This week saw the Kolbe Catholic College community acknowledge Harmony Week as a time to celebrate Australia’s multiculturalism and embrace our rich ethnic diversity. It is estimated that Australia is home to people with over 300 different cultural backgrounds, including the oldest continuous living cultures in the entire world, shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The theme of Harmony Week is ‘Everyone Belongs’, and its aim is to engage people to participate in their community, respect cultural diversity and foster a sense of belonging. This week also coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21st), and it is equally important that as a community we continue to both challenge and stand together against racist behaviours and attitudes. We are so lucky at Kolbe to have such a diverse community of students and staff members who together form a rich and vibrant tapestry.
Throughout the week, there were lots of opportunities to get involved, including Japanese gyoza making with Mr Futaki, friendship bracelet sessions with Ms Dann, and a wonderful visit from Kofi and Sally of Akwaaba African Drumming. Kofi and Sally were able to spend time with students at lunch teaching them basic rhythm skills and having a lot of fun doing it! We thank the P&F for generously funding their visit. Our student leaders, headed by our Wellbeing Captain Ava, organised a fun “around the world” scavenger hunt on Thursday with Easter chocolates as a tempting prize for the winners. The week culminated with Friday Fun on the Avenue, live music, and picnics to celebrate together as friends. Students were also encouraged to wear orange accessories on this day as orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Week as traditionally it signifies social communication and meaningful conversations.
“Our college has embraced Harmony Week by celebrating multiculturalism and cultural diversity through embracing the theme “everyone belongs – In a world where you can be anything, be inclusive.” Ava, Wellbeing Captain
As a College we are so grateful for the contributions of all of our students, families and staff to our vibrant community.
