Harmony Week at Tarneit Senior College

From 17th March to 21st March, Tarneit Senior College came alive with energy, excitement, and a strong sense of community as students and staff participated in Harmony Week—a vibrant celebration of culture, inclusion, and school spirit, with several events proudly organised by the Interact Club, alongside the House Engagement and Wellbeing Teams.

Each day brought a unique set of activities, encouraging students to embrace diversity, engage in meaningful traditions, and strengthen the bonds that make our school community special. From cultural showcases to fundraising initiatives, the week was filled with memorable moments, leaving a lasting impact on all.

Monday: A Colorful Start with Cultural Dress and Performances

The week began with Cultural Dress Day, a stunning display of heritage and pride as students and staff arrived in traditional clothing representing their diverse backgrounds.

The courtyard became a vibrant hub for cultural performances during both breaks, with students showcasing their talents through traditional dances, spoken word, and musical performances. Each act was met with enthusiastic applause, reflecting the audience's appreciation and respect for the diverse cultures represented. The lively atmosphere highlighted the spirit of unity and cultural pride, making the performances a truly memorable part of Harmony Week.

Tuesday: Athletics Day at Newport – Competition, Creativity, and Camaraderie

On Tuesday, the entire school traveled to Newport for the much-anticipated Athletics Day, which offered more than just the usual sports competitions. Teachers and students eagerly participated in a variety of activities, running the racetrack, competing in events, and wearing an array of creative costumes. The day was filled with friendly competition, spirited camaraderie, and a strong sense of school pride.

Another highlight of the day was the Interact Club’s face painting and henna stall, which was a tremendous success. Students lined up throughout the day to get their faces painted or decorated with beautiful henna designs. Not only did this add to the festive atmosphere, but it also contributed to a significant fundraising effort. Through these activities, $116 was raised for the United Nations Refugee Agency, making the day even more impactful.

The Sausage Sizzle provided a tasty break for everyone, and the Photoshoot Station captured many of the day’s fun and memorable moments. Whether competing, supporting friends, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, everyone participated in making the day a celebration of school spirit and community.

Wednesday: Spreading Positivity Through Art and Expression

By midweek, Harmony Week took a creative and reflective turn as students decorated the courtyard with chalk art. The space transformed into a vibrant canvas filled with inspirational quotes, artistic sketches, and heartfelt messages promoting unity, kindness, and school pride.

As students and teachers walked through the courtyard, they paused to admire the artwork. This simple yet meaningful activity served as a reminder that both words and creativity have the power to uplift and inspire, leaving a lasting impact on all who experienced it.

Thursday: Traditional Games and Messages of Community

Thursday was a day filled with fun, tradition, and connection as students came together to engage in traditional games from various cultures. In both breaks, the courtyard was alive with laughter and friendly competition as students participated in games like the "sac toss" into the wooden hole and classic Connect Four. These games brought a sense of nostalgia and joy, reinforcing the idea that simple traditions can unite people, no matter their background.

Inside the B-building, the spirit of Harmony Week was carried forward with a poster promoting diversity and community. Handprint displays were set up as a lasting symbol of the Year 12 students’ contribution to the week. These handprints, along with the signage, served as a meaningful reminder of what Harmony Week stood for—embracing differences, supporting one another, and celebrating individuality—leaving behind a legacy of unity and inclusion for future students.

Friday: A Grand Finale with Music, Culture, and Celebration

The week concluded with a lively and unforgettable finale on Friday, where students displayed their cultural talents in the stadium during both breaks. The performances, ranging from music and dance to various creative acts, truly reflected the diversity and spirit of our school community. DJ Dougy, instrumental in organizing the event, infused the atmosphere with energy, enhancing the excitement of the day. The remarkable success of these cultural performances has led to DJ Dougy hosting them every Friday during breaks in the stadium, thereby establishing a new tradition for our school. In celebration of Harmony Day, teachers dressed up in orange clothes , and the Interact Club distributed orange wristbands as part of a fundraising effort. This wristband initiative successfully raised another $60 for the United Nations Refugee Agency, highlighting the generosity and unity present within our school.

A Week to Remember – and a Community Stronger Than Ever

Harmony Week at Tarneit Senior College was not just an event—it was an experience that strengthened bonds, created lasting memories, and reminded us of the power of coming together as one.

Through cultural appreciation, friendly competition, artistic expression, and music, students and staff demonstrated what it truly means to be part of a vibrant, inclusive, and connected school community. The week was also a remarkable success for fundraising, with $116 raised through the face painting and henna stations on Athletics Day and $60 through Harmony Day wristbands—a total of $170 donated to the United Nations Refugee Agency! This generous contribution reflects the compassion and dedication of our school community in making a difference beyond our campus.

The success of fundraising efforts, cultural performances, and new traditions like DJ Dougy Fridays proves that when we unite, we create something truly special. As we reflect on the incredible moments of Harmony Week, one thing is clear—our school is stronger, more connected, and more vibrant than ever.

-Yati Tyagi and Adeena Qazi

Interact Journalists

Melbourne Storm Waka Program