The initiative is all about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone – regardless of cultural or linguistic background – united by a set of core Australian values.

Students wore orange, the colour to represent Harmony Day.

Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations.

At Berinba Public School, students were engaged in activities and conversations in classes about multiculturalism and intercultural understanding.

At Yass Pre-Kindergarten, centre director Hannah Edwards said the children participated in various activities to explore the concept of Harmony Day.

“We read the story The Way We Are, which addresses cultural diversity and other qualities that make each person and family unique.

“The children worked together to create some Harmony Day art to display and remind each other that we all belong,” Ms Edwards said.

The children also formed a circle and placed their hands in the middle.

“They studied each other’s hands and talked about the different sizes, colours, different spots (freckles) and lines on our hands. We came together to recognise that we are all different in little ways, but we are all equal and we all belong in our community,” Ms Edwards said.

Meanwhile at Yass Little Learners, it will be a week of international teaching, which includes maps and flags, music and songs, foreign languages, literacy, and food and culture.

Yass Montessori also got in on the act.

Students read and talked about stories of inclusiveness. They also brought food from other cultures and sang different cultural songs for their parents.

Alan Tudge, minister for citizenships and multicultural affairs, delivered a message that reflected on our multicultural nation.

You can learn more about Harmony Day at harmony.gov.au.