School celebrates Harmony

Students at Baler Primary School in South Hedland were last week among the many Australians to take part in Harmony Day.

Harmony Day represents and celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity through inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging.

Baler Primary School teacher Alana Hartley said as a school community, the school had decided promoting Harmony Day to students in every class from kindergarten through to Year 6 should be a priority since it underpinned everything indicated by the school motto.

She said encouraging community involvement was a crucial element of the school’s values.

The students were encouraged to wear orange clothing, the official colour of Harmony Day, or their cultural dress or costume of choice.

“This year is a little different as we are opening our classrooms to families willing to share culturally significant items such as stories, flags and artworks,” Ms Hartley said.

“In Australia, particularly South Hedland, we live in such a diverse community with people from all walks of life.

“In order for us all to live peacefully, we need to embrace the Harmony Day motto: ‘Everyone belongs’.

“It is also indicated by our school motto: ‘A Sea Of Cultures’.”

This year, the theme at Baler is “extending the hand of friendship”, which is aimed at encouraging students to display a friendly, welcoming attitude towards others.