The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) Saturday Schools, in collaboration with pastry chef Fay from Cake on the Road, at Clemton Park transformed the classroom into a festive bakery this week as students learned to make the beloved Greek Christmas sweets – kourambiedes and melomakarona.
Dressed in colourful Christmas outfits, students from Preschool, Kindergarten, and Years 1 to 4 rolled up their sleeves, tied on their aprons, and got straight to work.
With flour flying, dough kneading, and trays filling with different shapes, the atmosphere was filled with laughter, excitement, and the unmistakable aroma of tradition.
As they baked, the children burst into a spirited rendition of Jingle Bells in Greek, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas in the heritage language.
Parents watched proudly as their children learned hands-on the cultural stories and traditions behind the iconic Christmas treats. The room was alive with joy, chatter, and the kind of festive energy that creates lasting childhood memories.
“This was the best day ever! I had no idea making kourambiedes could be so much fun – and so messy!” said Konstantinos, beaming with a big smile and covered in icing sugar.
Nikos Skordas expressed deep appreciation for the experience, saying: “It is truly wonderful that the Greek Orthodox Community continues to maintain and sustain our Greek culture and language. Bringing real-life cultural traditions into the classroom helps our children understand, feel, and live their heritage. Congratulations to the teachers and the Community for providing such meaningful experiences.”
Pastry chef Fay also shared her joy in contributing to the day: “Keeping our cultural traditions alive – especially at Christmas – is so important. Teaching children how to make these sweets is more than a recipe; it’s a connection to family, memory, and identity. I’m honoured to bring this experience to the students.”
Once the baking was done, the students tasted the “real deal,” each enjoying a freshly made kourambie and melamakarono – much to the delight (and envy!) of teachers and fellow students across the Saturday Schools.
It was a day filled with fun, connection, and cultural pride – an authentic learning experience that brought Greek Christmas traditions to life.
*Photos by Vasilis Vasilas
