There has been lots to celebrate in our CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) community this term with Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Losar, Holi and International Mother Language Day to name a few. In week 8 at Churchlands Primary School, we celebrated Harmony Week.
In Western Australia, Harmony Week is always celebrated from the 15-21 March. Nationally, Harmony Week dates change to the calendar week that includes the 21 March. The 21st of March (formerly called Harmony Day) still holds great significance as it is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. As this day became a day for reflection, Harmony Day evolved into Harmony Week.
This year EALD collaborated with French to create an absolutely incredible art project called Perles d’Harmonie or Harmony Beads. Every class was given wooden beads to decorate. They drew images and used colours to depict something that was special to them or their culture. The beads were then all strung together to show the beauty and diversity of our school. Check them out hanging in the front office window!
“Pearls, like people are precious and amazing. Just like the threads that string them together, our stories, experiences and values tie us together. Stringing these beads all together signifies our unity and belonging.”
As well as activities in class and the collaborative art project, Churchlands was filled with colour on Tuesday 25th March for our annual cultural dress or wear orange for Harmony! It was the biggest participation numbers ever this year – bravo everyone! It was fantastic to see the saris swirling, the tunics glinting, the sports shirts flapping and most of all those big smiles. The conversations that we overheard that day as students and staff shared their cultural background were truly joyful.
Thank you to everyone involved in Harmony Week 2025 at Churchlands PS. So many staff and students contributed so much to this celebration. While it may be the end of Harmony Week now, the acknowledgement and acceptance of the commitment and contributions of our multicultural community should last all year.
Keep reading, talking and sharing your own story too!
Sasha Key