From our whole community, we say: Merci! Gracias! Danke! Arigato gozaimasu! Grazie! Xièxie! Thank you!
A host of volunteers educated students on subjects related to The Global Environment theme, their messages set to resonate for decades to come.
Families shared national costumes with their children for all to enjoy, while parents and caregivers generously provided diverse food, displays, background music and creative and educational activities in each of the country rooms, answering questions and assisting students for hours at a time.
Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTF) volunteers funded, donated, prepared and served delicious food and drinks from many lands throughout the day.
We also thank presenters and special guests, including Andrew Valder from Garage Sale Trail, Dr Katrina Wall who presented on the Health of Our Water, Walangari Indigenous Infusion performers, beeswax paper maker and waste free chef Rachel Potter, creative dance leader Paulina Quinteros, City of Sydney Councillor Jess Miller, Deputy Consul General of Germany Klaus Steitz, Lyn Sully from New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) and Merryl Wahlin from the Association of Independent Schools, Tjarani Barton Vaofanua from the IGS Alumni Advisory Panel and many more.
Other speakers included Dorothee Babeck who discussed renewable energy and mining issues, Madison Roland-Evans from nearby Pocket City Farms, and former Head Boy Maxim Adams (2016) who presented on marine environments.
Desiree Lucchesi presented on the land on which we live, Rhett Butler spoke about SkyJuice which provides sustainable water solutions for Humanitarian and Disaster relief, Jennifer Campbell from the Office of Environment and Heritage and Simone Novello presented on Waste Not Want Not.
Ella Drinkwater shared details of campaigning with Greenpeace, Fay Karpouzis spoke on OzHarvest, Days for Girls presented The Period Project, and Georgie Watts gave a Ligurian Bees Workshop.
Many members of staff also shared their expertise in inspiring workshops and presentations, while the assistance of Year 11 students was greatly appreciated.
See also Considering environmental impacts on International Day and Celebrating Diversity.