FEEDER schools of Medowie students came out in full force this week, embracing different cultures and celebrating  Harmony Day.

Wirreanda Public School acknowledges Harmony Day as a very important day on their calendar, as they embrace and celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity.

Principal Philippa Young told News Of The Area, “The day is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.”
“Students recognised Harmony Day this year by wearing orange or dressing as someone from a different culture.”

“Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 celebrated with many different activities, while Stage 2 and 3 held the Annual Harmony Day Feast,” she said.

The Harmony Day feast saw children bringing food from all different cultures and countries, and sharing the food together as a feast with everyone in the covered outdoor learning area.

Irrawang High School had a wonderful day as they celebrated Harmony Day/Close the Gap and ‘BULLYING NO WAY’ on the same day as a whole school in an inclusive, combined event.

School spokesperson Luella Fagan told News Of The Area, “A special assembly kicked off with Sgt Leanne Mann of the Port Stephens LAC addressing our students on BULLYING NO WAY.”

“Several student leaders also spoke about the importance and significance of Harmony Day and Close the Gap.”

“Our Junior Drum Corps gave their first ever performance together followed by our Senior Drum Corps and Dance Ensemble,” she said.

Art works were created on the school quad, with students creating pieces with chalk that expressed their thoughts on the messages shared during the day.

Go Kindy at Salt Ash spread their Harmony Day over a number of days, so all children could be included, and labeled it their ‘Cultural week’.

Throughout the week, the children learned about different cultures and countries and where some people come from. Each day children were able to dress up and the centre chef cooked meals to represent the country chosen.
Director Yola told News Of The Area, “We chose our countries to celebrate based on where some of our children or their families are originally from.”

“We had parents coming in to share different experiences with the children and it was lovely to see the parent involvement within our centre.”
“We also had an excursion from Young Australian Workshop performing the Act ‘Sharing Culture’, where performer Gwenda delighted the children with her dance, story, and rich Aboriginal culture storytelling,” she said.

A wonderful week of watching our young people celebrate our country’s rich multicultural history, and embrace all the wonderful qualities that allows us to experience.

 

By Rachael VAUGHAN