A harmonious day

By Nicole Williams
HARMONY Day saw the local community celebrate its diversity.
Harmony Day was on Monday 21 March but many schools got involved during the week.
St Anthony’s Primary School in Noble Park held a Parade of Nations on Friday, with students either wearing traditional outfits or orange, the colour of Harmony Day.
“The kids were dressed up and they paraded around, some in costumes and some in colours,” St Anthony’s Primary School teacher Marianne Hodgson said.
“It was absolutely fantastic.”
Minaret College in Springvale used the theme of ‘Everyone Belongs’ on Monday and encouraged students to honour their culture and being Australian.
“The theme was Everyone Belongs and it is a message we promote because we’ve got such a diverse group.” Year 11 coordinator Nisveta Fehavdic said.
“It is good to have the day where they celebrate their culture and being Australian.”
Students wore their traditional dress, brought cultural food and did presentations on the importance of being proud of their heritage.
There were also traditional performances of seven cultures.
Students at Dandenong West Primary school recognised the day on Tuesday by a traditional African Dance at assembly and wearing traditional dress or orange.
St John’s Regional College, Dandenong were treated to a visit from players from Melbourne Demons, the Dandenong Stingrays and local police on Monday.
The players and police had morning tea with the students to celebrate Harmony Day.