Tamworth small public schools Duri, Currabubula, Somerton, Attunga, Woolomin celebrate Harmony Day at Dungowan school

Students from Duri Public School, Woolomin Public School, Currabubula Public School, Somerton Public School, and Attunga Public School all gathered at Dungowan Public School on Friday for a big Harmony Day celebration.

Dungowan PS principal Kerri-Anne Hubble said normally her tiny school had about 25 students, but today, they increased in size to about 150.

Children from kindergarten to year 6 all enjoyed a variety of multi-cultural activities like totem pole painting, sand art, and learning songs and dances from different countries.

"With the size of our grounds, [Dungowan students] were just so excited to share it with other kids and make new friends, and that's the whole point, so they can interact and make friends with each other and enjoy the day," Ms Hubble said.

"It's just a day of sharing and coming together and for all kids to enjoy different activities to get to know each other."

Read also:

The six small schools are in an "alliance", and they come together regularly for various events.

A few students from Tamworth High School came over to help teach the children the dances. They all learnt a version of the Haka, an Aboriginal dance, and a Chinese-inspired dance.

Woolomin PS principal Leisa McMahon said days with the alliance's schools helped the students in the long run, too.

"It's really good for the transition into high school because instead of being in a school of 20, they get to experience that big number," Ms McMahon said.

Principal at Duri PS, Catherine Anderson, told the Leader it was the first time the schools had come together since COVID hit.

"These kids haven't socialised that much so it's a good opportunity for that, but also to teach them about diversity and acceptance and people that are different cultures, different religions, disabilities, all that sort of thing," she said.

"Each of the six schools in the alliance holds an event where everyone comes together each year."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: