GCM schools celebrate Apokries and Clean Monday

·

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Schools recently celebrated Apokries and Clean Monday with a series of activities and events both inside and outside the classroom. These events gave students the chance to experience these important days in Greek tradition.

Apokries
Students dressed in costumes.

During the celebrations, students and teachers revived customs and traditions from all over Greece, bringing a Greek flavor to the Carnival and Clean Monday festivities. Each school organised events from Friday, March 15 to Tuesday, March 19.

Apokries Greek school event
Students participating in activities for Apokries.

Students and teachers discussed the meaning of Clean Monday and Lent, and brought traditional customs to life, such as the Vlach “Shaving of the groom”, the Pontian “Koukaras”, and the Macedonian “Haskas”. They danced around the “gaitanaki”, flew kites, shared fasting foods, and experienced the atmosphere of the celebrations as they’re done in Greece.

Apokries Greek school event
Students dancing gaitanaki.

These events are consistently included in GCM School’s program because the school recognizes their importance in deepening students’ connections with their Greek origins and roots. They understand that forming an identity is a complex process that involves both spiritual and emotional growth and can be achieved by connecting theoretical knowledge to shared experiences.

Apokries Greek school event
Students flew kites for Clean Monday.

Guided by the principles of holistic approach and experiential learning, which are included in the educational planning of the Victorian Ministry of Education, GCM Schools strive to develop a dynamic learning program that focuses on students, encourages their active involvement in the educational process, enriches their linguistic and cultural experiences, develops bonds between class members, and ultimately creates communities.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

GOCNSW farewells long-serving General Manager Alkis Dracopoulos

The Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) has lost an esteemed member of its team with the retirement of General Manager.

Heroic 10-man South Melbourne stun Altona Magic to keep finals dream alive

Against all odds, South Melbourne FC achieved a heroic 2–0 victory over Altona Magic over the weekend, hopeful for a spot in the playoffs.

Ambassador Duncan and Papastergiadis join Panathinaikos BC for jersey launch

EuroLeague club Panathinaikos BC AKTOR has unveiled a specially designed jersey to be worn exclusively during Pavlos Giannakopoulos.

Malaysian fugitive allegedly hiding in China using Greek alias and forged Australian passport

Fugitive Malaysian Jho Low is reportedly living in China under Greek alias Constantinos Achilles Veis using a forged Australian passport.

Greek water polo teams storm into World Championship semifinals

Greece’s men’s and women’s national water polo teams have both reached the semifinals of World Championships after quarterfinal victories.

You May Also Like

White Pearl Foundation to hold fifth annual Breakfast for Brain Cancer

The White Pearl Foundation on Friday, May 19, in support of brain cancer patients, is holding the 5th Annual Breakfast for Brain Cancer.

Ice cream in Greece among Europe’s most expensive

Ice cream in Greece is becoming a costly pleasure with a liter selling for at least 3.7 euros in 2023, among Europe's most expensive.

Remembering Greek singer Dimitris Mitropanos

Greek legendary singer Dimitris Mitropanos passed away on April 17, 2012 at the age of 64.