The Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy, and Federal Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland, today launched new and interactive Harmony Day educational resources to teach children about diversity, harmony and belonging.
The new and improved schools section of the Harmony website was launch at Barnier Public School in Quakers Hill and a lucky group of pupils were among the first in Australia to try out the new interactive whiteboard and online resources.
Senator Lundy said students of all ages would be able to enjoy testing their skills in playing the new Multicultural Match – It interactive game.
“Students today are technologically savvy and love to learn using computers from an early age, so it is fantastic that we can deliver these great new Harmony Day activities using current technologies,” Senator Lundy said.
“Barnier Public School is a technology school. Its culturally diverse student community has some 48 per cent of students coming from a language background other than English.
“This school recognises that students live in a digital world and it delivers the school curriculum in a digital mode.
“Barnier believes that using technology is the most engaging, meaningful and relevant learning environment for the students, making it the perfect place to launch these great new tools.”
Federal Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland, encouraged local schools to take advantage of the online resources available for teachers and students.
“The online resources feature a range of innovative, creative and interactive products,” said Ms Rowland.
“These resources encourage students to think about their own heritage and the important concepts of diversity, harmony and belonging – it’s what Harmony Day is all about.
“The interactive online resources ensure we’re giving students the message that ‘everyone belongs’ in a way that is fun and engaging.”
The Parliamentary Secretary said schools were the biggest supporters of Harmony Day activities.
“More than 61 per cent of 2011 Harmony Day events came from schools across Australia,” Senator Lundy said.
“I am sure that all students will enjoy learning more about concepts of diversity, harmony and belonging in an interactive and modern way.”
For more information about the interactive whiteboard activities and Harmony Day see:
