Harmony Week 2025

With GSSC mirroring our city’s immense cultural diversity, our annual Harmony Day Concert is among the most anticipated events on the school calendar - packed with colour, music, song and dance.

With the day’s theme of “Harmony – we all have a role to play”, this year was no different. Today's concert was a culmination of a week of activities and a fantastic way to end Term 1.  

Following an awesome opening from First Nations’ students – with a didgeridoo taking full advantage of GSSC’s new sound system – students from different cultures took the stage before the entire student body. 

Year 10 Multicultural Leader Mimi Batamuliza said the day allows students to “see and experience everyone’s culture”.

Year 10 student Masoka Fataki of Burundi background, was sporting in conceding that the Pasifika students may have had the edge on sheer energy over the African student performances.

“It’s always close between our cultures,” she said. 

The concert came with extensive preparation as students have devoted break times and after-school gatherings during Term 1 to choreograph performances, organise costumes ensure their culture is proudly – and loudly! – displayed.

“The students have great support from their teachers and our Koorie Education workforce and Multicultural Liaison Officers – it’s a real team effort,” Executive Principal Barbara O’Brien said.

“Our students are the real stars of the show, with the college’s multicultural leaders acting as the hosts.”

The concert was preceded by a week of activities to entertain and enlighten students and staff alike to the cultural mix in our community.

One of the most popular was the Food Safari, with Food Technology students preparing dishes from around the world. While the safari produced tasty canapes, it also doubled as course work for student assessments.

Other activities included “Guess the Flag”, “Music Bingo”, sporting competition and Henna – the art of creating traditional, temporary tattoos of intricate design. Morning Home Group featured learning sessions for all students to appreciate and celebrate Australia’s multicultural make-up.

Harmony Day was first celebrated in Australia in 1999 and coincides with the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.