The Joy of Celebrating Together: Why Festivals Matter at CHHS

Festivals are more than just days of colour, music, and sweets. They are moments that remind us who we are, where we come from, and what connects us to one another. At Cumballa Hill High School (CHHS), we believe that these celebrations are not just cultural events, but valuable learning experiences that shape our students’ sense of empathy, identity, and community.

In a world that grows more interconnected each day, understanding and appreciating diversity is essential. When students celebrate Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Holi, or Ganesh Chaturthi or even Halloween together, they learn to respect the traditions and beliefs of their peers. Diversity becomes more than just something they read about and becomes something that they live and experience. 

At CHHS, our festival celebrations encourage students to share their own customs and learn about others’, fostering curiosity and inclusion in a natural, joyful way.

Festivals at CHHS are community celebrations. Teachers, students, and staff come together to decorate classrooms, sing songs, perform skits, and share traditional foods. These collective efforts create a sense of belonging that extends beyond academics.

Children experience firsthand the joy of collaboration, the value of teamwork, and the warmth of shared celebrations.

In fact when our students actually take part in the celebrations, they’re learning without even realising it. Lighting diyas makes them think about being mindful and caring for the world. Sharing sweets shows kindness. Dancing to folk songs brings out creativity and joy. 

In the end, festivals remind us that school isn’t just about studying and exams. It’s about growing together, learning to understand each other, and finding joy in simple moments. At CHHS, every celebration brings the whole school a little closer. Our students walk away not just with memories, but with a better sense of who they are and how good it feels to share that with others.