or event, smiling and attentively listening as stories are shared. One woman in the centre, wearing pink earrings, is in focus. Plates of food and drinks are on the table.

International Day is only possible through the dedication, creativity and generosity of so many members of the IGS community.

Thank you to the many parents, carers, volunteers, performers, presenters and community partners who generously ran food stalls and shared their cultures, languages, traditions and talents throughout the day.

We extend special thanks to the Consulates of China, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Malta, Nepal and Portugal, who generously gave their time to lead activities, games, crafts and cultural experiences in their country rooms. We also thank Board Chair Emeritus Professor Shirley Alexander and Board Director Lesley Harbon, for joining us and enriching the day with their presence.

Thank you lastly to IGS Director of Languages Regine Berghofer and Caitlin Maruno for bringing this year’s event to life, and to our Languages staff, teachers and professional services teams, whose planning and support made every workshop, performance and activity possible.

Together, you helped create a day that celebrated not only where we come from, but also the shared story we continue to build together at IGS.

From Country, all stories begin, and together, we continue to write ours.