Sunnybank State High School (SSHS) students have claimed victory again in the annual Harmony Day Community Shield Football Match this morning. This victory rounds off a hat-trick of wins for the school with the victors taking down South Brisbane District’s finest with an incredible 8-1 drubbing on a hot and humid morning.
The epic sporting match is the final event in a week full of activities that celebrate the diverse communities and cultures that make up Australia.
The SSHS team consisted of eight different communities with students from Afghanistan, Kenya, Guinea, Tanzania, Somalia, Iraq, Indonesia, and of course Australia.
During the formal presentations South Brisbane District Officer, Acting Chief Superintendent Mick Niland said he would like to thank SSHS for allowing police to celebrate Harmony Day with them.
"Harmony Day is about sharing our cultural heritage and promoting inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone," Acting Chief Superintendent Niland said.
"The message of Harmony Day is ‘everyone belongs’ and the day aims to engage people to participate in their community, respect cultural and religious diversity and foster sense of belonging for everyone.
"This football match has become an annual tradition during the school’s Harmony Week celebrations and I am told it is something the students look forward to all term.
"These events symbolise inclusivity and a genuine sense of belonging and respect for all."
Acting Chief Superintendent Niland emphasised the significance that community and togetherness plays within the school.
"One of the core values of Sunnybank State High School is inclusion and diversity so it is pleasing to hear that during Harmony Week, students, staff, and the community come together and celebrate the richness of diversity and the sense of belonging," Acting Chief Superintendent Niland said.
Sunnybank State High School Principal Tracey Cook said the students and staff have been celebrating Harmony Day by showcasing cultural backgrounds and traditions through music, dance, food, crafts and fashion.
"The culminating event to our Harmony Week of activities is the inaugural soccer match between the students of SSHS and QPS," Principal Cook said.
"The event captured the essence of Harmony Day, empowering the students, staff, QPS and wider community to join together to celebrate our country’s cultural diversity."
