College celebrates its Lasallian spirit during Diversity Week

From February 2 to 6, Stella Maris College, Gżira, celebrated Diversity Week, a week-long initiative deeply rooted in the Lasallian values of respect, inclusion, faith, service and community.

Inspired by the legacy of St Jean-Baptiste de La Salle, whose life’s mission centred on the dignity and education of every child, the school community came together to reflect on the beauty of diversity and the importance of embracing one another as equals.

The celebrations began with Grade 1 and 2 pupils exploring diversity in cultures and nationalities. Relatives from different backgrounds were warmly welcomed at St Benild School to share information about their native countries, including traditions, landmarks and customs.

A discussion was held in senior school on cultural diversity, and reflections were held on the theme ‘One World; Different Faiths’.

This early exposure to cultural appreciation reflected de La Salle’s belief that education should open hearts and minds, nurturing respect and understanding from a young age.

The week continued with other themed activities and concluded with a whole-school assembly focusing on the powerful message that being different is something to be celebrated.

Grade 3 students explored diversity in sports and physical ability through inspiring encounters with guest speakers.

Maia Ružičič, a frame football player, spoke about her personal journey and delivered a powerful message about inclusion, teamwork and believing in oneself. She was joined by Lasallian student Harry Bason, who reminded everyone of the importance of perseverance, resilience, and always striving to do one’s best. Their stories embodied the Lasallian value of perseverance in faith and action.

Frame football player Maia Ružičič delivered a powerful message about inclusion, teamwork, and believing in oneself.

Harry Bason

Students listened attentively, learned with open hearts and felt empowered to embrace diversity. This learning was further strengthened through interactive games that simulated activities with impairments, allowing students to develop empathy and understanding through experience.

Communication diversity was the focus for Grade 4 students. The school community welcomed Grade 2 pupil Gabriel Papagiorcopulo, along with his mother and learning support educator Krystle Attard.

They explained how Gabriel communicates using his augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, offering the pupils a meaningful insight into alternative ways of expression.

LSE Krystle Attard explaining how Grade 2 pupil Gabriel Papagiorcopulo, seen here with his mother, communicates using an AAC device.

Visually impaired Melania Imbroll shows how to read using Braille and spoke of her aspiration to become a swimming Paralympian.

Students also learned about sign language through Melissa Aquilina, supported by sign language interpreter Veronique Scicluna. To conclude, the pupils learned to sign the sentence, “We all communicate in different ways”, reinforcing the Lasallian principle of recognising the dignity and voice of every individual.

The session was further enriched by Melania Imbroll, who is visually impaired, and her mother Marilena, who shared how Braille enables Melania to live independently. Melania inspired the pupils through her love for music and her aspiration to become a swimming Paralympian, reminding everyone that limitations do not define potential.

Grade 5 students were equally inspired by three guest speakers whose testimonies highlighted the importance of inclusion and understanding.

Nicholas Borg, a young adult with autism spectrum disorder, spoke honestly about his challenges and strengths, emphasising the importance of acceptance and support. Oliver Scicluna shared his journey of overcoming physical mobility challenges and advocating for accessibility, while Robert Farrugia reflected on his experience as a student with dyslexia and his perseverance in building a successful family business.

Nicholas Borg

Oliver Scicluna

Their stories powerfully reinforced de La Salle’s belief that every individual has God-given talents that must be nurtured.

Grade 6 students reflected on the theme ‘Surrounded by love’, exploring how families may differ in structure but are still united by love, care and shared values. Guest speakers Julian and Joanne Sant Fournier spoke about the values that shape their family life. Social worker Marilyn Agius shared her experiences of providing care and compassion to children in residential homes. And Sacha and Yanika Camilleri, together with their daughter Tamara, illustrated how mutual respect and love form the foundation of their family.

Sacha and Yanika Camilleri and their daughter Tamara illustrated how different family structures can still provide the foundation of mutual respect and love.

Julian and Joanne Sant Fournier

These shared experiences embodied de La Salle’s enduring message of dignity, respect and love, regardless of their circumstances or background.

A poster created for a year 1 and 2 activity.

In the senior school, Diversity Week was celebrated through a talent show, thoughtful discussions on cultural diversity, and reflections on the theme ‘One World; Different Faiths’, promoting unity in diversity.

The week concluded with a colourful bake sale, symbolising that just as cakes may look different on the outside yet taste equally wonderful, all people are equally valued.

Through Diversity Week, Stella Maris College truly lived the Lasallian mission, continuing de La Salle’s legacy of educating hearts as well as minds, and forming a community where everyone is welcomed, respected and valued.

Golda Pace is a learning support co-ordinator at Stella Maris College, Gżira.