Celebrating Australian citizenship in schools
Australian citizenship ceremonies recognise and celebrate our shared Australian values and national identity. Exploring citizenship in the classroom provides a unique and personal learning experience for students.
Below are a number of practical classroom resources available to download to assist teachers to engage with students on the topic of Australian citizenship.
Welcome message
Writing a message of welcome is one way students can embrace new Australian citizens.
These videos can be used to provide guidance and inspiration for your welcome message activity.
Student:
In the heart of our communities, a simple gesture can make a world of difference.
Welcome messages created by students for our newest Australian citizens are a unique way to extend a warm embrace to those who have chosen to call Australia home.
Student:
These messages can embody the spirit of inclusivity and our shared Australian values.
Student (reading the welcome message):
I'm happy to have come to Australia. Whoever gets this, I promise you'll absolutely love it here. Congrats on becoming a citizen.
Student:
For these new citizens, the welcome messages are a cherished gift, a keepsake of their special day.
Through this simple yet profound gesture, students, schools and local councils come together to celebrate diversity, and unity in our communities.
Student:
Your school or community group can also help make a citizenship ceremony an unforgettable moment of welcome and acceptance.
Student:
Activity guides and templates for welcome messages can be found on our website for your school or community group to write messages for the next citizenship ceremony in your community.
A few kind words can leave a lasting impression and help make someone's first day as an Australian citizen truly special. Visit citizenship.gov.au/schools
Narrator
Students across Australia are writing letters of welcome to new citizens.
Ash
Dear new Australian citizen, Welcome! I am so glad you have chosen Australia as your home.
Thank you for sharing your culture, ideas, food and stories. You make our country richer.
Love Ash.
Abby
G’Day,
I hope you will love Australia as much as I do. We have lots of friendly people and cool
animals, And Vegemite really isn’t that scary!
Luv, Abby.
Koen
Hi new Aussie,
I’m glad you’re here and I’m giving you a big welcome hug through this message.
You are now part of Australia’s long history.
From Koen.
Narrator
Your letter could be given to a new Australian citizen at a citizenship ceremony. Your message will reach out a hand of friendship and embrace new citizens as part of your community.
Welcome!
Welcome!
Welcome!
Download the welcome message template at citizenship.gov.au/schools
Word Search
Bunting
Chatterbox
These fun
chatterboxes feature questions and answers about Australian citizenship. They are an engaging way to learn facts about Australian citizenship. Order free products
There are a number of citizenship promotional products available to either download or order online for your classroom.
If you wish to order citizenship products, please go to
Ordering Citizenship Products.
Videos
The Department has prepared a number of engaging and informative videos on Australian citizenship, including active citizenship, exploring the Australian Affirmation, the Australian citizenship pledge, and personal citizenship stories from everyday Australians and high profile Australians, including Terri Irwin.
Active citizenship – Active citizenship is about getting involved in your local community and displaying values such as respect, inclusion and helping others. These videos explore active citizenship through the Aussie of the Month and Local Hero awards and what it means to be an Australian Citizen.
Australian Affirmation – This video features primary school students exploring what the Australian affirmation is and breaks the Affirmation down line-by-line to discuss the meaning behind the words and concept.
Australian citizenship pledge – This video features ceremony footage of new citizens making the pledge of commitment to Australia which allows for discussion of the meaning behind the words and concept.
Citizenship stories – Videos from everyday and high profile Australians discussing what becoming an Australian citizen means to them.
Aussie of the Month Recognition Program
Sign up for the Aussie of the Month program, which is a free primary school recognition program. The program recognises primary school students’ personal achievements and contributions, while reflecting on the Australian values we share such as a fair go, mateship, inclusion and respect. To read more and to register your school visit the
Aussie of the Month website.
Watch the Aussie of the Month video
