By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
SCHOOLS across Casey made sure to celebrate Harmony Day last week.
While the official Harmony Day was Saturday 21 March, students used most of last week to engage in a range of activities and dress up in different costumes in acknowledgement of Australia’s cultural diversity.
Students from Fleetwood Primary, in Narre Warren, participated in rotational activities last Thursday designed to develop an understanding of cultural differences, followed by a special parade.
The Endeavour Hills community also showed its understanding of the importance of harmony. Last Friday, students from Thomas Mitchell proved this when they celebrated national Harmony Day.
“The purpose of Harmony Day is to strengthen our sense of belonging, respect and understanding of cultural diversity,” Thomas Mitchell teacher Iris Wong said.
“At Thomas Mitchell Primary School, we pride ourselves as a highly multi-cultural community and we aim to provide an internationalised perspective within our curriculum.
“Our families represent 74 countries and we speak 86 different languages at home. Our staff represent 28 countries.”
Thomas Mitchell also offers both Indonesian and Mandarin as additional language classes.
“Harmony Day at our school is a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home – from the traditional owners of this land to those who have come from many countries around the world,” Ms Wong said.
“By participating in cultural diversity activities, we can learn and understand how all Australians from diverse backgrounds belong to this nation and enrich it.”
Earlier this month, students from Berwick’s Timbarra P-9 College held an Indonesian Cultural Day and an Indonesian night market, where the school community was invited to get involved.
The day included hours of Indonesian activities, including cultural dances, traditional puppet shows and rides.
Students also performed an Indonesian song, and enjoyed an assortment of the country’s cuisines.
