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A multicultural snapshot of Scotch

Cultural diversity is part of Scotch’s fabric.

Words: NICHOLAS JOHNS-WICKBERG, WILLIAM VIGORS AND RAY WANG (SCHOOL PREFECTS IN CHARGE OF EXCHANGE STUDENTS AND MULTICULTURALISM) Photography: Tim Shearer

multicultural snapshot

Back row: Jeremy Palazzo, Anthony Palazzo, Kerelos Rizkella Front row: Davis Yu, Tom Wilson, Tim Udorovic, James Cuthbertson, Hugo Mylecharane, Ray Wang

In an age of accelerating change, there is an increasing need to promote and raise awareness about the cultural diversity within Scotch College.

It’s easy to overlook the importance of racial tolerance and multiculturalism in a functioning society. Although Australia is widely regarded as one of the most diverse nations in the world, it is important that the Scotch community learns not only to reject all forms of racism, but also to appreciate the vast diversity and heritage of its members.

There is no such thing as an ordinary Scotch student, as we are all different and bring a range of talents to this school. However, Scotch life would be less interesting and less satisfying without the contribution of students, parents and staff from all walks of life.

The Palazzo family – names: Jeremy, 16; Anthony, 17; Jack, 15 (absent from photo)
Background: Italian

The boys’ grandparents, Tony and Alba Palazzo, emigrated to Australia from southern Italy in 1966. They had three children and are grandparents to eight boys and one girl. Although three of the grandchildren live in France, the rest of the family (in keeping with Italian tradition) frequently get together for a beautiful meal cooked by ‘Nonna’.

Name: Davis Yu
Age: 17
Background: Chinese

Born in Australia, Davis has attended Scotch since Prep. His parents came from Hong Kong, and he also has a sister. A passionate skier, not only is he the current interschool snow sports champion, but he is also Scotch’s 2007 snow sports captain. He also maintains that he is one-eighth Spanish.

Name: Ray Wang
Age: 18
Background: Chinese

Ray’s parents, both electrical engineers, emigrated from China over 20 years ago, coming to Australia to study. Ray arrived at Scotch in Year 7. He has learned the violin for 10 years and plays in the School’s Symphony Orchestra.

Name: James MacAndrew Cuthbertson
Age: 17
Background: Scottish and Indonesian

James, being very proud of his diverse heritage, enjoys Indonesian cuisine as well as playing the bagpipes. An avid fan of both rugby and swimming, he hopes one day to represent Australia as an Olympic swimmer, or alternatively, become a barrister.

Name: Kerelos Mina Rizkalla
Age: 16
Background: Egyptian

Kere’s parents immigrated to Australia from Cairo 20 years ago, and he came to Scotch in 2006. He enjoys playing the piano and hopes to become a veterinarian like his father. Kere has two younger brothers and believes his family is very loud: ‘We only communicate by shouting to one another – I think it’s an Egyptian thing.’

Name: Hugo Mylecharane
Age: 18
Background: Gaelic – Isle of Man

Hugo, with his brother Guy My, lives in Glen Iris. His father originated from the Isle of Man, while his mother is of English descent. Generations ago, the Mylecharanes spoke Gaelic. Now, generations later, Hugo speaks English like most of us. The Mylecharane family also has a poem associated with their name, written in Gaelic.

Name: Timothy Udorovic
Age: 18
Background: Greek, Croatian

Tim’s maternal grandparents come from a small Greek island called Leukada, and migrated to Australia in 1956. Having visited Leukada numerous times, Tim feels that he has developed strong bonds with his relatives in Greece. His father’s side of the family originated from a small city in Croatia called Zadar. After finishing VCE, Tim hopes to visit Zadar for the first time. He believes that Greek cultural values of passion and integrity have had a positive impact on his character.

Name: Tom Wilson
Age: 17
Background: Australian

Tom’s family has been living in Australia for as long as he knows, having migrated many generations ago. In Year 11 this year, Tom has a passion for percussion. He enjoys playing percussion in the School’s bands in the many concerts that the School has to offer. GS

Updated: Monday 24 June 2013