When the spring begins in Poland students celebrate it by having a so-called Truant's Day. Then, they miss their classes to walk around the city and enjoy the first warm days. In our school, we prefer to celebrate the beginning of this season with a Talent Contest.
Spain
This month of March we had a fire drill.The building was evacuated in an orderly, fast and without incident.After the evacuation we had thevisit of the firemen, who taught us how to behave before a real fire.They used hoses and fire extinguishers.It was a very instructive sesión. Our students, from Pre-Primary to 6th grade Primary, performed a magnificent behavior.
Bulgaria TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS
We have started the month with really intensive celebrations and initiatives. On first of March we've celebrated the traditional Bulgarian celebration of Baba Marta. Tradition dictates that Martenitsi are always given as gifts, not bought for oneself. They are given to loved ones, friends, and those people to whom one feels close. Beginning on the first of March, one or more are worn pinned to clothing, or around the wrist or neck, until the wearer sees a stork or swallow returning from migration, or a blossoming tree, and then removes the Martenitsa. Students were really excited because they love making, giving and receiving Martenitsi.
On third of March we are celebrating our National Celebration of Bulgaria. Students form first to seventh grade has prepared a small recital with songs, poems and historical information. It was really exciting for the smallest students because it was their first celebration for 3rd of March at school. We hope that this way students will preserve their patriotism and will save the memory for our glorious past.
ITALY 19 March - St. Joseph's Day
Everyone loves St. Joseph's Day in Italy and especially in Sicily. Joseph is the Patron Saint of Workers and the protector of the family, too. His reverence in Sicily comes from a time of drought on the Island back in the Middle Age and people prayed to St. Joseph to end the drought. They promised that if the drought ended they would prepare a feast in his honor to which everyone, especially the poor, would be invited. There are traditional dishes served, all of them especially good. And who are the guests? Who are the lucky ones to enjoy all this food? They are the ones whom St. Joseph would invite: the poor, the unfortunate, the halt and the blind. Sometimes the celebration is a cooperative village effort. The mayor and his cohorts set up the buffet tables in the open public square opposite the cathedral. Wealthy families contribute the food. Everyone is welcome to share in the feast which rich and poor receive the blessing of St. Joseph and his blessed food. The traditional Table includes the altar. The elements that compose the altar are: an image of St. Joseph, flowers, symbolically shaped bread, candles, fresh vegetables and fruit.What is included and how these elements are arranged depends on who is putting the altar together. Students took part in the preparation of the table with the help of the teachers and the group of Saint Joseph Association of Casteldaccia with the aim to preserve, share, keep alive the old traditions of our land.
TURKEY Adoption of Turkish National Anthem
The anniversary of l Turkish National Anthem (Istiklal Marsi in Turkish), written by M. Akif Ersoy and officially adopted by the Parliament on 12th of March 1921, was celebrated in our school by oratorio performances held by our students. A nationwide competition was held for selecting the national anthem of the new born Turkish Republic after the Turkish war of independence. A total of 724 poems were submitted to this event and the 10-verse poem written by Mehmet Akif Ersoy was adopted unanimously by the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Here are the lyrics of our anthem:
Fear not, the crimson flag, waving in these dawns will never fade Before the last heart that is burning in my nation vanishes. That is my nation's star, it will shine; That is mine, it belongs solely to my nation. Oh coy crescent do not frown for I am ready to sacrifice myself for you! Please smile upon my heroic nation, why that anger, why that rage? If you frown, our blood shed for you will not be worthy. Freedom is the right of my nation who worships God and seeks what is right.
Cyprus
March was a month dedicated to the environment. We planted trees and vegetables in the school yard, we had a lecture about composting and started to make our own compost and also we organized cleaning campaigns in the community and at school. We also urged our students to recycle plastic, paper, batteries, clothes and cooking oils. We are trying to keep our planet clean.