Date: Thu, 10 Sep 1998 13:51:25 +1000

Dear Epals,

Another important religious occasion, for us, is Christmas. It celebrates the birth of Jesus, son of God.

Christmas occurs in the middle of summer on the 25 of December, the second week of school holidays, which last for six weeks.

Even though it is summer we still celebrate with traditional hot food. For breakfast we have ham and eggs while for dinner we have turkey, chicken and vegetables and for desert we have plum pudding and ice cream.

Everyone in Australia celebrates Christmas by decorating their house with a Christmas tree. Christmas parties are held at work places, schools and with the neighbours.

Christmas is also celebrated by the giving of presents and Christmas cards with joyous greetings and best wishes inside.

We go on holidays at the end of next week, for a two week break, and will e-mail you after we come back.

from
Meagan, Cayla, Jayde and Brad
Andergrove State School
Mackay, Queensland
Australia

Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1998 14:34:04 +1000

Dear Friends

We have written about one of our important religious days - Easter.

Easter is one of our religious celebrations . Easter is usually on the first Sunday after the first full moon after March 21 . This year Easter fell between the 10 and 12 of March. Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus . On Easter Sunday we celebrate his rising .

On Easter parents give their children chocolate eggs . These symbolise new life . Children are told they are bought by the Easter bunny.

Ayla
Andergrove State School
Mackay, Queensland
Australia

Dear Friends,

Australia Day is set aside to commemorate the arrival of Captain Arthur Phillip and the first fleet at Sydney Cove on the 26 January 1788 . On the day of his arrival Captain Phillip proclaimed the area that became the Colony of New South Wales and part of the British Commonwealth . The day can not be regarded as the Nations Birthday as the Aboriginal people had

inhabited the land thousands of years before the fleet arrived.

Special celebrations associated with Australia Day which is a public holiday include the presentation of Australia Day Citizen and Young Awards and naturalisation and citizenship ceremonies for emmigrants from countries including India.

From your friend in Australia
Stacey (girl)
Andergrove State School
Mackay, Queensland
Australia

Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1998 14:43:06 +1000

Dear Friends,

We thought it was very interesting reading about Raksha Bandhan. So we think you may be interested in reading about two of our celebrations which are mothers day and fathers day.

Mothers day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Mothers day started in America. On mothers day we wear a white flower to celebrate the day. Children usually give their mothers flowers, presents and a card.

Fathers day is the first Sunday in September. Fathers day started in the U.S.A. On fathers day some children give their fathers presents and a card.

Your Friends,
Ryan, Cassie and Tamarra.
Andergrove State School
Mackay, Queensland
Australia