Last Day of Term 1: 28/3/24 

The message of Harmony Week is everyone belongs. It is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values. Harmony Week is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, and the successful integration of migrants into our community. These celebrations create opportunities for all of us to think, talk about and recognise how our differences make Australia a great place to live.

Harmony day video:  https://youtu.be/D2YtEIKlVFM?t=5 

Dear Parents and friends,

Students in Saltwater P- 9 College will be celebrating everyone’s uniqueness, cultural diversity and ‘Who We Are’ as part of our PYP IBO program. Your child is invited to participate in our celebrations and join the following activities on Thursday 28th of March:

• Cultural dress up: come to school in a multicultural outfit or wear orange the colour of communication to show our support of Harmony Day. 
• Cultural lunch: bring a plate of food from your culture to show, tell and eat (no nuts or egg and please label the ingredients)
• Class and local newspaper Photo: Students will be invited to participate in a class photo that will go on our Newsletter and social media for Harmony Day.
• Games:  SRC, JSC and house captains will run various games during recess and lunch.
• Henna activity: the first 200 students to return their permission form in years 3– 9 can have henna art on their hands. A cultural artform used in eastern cultures for celebrations which stains the hands for up to 14 days (parent permission form to follow)
• Rangoli drawings: students in P-2 can join in recess and lunchtime rangoli chalk drawing activities outside the art rooms.
• Class activities Whole school Harmony Day literacy and numeracy activities.

* We are looking for parent & family volunteers to help with henna and other activities on the day of the event. If you are available and would like to contribute to our whole school event, it would be greatly appreciated. No experience necessary, just a working with children check. You are also welcome to run your own cultural activity for the school community to experience. Please contact Ms. Nishani via the front office or email: nishani.sooknandan@education.vic.gov.au and she will get in touch with you.  Thank you for supporting our school and community.