Schools
4 April, 2024
Schools have fun in orange
There was plenty of colour and an array of activities as schools across the Moreton and Somerset region took part in Harmony Week from March 18 to 24.
Students at some schools dressed in orange – the colour synonymous with Harmony Day and Harmony Week – while others were more culturally diverse for the event aimed at promoting unity and inclusivity among all cultures.
At St Eugene College, the students talked about other cultures and how many different cultures make up this particular school, while also discussing how the differences enhance the school as a community.
The students celebrated and shared their culture with dances, singing and sharing flags of various nations.
Students spent time colouring in different flags, playing Celtic soccer, and placing handprints with messages on a banner.
St Eugene College also enjoyed a traditional Samoan Siva Dance, performed by students. St Columban’s College featured a workshop on the Samoan slap dance called The Sasa, led by the school’s talented Samoan students.
A Hindu ritual involving mandalas was also a part of proceedings, as was gelato and bocce as part of Italian culture.
Caboolture State High School had vibrant cultural performances and a range of games, as the students and staff embraced the richness of their collective heritage and backgrounds.
Music and dance came from various cultures, while games included hopscotch, Luta de Gallo, Finska and quoits.
Students at Morayfield State School wore a range of cultural clothing, while the prep E class at Morayfield East State School sang a Harmony Day song.
Morayfield State High School held a sausage sizzle, which was also a chaplaincy fundraiser, containing a gold coin donation.
Tullawong State High School had a daily task on its social media page, asking viewers to ‘guess the country’.
Hints included continent/location on a map, population, capital city, languages spoken, a traditional food item, cultural holidays celebrated, which sport the country is known for, and a diagram of the flag.
At Woodford P-10 State School, the 5A and 5B classes came together to produce colourful artwork featuring hearts, circles, and a map of Australia.
Delaneys Creek State School had lunchtime activities, as there was plenty of colourful attire as well as ice blocks.
Students at Mount Kilcoy State School created multicultural figures which were placed into the ground, while students at Kilcoy State School brought afternoon tea from another nation.
At Kilcoy State High School, students enjoyed a game of ‘Thong Toss’, and tested their skills at ‘So you think you can tie’.
There was also a rainbow disco in the drama shed, beading in the library, and a relaxing feel-good movie to end the celebrations.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Charis Mullen said Harmony Day was about respect, inclusiveness and creating a sense of belonging for everyone.
“These celebrations help build understanding and acceptance,” she said.
