One of the nicest parts of Welcoming Week is hearing back from the people who made it happen. From Nundah State School Community Hub came photos of an English class, people chatting over morning tea, and a Welcome Wall full of handwritten messages.

The Hub celebrated on Friday 11 September, bringing together participants from Malaysia, China, Brazil, Nepal, India, Iran, Japan and Australia. Their English teacher, Maryann, talked with the group about this year’s theme, Belonging Is Everyone’s Business, and what it means to feel welcome and connected.

There was a poster of the theme on display and a reflection sheet for everyone to share a little of their own experience. “I feel welcome when…” was the beginning of one sentence, with space to think about a person, a place, a word or a small act that had made a difference. Another question asked about a place they called home. It could be a house or a country, a park, a school, a neighbourhood or a community.

The group also made a Welcome Wall together, inviting everyone to leave a message. “Saying hello to someone new,” someone wrote. “Smile, show kindness, help if needed,” added another. Other messages spoke about helping one another and making people feel safe and comfortable. Beneath them, people signed their names.

School Principal Kerry Taylor came by to warmly welcome everyone and spend some time talking with the group. The organiser was especially pleased about the visit, telling us it had made the occasion even more special. Police Liaison Officers joined them too, sharing useful information about scams and staying safe.

Afterwards, there was morning tea and time to keep talking. In the photos, cups and plates share the classroom tables with notebooks and worksheets, with people gathered around them.

“It was a simple but meaningful celebration,” the organiser wrote to us, “and it was wonderful to see our multicultural participants coming together, sharing their experiences and creating a sense of belonging.”

The Welcome Wall is something the group can now share with people beyond the class. The Hub is planning to put it on display for the wider community, so the messages written that Friday can offer a welcome to someone who wasn’t there.