Harmony Day is significant event in Australia, promoting cultural diversity, inclusiveness, and a sense of belonging for everyone.
At FMS, Harmony Day is an opportunity to showcase the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our vibrant school community.
This year, our whole community got involved, sharing foods, books, maps, traditional dress and traditions from cultures across the globe.
Students and parents got a taste of each culture – literally in some cases! – and an opportunity to learn about the cultures of their classmates as well as sharing elements of their own.
With such a diverse range of cultures among students and staff, celebrating Harmony Day is important to us at FMS with numerous benefits for our students social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Why We Celebrate Harmony Day
Harmony Day in Australia coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, highlighting the importance of promoting harmony and understanding among different cultural groups. The primary message of Harmony Day is “everyone belongs,” emphasising the need for inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for all Australians, regardless of their cultural or linguistic.
The color orange is associated with Harmony Day, symbolising social communication, meaningful conversations, and mutual respect. Wearing orange on Harmony Day signifies support for cultural diversity.
At FMS, we encourage students, parents and staff to come to school in national dress, or to wear orange for our Harmony Day celebrations.
The benefits of Harmony Day celebrations:
1. Promotes Cultural Awareness and Understanding
Harmony Day provides children with an opportunity to learn about different cultures, traditions, and customs. By participating in activities such as cultural dress, storytelling sessions, and multicultural food tastings, children gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse world around them. This exposure helps to break down stereotypes and fosters a sense of curiosity and respect for other cultures.
2. Encourages Inclusivity and Respect
One of the core messages of Harmony Day is inclusivity. Children are encouraged to embrace differences and treat everyone with respect, regardless of their cultural background. Respect is a key element of Montessori pedagogy and an important school value at FMS. Inclusivity and respect are reinforced through school activities, events and classroom discussions highlighting the importance of kindness, empathy, and acceptance. By learning to value diversity from a young age, children are more likely to grow into adults who promote inclusivity and respect in their communities.
3. Builds a Sense of Belonging
Harmony Day at FMS is collaborative; we involve students, parents and staff in plans and activities for the day. This supports a sense of belonging among our students and our wider community. Outside of Harmony Day, FMS students from preschool to primary explore global cultures as part of their regular learning curriculum with maps, geography, languages other than English, music, and cooking. From time-to-time students participate in larger projects or multicultural performances, like this Bollywood performance, African Drumming Incursion or Aboriginal weaving project. Collaborative student involvement in ongoing projects like these unites our students and highlights our shared humanity.
4. Enhances Social and Emotional Skills
Participating in Harmony Day helps children develop essential social and emotional skills. Through interactions with peers from diverse backgrounds, children learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships. These skills are crucial for overall development and well-being and are fundamental to the Montessori philosophy of learning. Additionally, activities that promote empathy and understanding contribute to children’s emotional intelligence, helping them navigate social situations with sensitivity and compassion. It’s Montessori in action.
5. Fosters Creativity and Critical Thinking
Harmony Day encourages children to explore and express their creativity through cultural activities. Whether creating art inspired by different cultures, learning traditional dances, or trying their hand at multicultural cooking, these experiences stimulate children’s imagination and critical thinking skills. By engaging in diverse cultural practices, children develop a broader perspective and a greater appreciation for the richness of human creativity.
Harmony Day at FMS is more than just a celebration of cultural diversity; it is an opportunity to instill important values in children that will shape their future interactions and relationships.
By promoting cultural awareness, inclusivity, respect, and a sense of belonging, Harmony Day aligns to the nature of Montessori philosophy and helps children develop into compassionate, empathetic, and open-minded individuals. At FMS, we are school educating children for tomorrow. Harmony Day is an important element of this education, preparing our students to build a more harmonious and inclusive society for future generations.
