Harmony Week was first initiated by the Australian government in 1999 to nationally celebrate diversity and inclusion in our multi-cultural Australia. Harmony Week is celebrated during the week that includes 21st March, which is also the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. 

Holy Cross is a living community full of cultural diversity. We want our students to develop a strong sense of their own cultural identity, our school identity and faith identity. We want to help our students to become great global citizens. One way is to do this is to celebrate Harmony Week. Students are asked to wear an orange accessory on Friday 21st March to promote the theme, "Everyone Belongs". 

Why orange?

• Orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations.
• It relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.
• Orange symbolises optimism, confidence, enthusiasm, warmth and agreeableness.
• It is a bright and vivacious colour and may help people feel outgoing or even bold.

Throughout Week 8, our teachers and students have many different activities planned to our broaden awareness of different cultural connections in our school community. There will be focused curriculum lessons, as well as buddy class and lunch activities. Cultural cuisine is also on the agenda.

Cultural identity at Holy Cross School

Jo Neil
Teacher Librarian