Badano Corner
Harmony Week Celebrations Across the College
The end of Term 1 provided a meaningful opportunity for our students to engage in a range of activities celebrating Harmony Week, a time dedicated to recognising, respecting, and valuing the rich diversity that shapes our community.
Our Year 7 students embraced this spirit through a simple yet joyful experience by flying kites. For many, this was their first time, and the activity offered a powerful metaphor for connection, freedom, and shared experience. It was particularly special to see students eager to take their kites home and continue this moment with their families.
In Year 8, students participated in a reflective activity titled Postcards of Identity. They were invited to imagine writing to someone overseas who had never visited Australia, sharing aspects of their life, culture, and identity. This activity encouraged students to consider what shapes who they are and how they present themselves to others, fostering both self-awareness and appreciation of diversity.
Our Year 9 students explored the depth and richness of Indigenous Australian culture through art. They learned that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples represent the world’s oldest continuing cultures, with histories extending over 65,000 years and encompassing more than 250 distinct language groups. Students examined how art varies across regions and came to understand that Indigenous art is not one single style, but a reflection of diverse nations, stories, and identities.
A highlight of the week was the experience provided to our Year 10 students, who were privileged to welcome two special guests. West African musicians and cultural ambassadors, Bouba from Senegal and Amadou from The Gambia. Through their performance, students were immersed in the powerful role music plays in West African culture, not just as entertainment, but as a vital form of storytelling, communication, and community connection.
Students were introduced to traditional instruments such as the djembe, dun dun, and the kora, each carrying centuries of cultural significance. Bouba and Amadou shared personal insights into their upbringing, explaining how music is passed down through generations and embedded within daily life in their communities.
This experience extended beyond performance. It invited students to reflect on key ideas explored within the Badano program:
- How music reflects culture, identity, and community
- The diverse experiences of young people around the world
The importance of empathy, curiosity, and connection in understanding others.
Harmony Week across the College was a powerful reminder that while our backgrounds may differ, our shared humanity connects us all. Through these experiences, our students continue to grow as respectful, informed, and compassionate members of a diverse global community.
Ms M Theodosis
Wellbeing Coordinator
Mr B Schubert and Ms N Ilsley
Badano Leaders