Harmony Week celebrated in Gunnedah schools

Harmony Week was celebrated across the nation, including schools around Gunnedah.

Harmony Week celebrates the unique culturally diverse population that exists within Australia, and, according to the government, more than half the population was born overseas or their parents were.

This year’s theme was ‘Everyone Belongs’ and was celebrated from Monday, March 16 to Sunday, March 22.

The signature colour of orange could be seen throughout local schools such as Gunnedah South Public School where students came together to learn about different cultures and share in Gunnedah’s strong multicultural community.

“Harmony Day is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together and celebrate the rich diversity that makes us unique,” principal Mrs Nicki Walsh said.

“We marked the occasion by wearing orange, enjoying canteen specials, and displaying a collection of orange handprints decorated by our students alongside flags representing the diverse countries at South.

“Throughout the week, students have engaged in lessons in the library, exploring the beautiful balance of being both alike and different, fostering respect and understanding among all.”

Students of Gunnedah South Public School Poppy Maher, Mudiwa Chiduku, and Paul Navatu shared what Harmony Week meant to them.

“It’s about being kind and including everyone,” Poppy said.

It was Mudiwa Chiduku’s second year celebrating Harmony Week, he enjoyed sharing what his cultural background was.

“It’s a special week when everyone celebrates where their background comes from,” Mudiwa said.

“This is my second year celebrating Harmony Week, it’s been pretty good.”

Gunnedah High School participated in Harmony Week too with live performances and international foods.

Students who are part of the school band performed songs ‘Seasons’ by Dolly Parton and ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ by Keane, while Johan Quezada, local dance instructor, gave a spectacular show with Latin dancing, and Keedon Peachy delivered a beautiful performance on the didgeridoo.

“[Harmony Week] is really important to celebrate because we have so many different nationalities in our school and we get the chance to celebrate everyone together,” Gunnedah High School teacher, Melanie Bullen said.

“Students enjoyed it, they loved the singing and coming together as one to share food and have a yarn.”

The Multicultural Women’s Association contributed an array of international foods for students to try on Friday, March 20.Students enjoyed food from Japan, Korea, Fiji, Indonesia, Mozambique and Tuvalu.

“Many high school students have limited exposure to the world outside their own neighborhoods, but this event was a powerful reminder of how big, diverse, and beautiful it truly is,” MWA said in a Facebook post.

“Through culture, connection, and kindness, you showed them that there is so much out there … so much warmth in one beautiful celebration, a heartfelt thank you to Gunnedah High School for making this impactful experience possible.”