WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YEAR 3

Year 3 have been working on a unit in History about celebrations and commemorations. They have been learning about celebrations and commemorations of significance in Australia and around the world. They have described how significant individuals, groups and events have contributed to changes in the local community over time and the importance of symbols and emblems. 

The students completed an inquiry into different celebrations. Aiden, Antonia and Naea shared some of the things they have learnt over the last six weeks.

Aiden learnt about the festival of Diwali. It is a five-day festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness. Hindus across the world are celebrating Diwali. The five-day festival of lights is one of the most popular holidays in India, and Thursday is the main day of festivities, when the faithful pray to the Hindu goddess of wealth.

Naea learnt about Hanukkah, which is an eight day Jewish celebration known as commemorating the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. The Jewish people celebrate traditions such as lighting the menorah, playing the dreidel game, eating gelt, cooking and baking delicious food, and enjoying the fun of Hanukkah gifts. 

Antonia investigated Holi which is a Hindu festival that celebrates spring, love and new life. It is a colourful festival with dancing, singing and throwing of powder paint and colourful water. Holi is also known as the “festival of colours”. 

This unit of work culminated in a cultural awareness picnic. The students brought in foods from their own cultural background or other cultures to share with their classmates.