From the Chaplain
March 24, 2026 – Edition 4
Harmony Week
Arguably our most colourful week of the year is Harmony Week – our annual celebration of the diverse beauty of our school community.
Each year it evolves as new features are added. The entire week offers opportunities for student led initiatives and it’s been incredible to see the way our students have taken up invitations to be involved in its creation.
It’s worth noting that, for the week to be possible, there are lots of people working behind the scenes, including:
- Senior School coaches who have been choreographing and giving up their lunchtimes to teach Year 3-6 group dances
- Our many performers from Year 2 – Year 12 who have been tirelessly practicing to showcase performances they can be proud of
- Our parents who supported us, including Vinuka’s mum, who made delicious Sri Lankan Kokis for our stall last Monday. Also Veda’s Dad, who organised fantastic treats from his restaurant, and Rosie (Bazil’s Catering) who supplied us with wonderful Harmony Week lunch orders.
Reflecting on Harmony Week Activities
Harmony Stalls
We had our very first Harmony Week Market in Senior School. Thanks to students who hosted stalls (which you may have seen in the Channel 9 news story!!).
There were Kokis, Henna, Mango Lassi, Samosa, Pani Puri as well as Meat pies and sausage rolls. This effort raised over $500 for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre fundraising.
Year 7 Bush Dance
Mr Peake’s annual Year 7 Wellbeing Bush Dance was a chance for the Year 7s to learn a bit of traditional dancing from Europe that made its way to Australia. The session was marked with a lot of laughter and smiles as everyone pulled out their best heel and toe moves.
Assemblies
The Harmony Week assembly performances are always a highlight. It was fantastic to see Binara on Drums playing a Sri Lankan song as well as our Year 12 House Captains Bhav and Deep sharing their wonderful Bhangra skills.
We were also treated to performances by two sets of sisters, Johanna, Rhea, Jovita and Romy showcasing an incredible mash up of dances inspired by their family connections in Kerala Province India.
The Junior School assembly hosted by Mrs Harvie was a beautiful celebration of Harmony Week. As a special treat, a large group of Year 12 students were guests to provide a final dance. It’s always wonderful when we can combine Junior and Senior School together.
Bocce at the Swimming
In line with the Swimming Sports falling in Harmony Week, we bought a little cultural flavour to the Nobel Park Swimming pool with cultural song requests and an informal Bocce competition.
There were some very excited students as they discovered a hidden talent they never knew!
Hear the Beat of the (40) African Drums
Our Year 3 – 4 students had the pleasure of a visit from ‘The Knowing Project’ where they learned to create an amazing piece of music by working together.
Using both Djembe drums and shekere shakers, students learned about the history of instruments, how to deeply listen to each other, and how to find the rhythm as a group.
Staff v Student Cricket Matches
A highly anticipated element of the Harmony Week celebrations is the Junior and Senior Crickets Matches.
A big congratulations to our Senior School students who triumphed over the staff this week and the Junior School staff who narrowly beat the students in their match!
Thanks to all who participated.
Shortbread Class
An annual tradition in Harmony Week has been Mrs Williams’ Shortbread class. Her final shortbread class as Principal was a big success, and the students loved learning how to make this delicious treat.
Foundation – Year 2 Parade
We began Harmony Day with a beautiful F-2 Parade where we enjoyed performances by Senior School students, Rhea, Johanna, Romy and Jovita as well as Year 2 student Hesanya.
Our Acknowledgement of Country included a lovely performance of ‘Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree,’ in both English and Anindilyakwa. It was choreographed by Year 2 students, Ella, Sadie, Evie, Alesha and Abigail.
Year 3 – 6 Performances
For the first time, we had a special afternoon for our students in Year 3-6 to share their cultural dances. Another exciting initiative was having Senior School coaches working with the Junior School students to create their group Sri Lankan, Bollywood and Bhangra performances.
A huge thanks to Fateh M, Fateh D, Seerat, Mehar, Lilybelle, Gurnoor, Veda and Tessa for their dedication and commitment to sharing culture with the students. A big congratulations to all students who performed – quite a number of whom learned a dance that is unfamiliar to them, which was wonderful!
Happy Persian New Year
This year, we were so privileged to have Mrs Flora Basti share her Persian culture with us by creating a special ‘Haft-Seen’ table that marks the Persian New Year. Each item represents a hope or wish for the coming year.
We take this opportunity to note that it has been a very difficult time for the Persian people of late, and we trust that the new year will be one of strength, love, light and happiness. Happy Persian New Year to all our Persian students, staff and families.
Senior School Performances
It is our Harmony Week tradition that Senior School students have the opportunity to create an item for our special performance time held during lunch.
It’s an absolute highlight to see our students put so much work into creating this very special presentation. Despite it being an optional event, we had hundreds of students pouring into the PAC to loudly support and encourage their peers who have worked incredibly hard to create their performances.
A huge congratulations to each of our lunchtime performers for being brave enough to perform on the PAC stage (many dancing or singing for the first time) during Harmony Week. We were so proud to see you up there!
I hope what you glean from this newsletter article is that our community is full of amazing people, who share who they are with others to make the world a more inclusive and respectful place.
Thank you to everyone who entered into the spirit of the week, tried something new, or engaged with the activities on offer. It is your willingness to embrace this week that makes it so special.
Family Communion Easter Service
All are welcome to join our Easter Service on Monday 30 March in the PAC Foyer. It will commence at 3.30pm and run for approximately half an hour.
Please refer to the letter sent via email and RSVP if you are planning to attend.
Every blessing to you all in the week ahead.
Monique Riviere-Pendle
Chaplain
