Language News

Harmony Week: Celebrating Diversity

We are pleased to share with you the outcomes of Harmony Week, which unfolded during Week 9 with the collaborative efforts of the International Department and Mikaela Mcgreevy, our Year 12 Head of Year. Harmony Week served as a celebration of the diverse cultures and backgrounds that enrich our school community.

Reflecting on the Highlights

Throughout the week, a variety of engaging activities and events brought together students and staff in celebration of diversity. 

Some of the notable highlights include:

• Whole School Assembly: Our Whole School Assembly provided a platform to showcase the essence of Harmony Week. It featured insightful presentations on the significance of the event and captivating interview videos showcasing the cultural stories of our staff and students.
• In-Class Activities: Teachers incorporated Harmony Week activities into their lessons, offering students the opportunity to engage in cultural dances, dress, recipes, and trivia quizzes.
• 1st Break Activities: Students enjoyed cultural or culturally themed foods at the tuckshop while admiring informative posters and bunting flags adorning the walls. The accompanying music added to the festive ambiance.
• Trivia Quiz: Daily trivia quizzes challenged our knowledge of various cultures' histories and traditions, rewarding participants with house points.

Expressions of Gratitude

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of Harmony Week, including:

• To our Year 12 connect teachers and students, thank you for your dedication and creativity in crafting engaging resources that enriched our celebrations.
• A special thank you to Mikaela for her outstanding leadership and commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity within our school community.
• A heartfelt thank you to Teresa Bua, our tuckshop convenor, who worked tirelessly to cook amazing cultural foods every day, adding an extra layer of authenticity and flavor to our Harmony Week celebrations.
• We are immensely grateful to Katie for her invaluable efforts in organizing the interviews, and to all the staff and students who generously shared their cultural stories.
• Lastly, we express our sincere appreciation to Tom, a former student, for his exceptional work in filming and editing the interview videos, which captivated us all.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the success of Harmony Week, let us continue to uphold the spirit of unity and understanding it represents. We encourage you to share any feedback or suggestions for future events with our international program staff as we aim to continue our journey of cultural celebration and appreciation together.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making Harmony Week a success. Here's to many more inclusive celebrations in the future!