Harmony, as celebrated during Harmony Day and Harmony Week, promotes inclusivity, respect, and a sense of belonging for all, embracing the richness of cultural diversity. It connects to Lent through the themes of reflection, reconciliation, and love for others, reminding us to grow in compassion, forgiveness, and unity as we work towards fostering peace within our communities.
We would like to acknowledge the Jaara people, the traditional custodians of the land on which we are meeting today, we acknowledge ancestors and elders past, present and emerging and commit ourselves to work actively for reconciliation and justice.
A quiet moment to pause, breathe, and bring our hearts and minds into God’s presence, preparing ourselves to pray with focus, gratitude, and openness.
1. Set the Atmosphere (1 minute)
Invite everyone to sit comfortably and take a deep breath in… and out.
Encourage them to relax their shoulders and gently close their eyes if they feel comfortable.
2. Scripture Reading (1 minute)
Read Galatians 3:28 slowly and meaningfully:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Pause for a few seconds to let the words sink in.
3. Guided Breathing Reflection (2 minutes)
Inhale (through the nose): Think of a time you felt welcomed, loved, or included.
Exhale (through the mouth): Send out that same love and kindness to someone else.
Inhale: Imagine the diversity of the world—different cultures, languages, and traditions—all loved by God.
Exhale: Breathe out any division, judgment, or fear.
Repeat for three more breaths, then allow a few moments of silence before gently closing the activity.
1. Introduction (30 seconds)
Share: “This song reminds us that while we all come from different places, we are connected as one human family. As we listen, let’s reflect on how we can live out unity and kindness in our daily lives.”
2. Listening & Reflection (2-3 minutes)
Play the video.
Encourage participants to focus on the lyrics and let the message of inclusion and togetherness settle in.
Optional: Ask them to close their eyes or place their hand on their heart as they listen.
3. Silent Moment & Closing Thought (30 seconds)
After the song, pause for a moment of silence.
Say: “May we carry this spirit of unity and harmony with us today.”
A quiet moment to pause, listen, and open our hearts to God, allowing His presence to guide our thoughts, deepen our faith, and inspire us to live with love and kindness.
This Lent Prayer is a reflection on the season of Lent, focusing on growing closer to God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It begins with centering oneself in God’s presence and encourages self-discipline, kindness, and spiritual growth. The prayer includes Prayers of the Faithful, asking for strength, forgiveness, and gratitude, reminding us to be our best selves and to prepare our hearts for Easter.
Click on the picture to the left, or the link above to access the prayer.
Sesame Street: What is Racism? | #ComingTogether
In this clip, Chris from Sesame Street explains racism in simple terms, emphasizing that treating people unfairly because of their skin color is wrong and unfair.
Reflection Questions:
What does racism mean, and why is it unfair?
How can we stand up for someone who is treated unfairly because of their race?
What are some ways we can make sure everyone feels included and respected in our school?
What is Diversity?
This educational video explains the concept of diversity in simple terms, helping children understand why it's important to accept and appreciate differences among people.
Reflection Questions:
Why is it important to have people from different backgrounds in our community?
How can we celebrate and learn from our differences?
What is one thing you can do to make someone from a different background feel welcome?
Amy's Diary (a study of racism)
This short film presents a narrative exploring the impact of racism on individuals, serving as a discussion starter for understanding the personal effects of discriminatory behavior and the importance of empathy and inclusion.
Reflection Questions:
How did racism affect Amy in the video, and how do you think she felt?
What can we do if we see someone being treated unfairly because of their race?
How would you explain to a friend why racism is wrong?
The School That Tried to End Racism
This Australian documentary series follows a school program aimed at addressing racial bias among students. It provides valuable insights into understanding and combating racism.
Reflection Questions:
What did the students in the video learn about racism and bias?
How can we challenge our own biases and treat everyone fairly?
What is one action you can take to make your school a more inclusive place?
A moment to open our hearts to God, whether in asking for guidance, strength, and help or in giving thanks for His blessings, love, and presence in our lives.
Thanksgiving prompts
Thank You, God, for giving me…
Thank You, God, for helping me…
Thank You, God, for the people who…
Thank You, God, for the beauty of…
Thank You, God, for the lessons I learn when…
Thank You, God, for always…
Thank You, God, for the moments when…
Thank You, God, for the strength to…
Thank You, God, for Your love that…
Thank You, God, for the joy of…
Asking prompts
Please, God, help me to…
Please, God, give me the courage to…
Please, God, guide me when…
Please, God, help me to be more…
Please, God, show me how to…
Please, God, help me to forgive…
Please, God, remind me to…
Please, God, be with me when…
Please, God, give me the wisdom to…
Please, God, teach me to…
Regular prayers
God, please watch over and heal those who are sick, especially…
I am thankful for the love and support of my family and friends, especially…
Lord, help those who are feeling lonely or sad to know they are loved, including…
God, please give strength and courage to people who are facing difficult times, such as…
Thank you for the beauty of creation and the many blessings in my life, like…
Our Father Prayer
Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Five Finger Prayer - a guided prayer, helping to think wider than themselves
Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Hail Mary for Children in Song
A fun way for kids to learn the Hail Mary with song.
Mary, Our Heavenly Mother, Pray for Us! | Let's Pray with Tomkin
Let's pray the HAIL MARY with Tomkin the Catholic Cowboy. A most beautiful prayer to honor Our Lady, the Mother of God! Mary, Our Heavenly Mother, Pray for Us!
Father,
We believe that St Kilian’s School is a great place to learn and have fun.
We trust our school community will continue to welcome new members and will always help
and care for each other.
We thank you for the love and respect of our families, teachers and friends.
With Jesus as our model, may we grow to be the best people we can.
Amen.
Description
This routine outlines how students are expected to use their mini-whiteboards during instructional time.
When to Use
Whenever the class is using mini-whiteboards during whole-class instruction.
Purpose
This routine ensures students use their whiteboards efficiently without disrupting the flow of the lesson. It also allows teachers to quickly and easily assess every student’s understanding at a glance.
1. Teacher Explanation
Explain to students that there is a specific way to use their mini-whiteboards during lessons. Teachers should be familiar with the three key aspects of the routine:
🔹 ‘Park it’
Whiteboard placed in front of the student, with the marker and eraser on top.
🔹 ‘Ready in 1, 2, 3… Chin it!’
The countdown helps students prepare to show their boards.
All students should lift their boards to their chins upon hearing ‘Chin it!’
🔹 ‘Clean boards in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1’
Students quickly erase their boards, ensuring they are clean by the time the countdown reaches 1.
Let students practise the routine step by step before using it in lessons.
If students talk or do not follow an instruction correctly, repeat the specific element until it is done properly.
Problem Solving
Sometimes, problems at school—whether with friends, classmates, or learning—can feel tricky to solve on your own. That’s why your teachers are here! If something is making you upset, confused, or unsure, asking a teacher for help can make a big difference.
Teachers can help you:
🔹 Find fair and kind ways to solve conflicts.
🔹 Give advice on making good choices.
🔹 Support you when you feel worried or frustrated.
🔹 Make sure everyone feels safe and respected.
Asking for help is a smart and strong thing to do. You don’t have to handle everything alone—your teacher is here to listen and support you!
At St. Kilian's, we have a visual to help teach and remind us of what we can do when something is bothering us.
If something is bothering us we can;
Keep doing what I am doing.
This means to stay focussed on what I am doing. If that doesn't work, then try the next step.
I can move away.
This might mean moving away in another space in the room, or moving to a whole another new space.
This could also mean moving to another group of people.
If this doesn't work, then try the next step.
I can ask an adult for help.
If the first two steps didn't work, then you can ask an adult to help you solve your problem.
Harmony Day, observed annually on March 21 in Australia, is a celebration of the nation's cultural diversity, promoting inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone. Established in 1999, it coincides with the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The day encourages Australians to participate in various activities, such as cultural festivals, school events, and community gatherings, to appreciate and learn about different cultural backgrounds.
What does Harmony Day celebrate?
Why do you think it is important to be kind and respectful to everyone?
How do different cultures make our community more special?
Can you think of a time when you made someone feel included? How did it make you feel?
What are some ways we can show kindness and welcome new people into our school or community?
What does ‘everyone belongs’ mean to you?
What is one thing you learned from the video about Harmony Day?
Project Compassion is about helping people who don’t have what they need to live a happy and healthy life. It’s a special project that raises money to give food, water, shelter, and education to people in different parts of the world. When we take part in Project Compassion, we are showing kindness and care for others, just like Jesus teaches us to do.
Project Compassion 2025 is about helping people around the world who need food, clean water, and education. The video shows real stories of people from different countries who are working hard to make life better for their families and communities. It teaches us that when we work together and show kindness, we can help others have a fair chance at a happy and healthy life.
Toefuata'iga, (Toy-foo-ah-tah-ing-ah) a 13-year-old primary school student in Samoa, faced severe challenges and disruptions to her learning due to water scarcity. After Caritas Australia’s partner Caritas Samoa installed a 10,000 litre water tank at her school, Toefuata'iga and her classmates saw improved health, consistent attendance, and more opportunities to prioritise education.
What kind of work does Lam's family do in their village?
Why did Lam feel lonely?
What program did Lam join to help him learn new skills?
Which organisation supported Lam in completing his computer training?
How did Lam’s life change after completing the program?
The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy are acts of love and kindness that Jesus teaches us to do for others. They come from this Scripture passage, where Jesus reminds us that when we help those in need, we are also serving Him.
As a class, identify the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy and what they mean:
Feed the hungry – Give food to people who don’t have enough to eat.
Give drink to the thirsty – Provide clean water to those who need it.
Clothe the naked – Help those who don’t have enough clothes to stay warm and protected.
Welcome the stranger – Be kind and welcoming to people who feel alone or left out.
Visit the sick – Spend time with those who are unwell or support them in some way.
Visit the imprisoned – Show care for people who are in prison or feel trapped in their situation.
Bury the dead – Show respect for those who have passed away and support their loved ones.
Which Corporal Work of Mercy relates to Lam’s story?
What did I find challenging about learning Lam’s story?
How do I see myself in this story?
As a pilgrim of hope, where do I see hope in this story?
What is God asking of me now?
Then the King will say to those on His right, “Come, you are blessed by God! You will share in the kingdom prepared for you since the beginning of the world.
For I was hungry, and you gave me food.
I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink.
I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.
I needed clothes, and you gave me something to wear.
I was sick, and you cared for me.
I was in prison, and you visited me.”
Then the people will ask, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you? Or needing clothes and give you something to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?”
And the King will reply, “Whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers and sisters, you did for me."
During Lent, we are called to deepen our relationship with Jesus through three key practices: Fasting, Almsgiving, and Prayer. Below are some different ways you might explore these practices during Lent. You might like to use these practices in your daily routines.
Donate clothes, toys, or books to someone in need.
Give money or food to a local charity, food bank, or mission.
Offer to help a neighbour or family member without being asked.
Share your time by visiting someone who is lonely or writing a kind note to a friend.
Participate in school or parish fundraising efforts for those in need.
Do extra chores at home and donate your allowance to a good cause.
Be generous with kind words and encouragement to others.
Offer to sit with someone new at lunch or include them in a game.
Pray for people who are struggling, especially those without food or shelter.
Give up sweets, snacks, or soft drinks and offer that sacrifice to God.
Avoid video games or TV for a day and spend time helping others instead.
Skip complaining and choose gratitude instead.
Fast from unnecessary screen time and use the time for family or prayer.
Give up negative thoughts or gossip and focus on kind words.
Eat simpler meals and remember those who don’t have enough food.
Walk or bike instead of taking the car, appreciating God’s creation.
Avoid wasting food or water and be mindful of how you use resources.
Take a break from buying new things and appreciate what you already have.
Begin and end the day with a short prayer of thanks.
Say a prayer before meals, even silently.
Spend a few moments in quiet reflection or meditation each day.
Pray for family, friends, and those in need, including people you struggle with.
Read a Bible verse and think about how it applies to your life.
Write a list of things you are grateful for and thank God for them.
Create a prayer jar, writing down intentions and offering them to God.
Attend Mass or a prayer service with family or school.
Pray a decade of the Rosary or another simple prayer form.
Try journaling your prayers or drawing a picture to express your thoughts to God.