From 3 to 7 August, Kolbe Catholic College came alive with culture, creativity and connection as we celebrated Languages Week 2026, with this year’s theme, “Languages for Peace”.
At the heart of the week was a challenge to our PCs and College community: to fold 1,000 origami cranes, a Japanese symbol of peace and hope. We are delighted to say the challenge was met. Throughout the week, we watched with excitement as the colourful display in the WLC grew, crane by crane, into a wonderful symbol of our community working together.
Students took part in a wide range of cultural experiences. Japanese classes enjoyed special incursions, including a Japanese sword demonstration and traditional Japanese knot-making. Lower School Languages students embraced competitions and challenges, from recreating significant Italian and Japanese landmarks in Minecraft to designing their own school piazza and racing through a GooseChase filled with language and cultural challenges.
Senior students also joined in cultural activities, while the delicious observance of International Cannoli Day was particularly well received.
“We loved celebrating International Cannoli Day and proudly contributing to 1,000 origami cranes, combining cultural fun with a powerful message of peace”, said Year 11 Italian students Elise and Jasmine.
Year 10 Japanese students reflected that the knot-making activity was both fun and relaxing, with many feeling a great sense of accomplishment after completing their awaji-musubi. They also gained insight into what life in Japan might be like through a session with a guest speaker, a former student, learning some of the movements involved in iaido (swordsmanship) as well as the cultural background behind the art.
A warm thank you to the entire Kolbe Catholic College community, on behalf of the Languages Team, for the generosity and enthusiasm with which Languages Week was embraced. It was a wonderful celebration of language, culture, peace and the multicultural spirit of our College.
