05 Apr 2023
BIG PICTURE HARMONY DAY at MORISSET HIGH SCHOOL
WHY DO WE CELEBRATE HARMONY DAY? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
By Stevie Foster
Culture is everything that lets us know where we are and who we are. I’m proud to be part of Morisset High School’s culture. For example, our school logo says to “learn and live”. What does that mean exactly? I think it means learning and understanding how to grow, achieve, and understand yourself and your studies. We’re not just worried about how well we do in our assessments and examinations, we care about how we live, as individuals and as a wider community.
Culture can mean a lot of things, including the clothes you wear, the language you speak, the celebrations you honour and it can even be the type of art you buy or make. I’m Australian, but I’m also part European so I like to understand more about Europe and the various cultures there too. I want to learn more about the kind of food they like, the music they listen to and the celebrations and holidays they engage with.
Our culture has space for everyone and we value and celebrate diversity. I am proud that our school welcomes and celebrates everyone. And Harmony Day is another opportunity for us to show that we are all playing our part in contributing to a culture where we belong, as individuals and as a group of learners.
What's the significance of celebrating Harmony Day?
Everyone belongs, is the message Harmony Day tries to get across. Harmony Day promotes a feeling of belonging for everyone who considers Australia their home by celebrating the fundamental values of inclusivity, respect for one another's cultures, and tolerance of religious differences.
Why is it important?
Regardless of how differently we look or dress, as Australians, we must foster an environment where everyone feels valued and treated fairly. We need to understand other people's cultures and customs better to live in peace and harmony. We should consider that our differences are what make us special and unique. Without unity, we would have no acceptance because no one would know any better.
Harmony Day was celebrated at Morisset High School on the 21st March by having an assembly where some students at Morisset HS shared some performances, singing, dances and even some speeches from certain people.
I am part of Big Picture at Morisset HS and we celebrated Harmony Day in Big Picture by everyone bringing a plate of food that represented their culture. I gave a speech to everyone on what culture meant to me. We had Nikisha Priest sing a song (I am Australian) that represented what Australian culture is. We also invited some staff and students from the JAECG and an Acknowledgement of Country was given by Blake Hodges. This made me and others feel heart warmed and being able to try and experience different food from different cultures was something that meant a lot to me.
