Well today is Australia Day.

As Australians, we celebrate this day every year on the 26th of January. Australia day is a public holiday in every state and territory of Australia and commemorates the establishment of the first settlement at Port Jackson in 1788 – which is now part of Sydney in N.S.W. 

Australia day, is a day when all Australians celebrate what being Australian means to them. It is a day to focus on our country, our culture our food, family and friendships. Every Australian celebrates this occasion in their own unique way. On Australia day right around the country you will find a mixture of huge get-togethers and Australia Day events, as well as many backyard gatherings with a more intimate feel , celebrating with just family and friends.

January 26th is all about connections and community.

So were ever you are, may you enjoy your day as much as we will enjoy ours – here at home. The day is young still, but we intend to share it with family and hopefully a few friends along with our BBQ, some ‘Aussie Rock’ and a lot of laughter.

Happy Australia Day to you!

Note: Extra Info!

Want to join in an event close to home? then check this out for whats on in your area – Australia Day Events

Interested in learning more about the history of Australia Day? then why not check this out - Celebrating Australia: A History of Australia Day

Looking for something for your children to enjoy related to Australia day? Then check these out – Australia Day Activity Sheets for Kids and more Activities plus these drawings to colour in!

Need something educational? – TRUE BLUE? ON BEING AUSTRALIAN Teaching and learning activities

We have been trying to get Nik to use scissors correctly and as such she has taken to cutting shapes and creatures out of paper to enjoy and play with. Some of the creations she comes up with are just gorgeous. She always gives them a name and everyone has to meet them.

Here are some of her latest additions to our home and her play friends!

Mr Monster

Happy Face

Well we have been busy over the last three weeks working on our subject of China. The children have enjoyed watching a variety of documentaries related to the country. Most days we have also focused on a different activity or craft related to China.

Some of the things we have created include:

Chinese Word searches and Games

Chinese Colouring Ins

Chinese Dragons from Handprints

Chinese Lanterns

Lucky Chinese Envelopes

Large Chinese Dragon

Chinese Paper Dolls

Chinese Masks

Chinese Writing

Chinese fact Finding

Chinese Meal – Fried Rice

Chinese Mobile

Chinese New Year Dragon

Here is a picture of some of our work!

Nik's work

Jah's Work

Our Next country and theme is Japan, where we will be exploring this for a three week period, so keep an eye out for some of the things we get up too!

Today we utilised our ‘Ticket of Leave’ to visit Port Arthur with Babcia. She has wanted to go there every time she has visited with us, So today was her lucky day!

I just love the Irish dancing and in our quest to learn all about Ireland, we came across a number of videos in which Irish dancing was the main focus. But this one was one we liked the most so decided to share it with you all.

An Old Irish Blessing

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world,
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons,
bring the best to you and yours!

The Irish family that we have started writing too live in County Kerry in the west of Ireland. Thankfully after a lot of searching we managed to find a good video made by Tourism Ireland that is all about this majestic part of Ireland. We thought we would also share this one with you all too.

I guess we should look for a great video about Tasmania so we can send them a link to see what our neck of the woods looks like!

Until then, here is a peak at County Kerry in Ireland.

Well we have continued our search for further insight into Ireland. The following video again shows how beautiful the country is. We thought we would share it with you. I think the next thing we will start to do as part of our home learning is a project on the country and also try our hand at some Celtic crafts.

Here is the video for you:

As part of our homeschooling and life in general, we have started writing to another family who live in Ireland. We are all very excited to be able to communicate with others in a different country and to learn all about where they come from, their lives, culture, customs and more. It is going to be very exciting getting to know them and sharing our daily lives with each other through the written word.

In eagerness we have been looking for some information on Ireland and came across the following Youtube Video. Which put simply shows us what a stunning country they live in. We hope you enjoy this glimpse of Ireland as much as we have!

A Irish Blessing just for you

May you live a long life
Full of gladness and health,
With a pocket full of gold
As the least of you wealth.
May the dreams you hold dearest,
Be those which come true,
The kindness you spread,
Keep returning to you.