
2 minute read
Celebrating our diversity
from Torch Winter 2021
by CareyGrammar
Stuart Galbraith, Head of Advancement
Events and gatherings have an important role in celebrating our diverse cultures, ethnicities, religions, values, talents and experiences. In Term 1 each year, there are two standout cultural celebrations: Lunar New Year and Harmony Day.
Lunar New Year
One of the defining aspects of Carey’s Lunar New Year celebrations is how it brings together students and staff from across the ELCs, Junior Schools, Middle School and Senior School.

Lion dance performances provide vibrance, sound, colour and movement, but our Chinese teachers and CLOSA Student Captains provide perspective and background on this celebration in their classrooms and at assemblies. A special thank you to the CLOSA Parents Group who fund the performances and continue the celebrations through a wellattended parent yum cha event.
Our Lunar New Year celebrations have profound meaning to many in our community:
‘I had tears in my eyes when I watched the lion dance video. Never before have I felt so connected with the Carey community. I also felt even more closely connected with my daughter while I watched her jumping and running around and patting the lion dancer. I suddenly recalled everything I did as a child on a Lunar New Year Festival, and it made me feel like my culture is appreciated by the community.
‘I feel so grateful that the School celebrates culture in this way. I truly believe, in return, everyone will learn to respect and appreciate all the diverse cultures in the community.’ – Carey Donvale parent
Harmony Day
In recent years, Carey has joined national celebrations for Harmony Week, which recognises diversity, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background. Harmony Week includes 21 March, which is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
With the leadership of our CLOSA Student Captains and the Senior School, this year’s festivities for students culminated in the Quad with a range of lively activities including pétanque, limbo, a quiz on flags, a dance session with the Nikki Visaj Movement and a performance by our Mandolin orchestra. The CLOSA parents group also organised a popular morning tea, with the Principal, Jonathan Walter, and Deputy Principal – Learning, Kate Croft, thanking the CLOSA committee for its ongoing work and outlining the School’s active and ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
