There are many highlights on the yearly calendar at Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School, but few bring the joy and collaboration of Harmony Day.

Principal Narelle Vazquez summed up this year’s event, which involved the entire school.

“It was a brilliant day filled with smiles, learning, and positive energy that really brought our school community closer together,” Ms Vazquez said.

As students arrived, student leaders greeted their schoolmates proudly, holding flags from all around the world, setting a welcoming mood that highlighted the diversity at the school.

Staff and students joined in the fun by wearing cultural dress or adding bright pops of orange to their uniforms.

In their homerooms, students took a moment to explore what Harmony Day is all about and participated in a Kahoot quiz, a great way to get everyone involved and thinking about the themes of the day.

"Harmony Day celebrates many different cultures and I love the diversity it brings to our school community, through languages, dance, food, art, music, and cultural dress,” said Head Teacher Welfare, Cathy Kennaugh.

“It's time out for our students to celebrate, share and appreciate the differences that gives us strength as one community," she said.

At lunchtime, the quad was buzzing with activity. There were stalls where students lined up to get beautiful Henna designs, embracing different cultural traditions.

The Haka Warrior group served up a variety of tasty food from the school's new outdoor kitchen, while encouraging language learning with signs showing helpful phrases for ordering.

Two teachers set up a colourful pride table, where students sold bracelets and rainbow-themed treats, adding to the inclusive vibe of the day.

Vice-Captain Sumedh Mudlapur said the day was awesome.

"Harmony Day gave us an opportunity to express ourselves and the cultures that we proudly represent.”

“And I learnt a lot about other cultures."

Prefect Aadhya Shandilya said the togetherness of the day was made it so special.

"Coming to a school that is diverse and inclusive in all cultures it gave us opportunity to represent ourselves and learn about others.”