It’s a small symbol with a huge meaning.
Next week, Blackfriars will celebrate Harmony Day with students from ELC to Year 12 joining to create Pinwheels for Peace, symbolising unity and hope.
Pinwheels for Peace began 20 years ago in Florida as a school art project, allowing students to express their feelings about the state of the world. Now, millions of pinwheels are created across the globe annually.
“Every day, we are bombarded with television images, video games, music and … articles that give importance to conflict and war,” the Pinwheels for Peace website says.
“Violence has become commonplace and accepted as part of our society and, for some, it is a way of life.
Blackfriars Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission Angela Collins said peace and harmony went hand in hand.
“Peace is the foundation upon which harmony is built,” Ms Collins said.
“Without peace – both within ourselves and in our communities – discord and division take hold, making true unity impossible. Harmony flourishes when people listen, understand and respect one another, and this can only happen in an environment free from conflict, fear and hostility.
“This is what we strive for in our homes, our schools, our wider community and, ultimately, in our world.”
As part of the Harmony Day celebrations, students will also share food from around the world, reflecting the rich heritage of the Blackfriars community.
“Food is a universal language of community and connection,” Ms Collins said.
“In Australia, the Harmony Day theme is ‘Everybody Belongs’ and that is one of the beautiful things about Blackfriars and this great nation – that we are so culturally dynamic, an interwoven fabric of differing threads holding society together.”
Blackfriars is home to students from almost 50 cultural backgrounds.
International Student Captain Reach Chay said it was important the school community came together to mark occasions such as Harmony Day.
“I firmly believe that Harmony Day is a pivotal opportunity for our school community to stand together to celebrate the richness of our diverse backgrounds,” said Reach, who is from Cambodia.
“It’s a day to not only acknowledge our differences but to actively embrace them, fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect and equality. By coming together to celebrate Harmony Day, I want to send a strong message that every individual’s unique identity is valued and that unity through diversity is our strength.”
In a world striving for gender equality, Blackfriars’ celebration of International Women’s Day sends a powerful message about respect, awareness and solidarity.