St John's Primary School in Lambton, Newcastle, hosted a vibrant Harmony Day celebration on March 19, with students from diverse backgrounds showcasing their cultures. More than a quarter of the school's nearly 200 students speak a language other than English, representing 18 different languages.
Activities included henna painting, Indian dancing, percussion workshops, language lessons, and an Indigenous yarning circle. Year 4 student Mystica Rayappan, wearing a traditional south Indian outfit, expressed joy in sharing her culture, particularly the dessert payasam.
Year 6 student leaders highlighted the importance of inclusivity. Lily Daly noted that celebrating diversity makes everyone feel they belong and are not left out. Eddie Larrigo, who belongs to the Aboriginal Worimi mob, enjoyed the yarning circle and learning about ochre.
Year 5 student Eniola Akinade wore a traditional Nigerian gown symbolizing the land and his heritage. He shared his love for yam dishes and said Harmony Day allows students to share their home traditions. Classmate Sebastian Aguba wore a Barong Tagalog from the Philippines and enjoyed telling peers about his visits there.
The event fostered a sense of community and appreciation for different cultures, with students and parents participating enthusiastically. The school's commitment to diversity was evident in the joyful participation of all attendees.
