Harmony Day 2019 @ OAGS

Harmony Day is held each year on March 21st. It’s a day to celebrate our cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

The message of Harmony Day is WE ALL BELONG.

Orange Anglican Grammar School has long celebrated Harmony Day and are strong supporters of its message. Today we acknowledged this great event by inviting students to wear something range or an item of clothing that is connected, in some way, to their own cultural history or background. We also joined together for a special whole school assembly to celebrate cultural diversity and, as a community, the rich and valuable contribution our families make to keeping their culture visible and vibrant. Mrs Colgan led Stage 3 in a heartwarming performance of the Torres Strait Island traditional song 'Sesere Eeye' by Matthew Doyle. Traditionally this song is sun by fishermen about the wind blowing through the mountains.

Mrs Francis prepared a special lunch (Indian Butter Chicken) in the canteen. During recess and lunch our students participated in friendship-band making activities and fingernail painting.

Since 1999, more than 70,000 events and activities have been held across the country, from the smallest childcare centres to the largest businesses. Harmony Day coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial discrimination. For our school, this celebration may be simple, but it offers an opportunity for all of us to think, talk about and recognise how our differences make Australia a great place to live. Thank you to all of our school community for supporting Harmony Day in 2019.