March 16-22 marked 'Harmony Week' across Australia, recognising and celebrating cultural diversity, inclusiveness, and respect, centered on the message "Everyone Belongs". However, across the country and indeed the world, there are growing concerns about racism, antisemitism, misogyny and other forms of discrimination in our communities - including in our schools. At the same time, research continues to highlight the powerful role schools play in shaping respectful, inclusive societies.
"Public education remains one of the most effective ways to build social cohesion, with diverse school environments helping to reduce prejudice and foster mutual understanding among young people."
This reinforces the importance of explicitly teaching students, from a young age, to understand diversity, challenge stereotypes, and develop the confidence to speak up when something is not right.
One recent example comes from Larrakeyah Primary School, where staff responded to student data highlighting the need to more directly address racism in a primary school setting. In 2025, the school developed Culture Connect - a whole-school wellbeing program focused on building empathy, confidence, and cross-cultural understanding.
The program provides structured opportunities for students to explore identity, culture and ancestry, challenge stereotypes, and develop an age-appropriate understanding of racism, including systemic racism. Learning experiences include role play, storytelling, creative tasks and guided reflection, alongside engagement with Aboriginal Elders and members of the refugee community. A strong emphasis is placed on psychological safety, respectful dialogue and community connection.
Pre- and post-program data indicated measurable improvements, including increased student understanding of racism, a 14% increase in comfort discussing race and identity, and a 22% increase in confidence to respond to racism using effective strategies. The program also contributed to strengthened relationships and a more inclusive school environment.
View Larrakeyah Primary's 'Culture Connect' in action through their video below:
At NTCOGSO, we recognise that schools cannot do this work alone, but they are a critical starting point. Programs like Culture Connect highlight what is possible when schools, families and communities work together to create safe, inclusive environments where every child feels a sense of belonging.
We encourage School Bodies and families to consider how conversations about identity, culture and respect are being supported in their own school communities, and to explore opportunities to strengthen this work through local initiatives and partnerships.
For an interesting companion read on this topic, written by education expert, Pasi Sahlberg, see 'Public education a force for social cohesion' published 16 March, 2026.