Harmony Forum

Lighthouse Christian College, Victoria

By Emanuele Cicchiello, Teacher

Harmony Forum background

Lighthouse College students from years 10 and 11 and Year 10 students from Westall Secondary College participated in a Harmony Forum held in the chapel at Lighthouse College. Lighthouse Christian College was able to transport the Westall students to the Harmony Forum using the Celebrating Democracy Week 2006 School Grant. The guest speakers included the Honourable Robert Doyle, former Opposition Leader in the State Parliament of Victoria, Senator Mitch Fifield, Senator Julian McGauran and Senior Constable Leanne Cooper from Victoria Police.

Forum goals

1. To build awareness among secondary school students on the topic of democracy with a particular focus on maintaining harmony in the community
2. To continue to develop interschool relationships with Westall Secondary College
3. To celebrate a wealth of cultural diversity in the community of both schools represented
4. To recognise and protect the stable democracy we have in Australia and the issues which may impact on this

The event

The various speakers covered the topics of courtesy, civility, our fragile democracy, proactive policing and the damage that can be done to harmony through lack of care. A student participant addressed the forum on behalf of the students, and emphasised the need to contribute positively to the community in order to maintain harmony.

After the speakers addressed the forum students were able to ask questions of the various panel members.

Questions were put to Leanne Cooper about the challenges faced by police in maintaining harmony.

Senator McGauran was asked what three things he would change in the world to make it a better place. He responded after considerable thought that he would make the Christian faith available to those who wished to know and learn about it.

Mr Doyle was asked for his views on the merits of introducing harmony into the curriculum as a subject.

All in all there were many students who contributed, and, while the discussion drew some passionate responses at times, it allowed all present to reflect on the democracy that we live in.

The forum participants shared a lunch, and it was a great opportunity for students to mingle and get to know each other. At one stage there was even a 'dance off' taking place, which attracted a large crowd.

Student outcomes and evaluation

Students from both groups were asked during lunch to give feedback on the forum. Most students agreed that the guest speakers were worthwhile; however, some of the students wished that they could have discussed other issues which were of immediate relevance to young people in Victoria, such as the newly introduced ‘Hoon laws’.

The students enjoyed mixing and getting to know their peers. They also appreciated being in casual clothes so that there was no obvious distinction between the schools.

Event preparation and implementation

The event involved around five working hours of preparation including calling the various guests and sending them via email the intended program. Time release for years 10 and 11 students was negotiated, and staff assistance was coordinated for the event. The local paper was also contacted to publicise the event. Working together with the  school's promotions officer we were able to use our contacts to find a sponsor for the lunch, which we also needed to ensure promoted healthy eating.

Conclusion

The day was an enormous success given the feedback from both staff and students. We were able to develop a link with the local secondary college, while also covering an important community issue which impacts on us all.

The guest speakers were delighted that they could contribute to the curriculum and ensure that Democracy and Harmony were brought to life in the context of the forum. Overall it was a worthwhile exercise in community building and breaking down perceived barriers between government and non-government schools.