Cultivating Inclusion
At Lyndhurst Primary School, equity is upheld and diverse needs are respected in policy and practice.
This month, take a journey around the world with our cultural calendar of exciting and significant events.
July 2026
1 - COMING OF THE LIGHT FESTIVAL
The Coming of the Light is celebrated by Torres Strait Islanders and commemorates the arrival of the London Missionary Society on Erub Island in the Torres Strait in 1871. It led to the adoption of Christianity through island communities during the late 19th century.
This date is an opportunity to acknowledge the history and culture of the Torres Strait Islander people, and a day of remembrance and reflection on the adoption of Christianity across the islands.
5-12 - NAIDOC WEEK
National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week is held annually in early July. It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. It is an opportunity to recognise Indigenous Australians’ contributions to our country and society.
This year’s National NAIDOC Week marks 50 years of the week-long celebrations, and the theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates achievements of the past and the bright future ahead.
7 (Official Date is 19th August) - TANABATA
The Tanabata - たなばた or 七夕 meaning "Evening of the seventh", is also known as the Star Festival (星祭 Hoshimatsuri). The Tanabata Festival is widely celebrated all over Japan, and people partake in some unique traditions to celebrate the day. A popular custom celebrated during the Tanabata celebration is to write wishes on small, colourful strips of paper (tanzaku) and tie them with ribbon onto the branches of specially erected bamboo trees. People then make a wish and hope it comes true. Traditional decorations also include talismans with colourful streamers.
The traditional date for Tanabata is the 19th August, However, many regions and modern city centers across Japan celebrate the festival earlier, peaking around July 7th.
10 - MATARIKI (Maori New Year)
Matariki is the Māori name for the Pleiades star cluster, a group of stars visible in the night sky that marks the beginning of the Māori New Year. It's a significant cultural event for Māori people. Matariki is a time for reflection on the past year, celebration of the present, and planning for the future. It's a time for gathering with whānau (family) and friends, and for remembering those who have passed away. While Matariki is a national event, different iwi (tribes) across New Zealand may have their own unique traditions and ways of celebrating.
18 - NELSON MANDELLA DAY
Mandela Day is an annual international day celebrated on July 18th, the birthday of Nelson Mandela. It was established by the United Nations in 2009 to honor Mandela's legacy and his dedication to public service, social justice, and conflict resolution. The day encourages individuals to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to community service, symbolizing the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for human rights.
30 - INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY
World Friendship Day / International Day of Friendship 2025 is an annual event dedicated to celebrating the bonds of friendship and promoting messages of harmony and goodwill. Established by the United Nations, this day encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to foster friendships and bridge cultural divides. It is a time to appreciate old friends, make new ones, and reflect on the positive impact friendships have on our lives and societies.