The national event, which returns each year on March 21, centres around Australia’s cultural diversity, encouraging a sense of inclusiveness, respect and belonging for everyone.

Maitland Public School will be among the list of childcare centres, schools, community groups, churches, businesses and government agencies celebrating the event today.

Children and teachers are painting their school orange – the colour of Harmony Day.

Classroom teacher Alison Thomson said the event was all about acceptance and reflecting on how to be a kind person.

“The kids celebrate it too and I wanted to make that known to the rest of the community,” she said.

“It’s all about human nature – that even though other people may look different, we still treat them the same way.”

Ms Thomson said children were surrounded by many cultures as Australia, Maitland, and even their school became increasingly multicultural.

“It’s expanding their knowledge of what’s out there in the world,” she said.

“People do things so differently and you don’t know that unless you go exploring.

“Harmony Day’s a great way to explore other cultures and the other ways things can be done, and that’s great for kids to learn.”

In the lead up to today, pupils have been working through a variety of Harmony Day activities.

“They have been reading certain books that encourage that notion as well about acceptance and belonging,” Ms Thomson said.

“The main thing I hope to achieve is just for the kids to be aware of other cultures.

“This is something I want the kids to remember – to be appreciate of what’s out there, and to be appreciative of one another.

“I see kids going out of their way to make new children feel welcome too.”

Harmony Day was established in 1999. Orange was chosen to represent Harmony Day because orange traditionally signifies social communication and meaningful conversations.