Yaama Ngindaay

 

Harmony Week

Monday 21 - Sunday 27 March 2022

St Kevin’s will celebrate Harmony Week on Wednesday 23 March   Children are encouraged to wear something orange on this day.

Why orange?

Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Week. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.

By wearing something orange during Harmony Week we show our support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia.

What is Harmony Week?

Harmony Week is a week to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, based on the successful integration of migrants into our community. It is an opportunity for all Australians to embrace cultural diversity and to share what we have in common.

Multiculturalism is in Australia's national interest. It is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.

Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world and we should celebrate this and work to maintain it. Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is at the heart of who we are. An integrated multicultural Australia is an integral part of our nation's history and character.

The message of Harmony Week is everyone belongs. It is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.

Interesting Facts (ABS 2016 Census Data)

• 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% 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.

In the lead up to Harmony Week to help with our school celebration we would like each child to complete a Harmony Day ‘hands’ activity at home and bring it back to school. This will be sent home in the next couple of weeks. We ask that you please help them with this. It’s a fun activity which you will enjoy doing with them. Thank you for your assistance with this.

Yaluu ngali ngamilay (We will see each other again)

Phil Taylor

Aboriginal Education Teacher