Embracing Diversity: Our Journey through Harmony Week

Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.​ Throughout this special week, our students engaged in a variety of activities aimed at fostering understanding, empathy, and appreciation for the diverse cultures that enrich our lives.

Early Learning Centre
Our youngest learners in our Early Learning Centre were engaged in an activity of finger painting or colouring in shapes of people that were cut out and stuck together to hold hands, representing a sense of belonging.

Junior Primary
In our Reception to Year 2 classes, students immersed themselves in stories and discussions centred around the themes of diversity and inclusion. Our Year 1 students proudly displayed their heritage by creating handprints representing the various countries and regions that their families hail from. Year 2 students embarked on a journey of cultural discovery as they teamed up with their buddies to create chatterboxes. Through this collaborative activity, they learned more about each other’s backgrounds and gained a deeper understanding of the diverse tapestry of our community.

Primary
For our older students, Year 3 to Year 6, Harmony Week took on a deeper significance with a session led by Mrs Kerry Ramsay, Head of Primary. Mrs Ramsay guided students through thought-provoking discussions on the theme of diversity, encouraging them to explore what it truly means for everyone to feel a sense of belonging. Together, they examined the complexities of race and racism, engaging in heartfelt discussions and reflecting on personal experiences.

As part of our collective commitment to promoting kindness and inclusion, Mrs Ramsay introduced the THINK acronym, encouraging students to consider the impact of their words and actions. Through poignant examples and real-life stories, students learned about the power of kindness and the importance of standing up against discrimination in all its forms.

Whole School
Over the course of the week all students participated in a collaborative art project. From our youngest learners in the ELC through to our eldest in Year 6, each student contributed their unique fingerprint to spell out the words “Harmony Day”.

We collected over 700 little fingerprints to make our Harmony Day artwork. How amazing that every student from 2 years old to 12 years old has left their mark on this. With each unique fingerprint on a letter, symbolising the celebration of difference.

As Harmony Week drew to a close, we reflected on the invaluable lessons learned and the connections forged. Through meaningful conversations, creative expressions, and acts of kindness, we reaffirm our commitment to building a community where everyone belongs. Together, we celebrate our differences and embrace the beauty of diversity in all its forms.

“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities” – Stephen R Covey