February
Random Acts of Kindness Day
Each year on 17th February, National Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated by individuals, groups and organisations nationwide to encourage acts of kindness. How about setting up a challenge in your classroom for the week and see just how kind your students can be?
March
Harmony Week
Harmony Week is a great opportunity to recognise that inclusiveness is an Australian value. If possible, the Aussie of the Month could be presented in a Harmony Week assembly, with a student from a diverse background given the opportunity to tell their story, or for a student to be recognised for their effort in including all.
May
National Reconciliation Week
Here in Australia we’re fortunate enough to have one of the richest and oldest continuing cultures in the world. Each year National Reconciliation Week (NRW) celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians.
June
World Environment Day
World Environment Day is the United Nations’ most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment. Since it began in 1974, it has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated in over 100 countries.
World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day is a day to honour refugees around the world. It is an opportunity to learn about the reasons people may need to flee their homes, build empathy and understanding for their plight, and recognise their resilience in rebuilding their lives.
World Refill Day
World Refill Day on 16 June is a global campaign aiming to prevent plastic pollution and help people live with less waste. It encourages people to help make single-use plastics a thing of the past, by refilling and reusing bottles and containers.
July
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week is held in the first full week of July. It's a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society. The Aussie of the Month could be linked to a NAIDOC Week assembly through considering a student who has embraced learning about the Indigenous culture.
National Tree Day
National Tree Day and Schools Tree Day combine to make Australia's biggest community tree-planting and nature care event. Each year, around 200 000 Australian students participate in a special National Tree Day event designed just for children!
Students could raise funds to contribute to purchasing a tree. The class then plants the tree within the school grounds on National Tree Day.
August
National Book Week
Each year, schools and public libraries across Australia spend a week celebrating books, and Australian authors and illustrators. Teachers and librarians conduct activities relating to a theme to highlight the importance of reading. Book Week can be linked to the Aussie of the Month award, perhaps through giving consideration to a student who has been making a strong effort to read.
September
Australian Citizenship Day
Each year, 17th September is Australian Citizenship Day and a special day to reflect on and celebrate being an Australian citizen. Australian citizenship is more than just a legal status. It is our common bond that represents our shared democratic beliefs and gives us a sense of belonging and pride in our achievements as a nation. This day contributes to educating students and bring greater cultural awareness, a sense of social unity and belonging for all Australians.
RUOK? Day
R U OK? Day takes place on the second Thursday of September every year. It’s our national day of action when we remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” if someone in your world is struggling with life’s ups and downs. Ask students to think of ways they can ask a mate how they’re doing and what it means to support a friend.
October
National Water Week
National Water Week provides an opportunity to remind ourselves and teach others that access to clean water is hugely important to every aspect of our lives, and we must do our utmost to protect our water environments and resources, use water wisely and respect its importance in our societies.
November
International Day of Tolerance
National Recycling Week
On the day of its fiftieth anniversary, 16 November 1995, THE United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted a Declaration of Principles on Tolerance. Among other things, the Declaration affirms that tolerance is neither indulgence nor indifference. It is respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human.
Did you know that by 2050 there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish? Plastic recycling is an extremely important value that needs to be taught to kids to engage them in active recycling practice at school and at home. There are many ways to raise awareness on recycling plastics and fun and meaningful activities that the students can get involved.