Lumen Christi College Gosnells celebrated Harmony Day on March 21 to mark acceptance, tolerance and justice as the foundations of a Catholic community and of Australia’s civic society.
First introduced to the college in 2012, Harmony Day was celebrated as an extended lunchtime activity and has been a key part of the school’s curriculum for the past three years.
Initially implemented to challenge existing prejudices and attitudes towards those of a different heritage or background, it has also proved a positive way to celebrate ethnic and cultural diversity.
“It is a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home; from the traditional owners of this land to those who have come from many countries around the world,” Tara Holmes, coordinator of the college’s Harmony Day told The Record.
“I have always had a firm belief that it is our role as humanities teachers to educate students about tolerance and acceptance as part of our curriculum so, along with the support of the Executive Team and the fabulous Society and Environment team, I took the opportunity to make a difference and enrolled Lumen Christi on the Australian Government’s Harmony Day website,” Mrs Holmes said.
“We have over 40 nationalities within our student cohort and staff, which reflects the diverse ethnic and cultural groups of the surrounding area and Perth.”
Activities on the day included: a cultural costume competition for all students and staff; a multicultural food ordering service from the local Thai and Noodle restaurants; an American-style milkshake and cookie stall; and the Lumen Band which played throughout the afternoon.
The highly anticipated grand finale saw students dressed in traditional outfits from various countries including Africa, Ireland, India and Thailand parade in front of their peers and teachers in the Jubilee Gardens.
“Harmony Day is about teaching students that no matter where you are from, or however long you or your family have been in Australia, your personal and cultural heritage is as equally important as everyone else’s,” Mrs Holmes said.