The School Next Door - Diversity at UC’s doorstep

Ilam School students walking through their annual cultural parade. Source: Supplied.  

We’ve all seen those movies where the protagonist forms a bond with the quirky neighbour next door—cue heartwarming music and a montage of shared laughter and unexpected lessons. But while we're busy living our own versions of those lives, have we ever considered the school next door? You know, the one with the kids whose laughter fills the air as you walk to your 9am lecture? That’s Ilam Primary School, or as it’s been beautifully renamed, Te Kura o Waiutuutu. 

Every day, students from UC cross the pedestrian lines in front of Ilam primary, perhaps unaware that they’re walking past one of New Zealand's most culturally diverse schools. With the students hailing from around 60 different backgrounds. If you were fortunate enough, like I was, to witness their cultural parade earlier this year - you would have been moved by the sight. Without knowing much about the school, I found tears welling in my eyes as children grinned from ear to ear, proudly representing their cultures. It was a moment of pure joy and connection, a vivid reminder of the beauty of diversity. 

Ilam’s Principal, Belinda Kennedy, said the connection to culture is built from the ground up, starting from the day the children enter the school. 

“They can use what they know and share that right at the beginning of the year to say, ‘I know this about being safe, or I know this about being kind, or, in my culture, being respectful looks like this,” Kennedy said.

These fundamental learning blocks, that don’t actually happen at many primary schools create an environment where differences are welcomed rather than avoided, shaping the learning experience for students in profound ways.  

Ilam School invites families to share their stories, and this isn't just a one-time event—it's a continuous process that allows the school to weave together different cultural lenses.  

"Who are you, what's your story? Tell us who you are," Kennedy explained.  

"We invite families in, and that creates a space for different cultures to exist in one space using the same vision and values." 

From England to Aotearoa, Kennedy worked in multicultural schools and was eager to enter a similar environment. At Ilam, she’s found the school's diversity isn't just tolerated; it's celebrated. "When I'm having conversations with our parents, they're like, 'Our children fit in here, and they don't see themselves as different.' We actually celebrate differences, and that unifies us, because every single person is different, and that should be celebrated." 

Ilam School student celebrating her culture with her traditional clothing and dance. Source: Supplied.

This approach to education has led to some truly heart-warming moments, even when students as young as 11 are discussing serious topics with open minds and hearts. Kennedy recalls a recent experience where students from Ukraine and Russia, despite their countries’ tensions, were struggling with the how to deal with their emotions. 

“They both acknowledged it was hard for them, and they needed some support, obviously. But they both wanted to say, this is my country, I'm really proud of it, and we don't have problems. So it was really like, this is quite cool. Because kids are so smart - they're actually willing to ask the vulnerable questions, and then as educators, we can support that pathway with them.” 

For students whose first language isn't English, Ilam offers robust support, with a dedicated Language Support department providing English lessons four times a week. The school even has translators for Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, and Samoan speakers, who also assist with pastoral care. This support is crucial, especially for children who have recently arrived in New Zealand and are adjusting to a new culture. 

But at Ilam, these students aren't just seen as learners—they're recognised as leaders. Deputy Principal Kirsten Aaron, who leads the ESOL team, noted the school has been known for supporting English language learners for over a decade. This reputation, coupled with the school's proximity to the university, has only enhanced its diversity. 

Ilam's connection to the University of Canterbury is another layer in its rich fabric. From geology students leading lessons in the school’s gardens, to collaborative projects that help live out the cultural narrative of the area, the university's influence is deeply felt - even with the little things. 

"We love the fact that the uni students use our crossing and show really good modelling," Kennedy said.  

"Our kids really take notice—they do road patrol, and they say ‘oh those adults said hi to us’. They love it." 

This living narrative isn't just about external partnerships; it's about understanding the history and significance of the land the school is built on. The school has been gifted the name Te Kura o Waiutuutu, but they’re taking the time to ensure the community understands the story behind it before making it official. "So next year, we're hoping to do a bit of learning around that," Kennedy shared. 

Diversity isn't just a buzzword for Ilam School —it's the foundation of the school’s ethos. The school fosters an environment where different cultures, languages, and perspectives are not just acknowledged, but are integral to the learning process. Kennedy likened the school to a mini United Nations: "We solve things together, and we're really proud of that." 

So next time you walk past Ilam Primary, take a moment to appreciate the world within its gates. It’s more than just a school; it’s a testament to the richness that diversity brings to education and to life. And as Kennedy aptly put it, "it can be really hard to cater for lots of different types of learning, but that's generally the fabric of our community and how we've become multicultural as a nation. I think it's okay to be a bit worried, but be really curious and love your learners. They just teach us so much."