Black History Week: a message from the Principal

One of the highlights of my association with Newbold over the last twenty years has been the rich cultural interaction.  Our current community represents around forty different ethnicities with their associated cultures and if we include the number of countries in which they have lived, the multi-cultural flavour of the community is further enhanced.

Interestingly culture tends to a concept which develops as we move outside of our immediate background and engage other people who have a different background.  In the words of anthropologist Paul Hiebert: ‘Culture is an integrated system of learned patterns of behaviour, ideas and products of a given society’ (Cultural Anthropology p. 25).

Consequently, in a multi-cultural place like Newbold – especially when this is part of your first significant multicultural immersion, our understanding of another’s culture will become a learning experience which results in a much richer view of the world.  Like any learning experience, there will be some challenges, misunderstandings and even shocks.  In the safety of Newbold’s nurturing environment, staff are committed to supporting each and every student throughout this process.  Please do not hesitate to discuss with staff or administration any challenges or concerns you may have.  As we get to know, respect and value people personally, we will see beyond the differences and even adopt and adapt some of their culture into ours.  This takes us all on a journey of becoming somewhat counter-cultural in our culture of origin.

One aspect of Newbold’s celebration of its multiculturalism is Black History Week.  During this week, Newbold will host a range of immersive activities, including displays, presentations, worships and food.  This week is about challenging ourselves and having the difficult conversations to learn, to grow, to understand, to appreciate black culture, and to reflect on history and experiences.

Diversity will continue to be an integral part of the Newbold experience, not only in terms of where students come from, but also diversity within the institution – from academic resources and course content to social gatherings, interactions and more.  I encourage you all to engage with this important week, as it is only with engagement that we can know, respect and value someone else’s culture.

Dr Stephen Currow, Principal