Harmony Week at SKiPPS 

We are now halfway through Harmony Week at SKiPPS, and it has already been a fantastic celebration of the many cultures that connect and enrich our community. Throughout the week, students have been taking part in a wide range of hands-on experiences that explore culture through food, art, music and storytelling.

One of the highlights so far has been our Year 4 students participating in African drumming workshops with Appiah. Students loved the opportunity to learn the rhythms and techniques of traditional African drumming and to experience the joy of creating music together. It was impressive just how much energy and enthusiasm the students brought to the session, with everyone playing their part.

Year 4 students also enjoyed a visit to Space2B, where Kemi guided them on a 30-minute tour and talk through the vibrant art lane. Students learned about the artworks and the stories behind them before enjoying a delicious African puff puff donut in the Space2B laneway café prior to returning to school. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to experience art and culture beyond the school gates.

Our Year 1 students had a delicious cultural learning experience through Challah braiding and baking, led by Immy and Dovvy, Shylah’s parents. Students learned about the significance of Challah bread in Jewish culture before having the chance to braid the dough themselves and taste the finished product together.

Meanwhile, our Year 3 students took part in an Iranian cooking session led by Helen, an Iranian chef and restaurant owner. Helen shared stories about Iranian food and culture while preparing traditional dishes including lentil and carrot pilaf and samosas. Students thoroughly enjoyed the chance to learn about these flavours and traditions.

Our Year 5 and Year 6 students have been exploring Japanese cultural arts through a Japanese calligraphy workshop with Junko. Students learned the brush techniques of Kaisho (block) calligraphy style, the importance of stroke order, and how to create beautifully balanced Japanese characters. Along the way they also explored the history of Japanese calligraphy and the meaning behind several Kanji characters. The photos accompanying this article show the care and concentration students brought to this intricate and calming art form.

There are still several exciting experiences to come as we finish the week, including our special Harmony Week assembly on Friday morning, where students will share some of what they have learned and experienced throughout the week.

A big thank you goes to the many members of our school and local community who have generously shared their time, talents and cultural knowledge with our students. 

Thanks especially to Mel Borella and Kara Barbuto for masterminding and timetabling this amazing series of events and rich learning experiences.

Harmony Week continues to be a wonderful reminder that culture connects us all.