With one of Australia’s most diverse student communities, Auburn North Public School Deputy Principal Catherine Clift says every day at school is harmony day where they celebrate their own and others’ cultures.
“However, on one particular day each year we celebrate the unique nature of Australian multiculturalism,” she said.
“Harmony Day is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for all Australians. The theme of Harmony Day is ‘Everyone Belongs’.
“Our Auburn North Public School theme is that we are the school that provides ‘The Best of All Worlds for 21st Century Learners’.
Ms Clift said the ‘Best of All Worlds’ part of their theme means that the school community’s students, parents and staff come from all around the world learning one of life’s most important lessons.
“That lesson is that regardless of a person’s cultural background, language, or religion, we are all essentially the same and we all want to live a peaceful and harmonious life,” she said.
Al-Faisal College Co-Executive Principal Safia Khan Hassanein said students would wear an orange t-shirt and make a gold coin donation to celebrate Harmony Day.
Funds collected will then be delivered to drought-stricken communities, giving students an active role in helping those less fortunate.
“We say to our kids, imagine if you were standing in the shoes of those students who are still seeking refuge with their family as well as maybe 30 other families in a hall or evacuation centre and needing fresh water and food donations just to survive,” she said.
“We are so lucky here but it’s so important to have compassion and empathy for others; our students are young but still have the power to make such a positive impact on the wider community.”
State MP for Granville, Julia Finn said: “21st March, Harmony Day is a yearly reminder we should all contribute to making a community where everyone feels equal, treat others with fairness and respect all despite how different we look or dress.
“To live with peace and in unity, learn more about other people’s cultures and customs makes our local area stronger,” she said.
A time to celebrate ‘cultures of others’
AIMING to foster inclusiveness and respect, Harmony Day is observed each year on March 21 and celebrates our community’s diversity and the idea that people of all different cultures can make a valuable contribution resulting in a stronger society.