What a wonderful term it has been! Hope that the Year of the Dragon for the Lunar New Year has been positive and prosperous so far. Wishing everyone health, happiness and harmony for 2024.
There has been lots to celebrate in our CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) community this term with Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Losar, Holi and International Mother Language Day to name a few. In week 9 at Churchlands Primary School, we celebrated Harmony Week.
In Western Australia, Harmony Week is always celebrated from the 15-21 March. Nationally, Harmony Week dates change to the calendar week that includes the 21 March. The 21st March (formerly called Harmony Day) still holds great significance as it is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. As this day became a day for reflection, Harmony Day evolved into Harmony Week.
This year, classes created a collaborative artwork called Kedala – the Noongar word for daytime. “We all live, learn, work and play under the same sun. We shine our own light, and our glow warms and supports others. Together we are even more bright and brilliant. Everyone belongs!” Make sure you walk by the staffroom windows and check out our Harmony Gallery! Thank you to all the classes who engaged in this project so positively and creatively. They look absolutely incredible!
On Tuesday 26 March, staff and students dressed in orange or their cultural dress to celebrate Harmony Week. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. Wearing something orange during Harmony Week shows support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia. It was wonderful to see so many students take part, wearing orange or their cultural dress. It was also lovely to hear the conversations as students shared their culture with others. What a beautiful multicultural school we have!
The library looks so wonderful and inviting with its Harmony Week display! Thanks Mrs Johnson for all your work as well as selecting books with stories of other cultures to showcase. The bilingual book collection is also available for borrowing and is expanding every year with new books.
Thank you to everyone involved in Harmony Week 2024 at Churchlands PS. While it may be the end of Harmony Week now, the acknowledgement and acceptance of the commitment and contributions of our multicultural community should last all year.
Keep reading, talking and sharing your own story too!
Sasha Key
