This week we celebrate Harmony Day across Australia. Harmony Day is a day to celebrate our cultural diversity – a day of respect for everyone who calls Australia home. Events have been held across Australia since 1999 when the day began. The theme of this day is ‘Everyone Belongs’ 

Australia is a vibrant and multicultural country — from the oldest continuous culture of our first Australians to the cultures of our newest arrivals from around the world. It is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, and the successful integration of migrants into our community. Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is at the heart of who we are. It makes Australia a great place to live.

Throughout the year our classes learn through the Intercultural capability in the Victorian curriculum to develop knowledge, understandings and skills to enable them to:

• demonstrate an awareness of and respect for cultural diversity within the community
• reflect on how intercultural experiences influence attitudes, values and beliefs
• recognise the importance of acceptance and appreciation of cultural diversity for a cohesive community.

Did you know?

• nearly half (49 per cent) of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was
• we identify with over 300 ancestries
• since 1945, more than 7.5 million people have migrated to Australia
• 85 per cent of Australians agree multiculturalism has been good for Australia
• apart from English, the most common languages spoken in Australia are Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek, Tagalog/Filipino, Hindi, Spanish and Punjabi
• more than 70 Indigenous languages are spoken in Australia.

You may like to visit the Kingston Council website link below to find some books recommended to read during Harmony Week.

https://www.kingston.vic.gov.au/library/My-Library/Book-Lovers/Recommended-Reads/Harmony-Week-2021

National Day Against Bullying and Violence.

Just a reminder that we would love every family to bring along their “Take a Stand Together” speech bubble next Monday 22nd March to show our school communities support for this special day. We ask each family to place their contribution on the banner located in the hall before school. Classes will visit the hall during the day on the 22nd March.

If you need another copy, please ask your child to collect a copy from the office.

Thank you for your ongoing support,

Maree Hills