From the Head of College

Harmony Day  - 21 March 

On Thursday 21 March, our Senior School students acknowledged Harmony Day during their weekly CUP group sessions.  During this session they spent time learning about the different cultures and traditions of their peers while working together to create posters that represent their cohort. 

The next day, our Deputy Head Prefects, Clara and David along with two representatives from Year 7, Ella and Finbar spoke to the student body about Harmony Day, the importance of celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion. We would like to invite you to read their message below.  

Good Afternoon… 

Yesterday, we marked a significant day in our calendar. Harmony Day. For those of you who may be unfamiliar, Harmony Day is an annual event, celebrated every March 21st, dedicated to embracing cultural diversity, promoting inclusivity and fostering understanding and respect. 

 

Originating as an Australian initiative, it is now recognised and celebrated by people all around the world. 

 

On Harmony Day, we come together to celebrate the principles of tolerance, understanding, and acceptance. It's a day when we celebrate the countless contributions that individuals from diverse backgrounds make to our society – contributions that enrich our lives in countless ways, whether through art, music, cuisine, literature, or innovation.

 

Our diversity makes Australia a great place to live. Harmony Day is not just a celebration of our cultural diversity - it is also a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home. 

 

Coinciding with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Harmony Day also serves as a call to action. It reminds us of our collective responsibility to create a world where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background or beliefs. It challenges us to confront prejudice and discrimination wherever they may arise and to strive for a society where equality and justice prevail.

 

Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and harmonious community. Let us reach out to our fellow students, our teachers, colleagues, and friends from different cultural backgrounds, and take the time to learn from each other. Let us celebrate the things that unite us and find strength in our diversity.

Yesterday, Harmony Day allowed an opportunity to reflect on the values of respect, acceptance, and understanding, through projects in CUP GROUPS and BIG BROS.

I would now like to introduce to you, Ella and Finbar, who will share their experiences of yesterday. 

 

Yesterday in CUP GROUPS and BIG BROS, we had the opportunity to learn about the different cultures and traditions of our classmates, through together constructing these posters. Each person was given a blank shape, to fill with what they felt represents them and their background. As we were filling out the shapes together with the Year 11s and 12s, we shared many discussions of what we were all drawing and writing, leading to stories being shared about each other. 

Australia is unique as we have so many amazing cultures that make up our multicultural country. Our cultural diversity is our greatest strength and brings together traditions, religions, languages and food!

 

When I walked past the junior school yesterday I saw lots of orange representing this fabulous day.

 

It is a time to show respect, peace, appreciation and love to all!

One of the most valuable lessons I took away from yesterday's event is the power of empathy. As I listened to stories from my classmates of various cultural backgrounds, I gained a deeper understanding of their experiences and challenges. It reminded me that empathy is not merely about understanding someone else's perspective but also about feeling what they feel and walking in their shoes. We are very proud to celebrate Harmony week and all that it represents. 

 

Each of these posters represent the diversity of the Year 7 and 8 year groups. Let us carry forward the spirit of Harmony Day and continue to work towards a brighter and more inclusive future for all.