Parents and caregivers who came to school on Acquaintance Night will be aware that the theme for Greek this term is history—leading up to the History Festival in May celebrating South Australia’s 175th birthday, and the return of History as a subject in the new National Australian Curriculum.
We will be looking to practise our communication skills in Greek and English with a view to older students interviewing Greek migrants to South Australia. This will link with oral history of Old Scholars for student-led tours of the School on the morning of Thursday 19th May.
Younger students will practise these skills in role play form, and all students will become familiar with the use of Greek font on computers at Sturt Street. Children have a strong interest in Ancient Greek mythology and Aesop’s Fables, which will also be a way we use to discover history.
With improved access to the O’Brien Street premises on the completion of the new hall, and the hall itself, we will have more opportunity to do Greek dance, cooking and art, particularly on Wednesdays, so any parent volunteers for these activities would be appreciated. Greek background children will have lessons with Kathy Xanthis on alternate Fridays.
In the heat of January it seems relevant to discuss the importance of the sea
(η θάλασσα, pronounced thàlassa) in Greece and Australia, and to learn the names of some of the creatures which live within it. Older children looked at a dead shark containing an egg case and drew it in charcoal, as the examples below show.
Kathleen Patitsas – LOTE teacher
