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

Heritage NSW inspects Paragon Café as emergency works get underway

The Paragon Café in Katoomba has taken its first meaningful steps toward preservation following a recent on-site inspection by Heritage NSW.

Māori-Greek artist’s tribute to ancestors lights up Manhattan billboard

Māori-Greek artist Jimmy James Kouratoras has made a striking return to New York, with his painting Hei Tiki – For the Love of Our Ancestors.

Extraordinary Australians wanted for nation’s highest award

Now is the time to give recognition by nominating who you think should be considered for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.

European Parliament backs resolution to protect Christian minorities in Syria

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution by overwhelming majority calling for the protection of Christian minorities in Syria.

Konstantinos Argiros delivers emotional first-ever performance in Constantinople

One of Greece’s top pop stars, Konstantinos Argiros, performed in Turkey for the first time on July 10, delivering a sold-out concert.

You May Also Like

Australian rally rider finishes strong at gruelling Hellas Rally despite broken bones

Andrew Houlihan overcame a serious crash and injuries to finish strongly in the second round of the FIM European TT Rally Championship.

All Saints Grammar brings a taste of Greece to Sydney with taverna night

All Saints Grammar community came together on Saturday, November 12 for the school's annual taverna night celebrating Greek culture.

Greek cultural festival makes triumphant return to Preston Market

On Sunday, April 7, the beloved Greek cultural festival returned to the Preston Market from 10 am to 3 pm. Read more here.