Cultural celebration brings community together

Students and staff of Canterbury Boys High School (CBHS) recently enjoyed a day of food, entertainment and festivities at their annual Cantervale festival.

Held by the school, Cantervale celebrates the school’s cultural diversity that exists within their student population – 92 percent of their students come from a non-English speaking background.

Numerous food stalls were set up on the day serving up delicious offerings of Portuguese, Turkish, Arabic and Pacific Islander foods.

Entertainment was provided by students and staff and went on throughout the day. Some of the performances included a beat boxer and several musical bands. Face painting, hip hop dance workshops, sporting games and tile painting were also among some of the other fun-filled activities at this year’s celebration.

Guests included parents and carers, and students from Canterbury Girls High School, Campsie Public School and Canterbury South Public School were also invited. City of Canterbury Mayor Brian Robson and Superintendent David Johnson from Ashfield Police attended the family event too.

Principal of CBHS, David Hill, said it was their best attended festival to date with over 500 people showing up.

Canterbury League Club was once again a major sponsor for this year’s festival. The Club donated $2,000 which went towards equipment hire, a sound technician and a security guard for the day.

“Events like this are a great way to bring the community together for an enjoyable day in celebration of the multicultural society that we live in,” said Dr George Peponis OAM, former student of the school and Chairman of Canterbury League Club.