Harmony Day celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. In schools we celebrate inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for all Australians, from the traditional owners of the land to those who have come from many countries around the world.

Harmony Day occurs on 21 March each year and coincides with the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The ongoing theme of Harmony Day is ‘everyone belongs’. Harmony Day is a day of cultural respect for all. By participating in Harmony Day activities, we can learn and understand how all Australians equally belong to this nation and enrich it.

How schools can be involved

• Display the Welcome poster at the gates of the school.
• Visit the Australian Government Harmony Day site for a collection of lesson ideas, lesson plans and student activities organised by level of schooling and subject area, and aligned to the Australian Curriculum.
• See how other individuals, schools, organisations and councils celebrate Harmony Day or share your story on the Harmony Day site.
• Download resources for Harmony Day including templates for posters, invitations and certificates as well as frames, filters, graphics and banners for websites and social media.
• Register your Harmony Day event. Registrations for 2020 Harmony Day celebrations open early in the calendar year.
• Display the Welcome poster supplied with your copy of the 2020 Calendar for Cultural Diversity in your classrooms and around the school.
• Discover different strategies to help build awareness of multiculturalism and combat racism in schools from Racism. No Way!E
• Explore computer based learning activities available through Racism. No Way! or census data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics with your class.
• Respond to poetry or write a spoken word poem that reflects Australia’s cultural diversity and submit to SBS Face up to Racism.
• Enter a poster or song writing competition with Moving Forward Together. The theme for the 2020 competitions is ‘Picture a World in Harmony’. Entry is free and financial prizes are awarded at a ceremony at NSW Parliament House.

Wear orange

The following excerpt is taken from the Harmony Day website.

Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Day. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. Australians can choose to wear something orange on 21 March to show their support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia.

https://www.harmony.gov.au/get-involved/schools