Creating colourful Indian rangoli designs, mastering the Japanese art of origami, Irish dance classes and baking Scottish shortbread — these were a few of the activities enjoyed by Casey Grammar School students and staff during Harmony Week.
The school is home to staff and students from a range of countries, from northern and southern India, Afghanistan, Iran, and Germany to Scotland, England, New Zealand and Russia.
“Celebrating Harmony Week is an important part of our school calendar because we are a very diverse community,” chaplain Monique Riviere-Pendle said.
“The Week celebrates students, their stories, culture and traditions. We learn about each other and reflect on our multicultural society and all staff and students take part in the different activities.”
Harmony Week recognises diversity, bringing together Australians from different backgrounds. It promotes inclusiveness, respect for all and a sense of belonging for everyone.
“We received a number of entries for our photo competition. One Wellbeing group discussed what ‘harmony’ means to them and chose one word to describe it. They then wrote this word on their hand and joined together in a circle to symbolise unity and togetherness,” Ms Riviere-Pendle said.
Some of the youngest students took part in a cultural dress parade and older students enjoyed a special lunch of Singapore noodles, butter chicken or meatballs and pasta. Casey Grammar principal Fiona Williams taught students how to bake Scottish shortbread, while Senior School students took part in French cooking classes.
Assemblies, a Wellbeing Bush dance and staff versus student cricket matches took over on the courts.
Senior School students made a gold coin donation to be painted with intricate henna designs with all money raised donated to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in Dandenong. Junior School donations supported the Harmony Alliance.
“Harmony Week brings everyone together and I love seeing students proudly sharing their backgrounds and traditions,” Year 11 Social Justice captain Lokavya said.
“This year’s henna stall was a hit with students and staff and one of the most exciting events of the week was definitely cultural clothing day where students wear traditional outfits that celebrate their heritage.”
Sahej, Junior School Social Justice Captain, enjoyed learning about the different cultures of his classmates and friends.
“I really enjoyed all the amazing performances and it felt good to perform myself. It was my first time and I hope people learned a little about traditional Bhangra dancing,” he said.
