A Day of Diversity
An article composed by Haryash (Year 9)
School uniforms are so… dull; an old, outdated tradition that we all know well, but don’t so much love. Same thing, day in and day out, but we wear them as a privilege. Now imagine the same thing, but with our current world. Rich cultures all come to one plain idea-different ideas, all the same. Nothing new to explore, nothing to find, all just… common. The differences you had were what gave birth to you. They're gone. That one day, you get to throw away your uniforms and embrace your difference-the thing that sets you apart from everyone else. Harmony Day.
Harmony Day has been a significant part of our culture-not just today, but since the Europeans discovered this free land. Diversity began with Australia's Indigenous people, who have lived here for 65,000 years with many unique cultures and perspectives. When the British brought convicts and free settlers, they introduced different cultures, which soon settled in Australia. Following that, the gold rush unveiled the country, welcoming many from abroad. This helped build multicultural communities and create a more welcoming environment. Time skip to WW2: Australia accepted millions of immigrants, bringing a huge wave of culture, religion, food, and festivals, with the White Australia Policy ending shortly after, creating a new chapter in Australia's history-allowing Australia to rebuild in a new light, leading to the synchronised country we live in today.
Our school, like many other schools, celebrates Harmony Day in our own unique ways-embracing different cultures and showcasing diversity. Through thoughtfully designed workshops, our school helps us get a better understanding of the world around us, giving us a chance to explore perspectives and beliefs on this day. For example, the Colour Run, which was hosted on Friday, March 28th, 2025. This event helped students foster understanding and belonging after experiencing different cultural showcases, such as the ballroom and word learning in the hall, done with each grade. Students weren’t only painted by colour but also engaged in raising money for Project Compassion, helping others achieve basic needs. If you want to learn more about this event, click on this link to learn more:
https://www.mccwdbb.catholic.edu.au/harmony-day-colour-run/
In the end, Australians aren't stereotypical. We all come from different cultures, religions, and countries. It didn't just start now, but when immigration happened-when convicts and free settlers were welcomed into this country. Though our past is harsh and the future unknown, we carry diversity in a beautiful way. Through our mistakes, we've learned to consider our ways and improve ourselves. Australia isn't just a country; it's a home of change and reconciliation. This makes Australia the home we live in.