On Monday, we recognised Harmony Day, which celebrates inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background.
March 2019 is the 20th Anniversary of Harmony Day and to mark the occasion the organisers promoted Harmony Week from 17-23 March, which coincided with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March.
However, with Year 7 students away on Exodus last week, it was decided St Michael’s would celebrate Harmony Day this week, to enable all students to be involved.
“In the wake of recent global events, and with inclusion and diversity as core to our School’s educational philosophy, it seemed fitting to dedicate a day to the celebration of multiculturalism, and the integration of migrants into our community,” said Head of the School, Mrs Terrie Jones.
Year 12 Prefects, Sara, Katie and Bas with Mr Murray Phyland.
The Year 12 Prefects led the School in the celebration of Harmony Day.
“Mrs Jones spoke to us about Harmony Day and we thought it was a great idea,” said Co-Captain of the School (7–12), Bas. “Harmony Day encapsulates all of the School’s core values, Dignity, Respect, Care and Compassion.”
The Prefects arrived early on Monday morning to create a Harmony Wall in Dolly’s Café.
The School community are encouraged to visit the wall, take an orange post-it note and write down their answer to the question, ‘what is harmony to you?’, and then stick it to the wall.
Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Day as traditionally orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.
“We’ve asked the School community to wear a touch of orange this week and the Year 12 Prefects are handing out orange ribbons,” said Bas. “We’ve also decorated the School with orange ribbons and even put an orange flag on the flagpole outside the Gipson Commons.”
Students also added an orange flag to the flagpole outside the Gipson Commons.
Thank you to the Year 12 Prefects for organising this event to embrace inclusiveness, show respect and foster a sense of belonging for all.
