Mrs. Garlow's Classroom Blog

Happy Naw Ruz,  Holi,  and Purim!

Naw Ruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the New Year in the Iranian calendar.  It is the holiday of spring and renewal, celebrated by millions of people worldwide and dates back thousands of years.  We are very grateful to have had parent volunteers create two displays of Naw Ruz for us in the front foyer.  One is in the display case on the main floor and the other is outside of the learning commons on the"Haft-seen" (seven 'S's) table setting.  Please come and have a look at the beautiful display.  There is a QR Code on the table outside of the learning commons that can be scanned to connect to a short video explaining the items and their significance.

A student sharing about the items on the Haft-seen table.

Purim is a festive Jewish holiday that celebrates the story of Queen Esther outwitted Haman.  Jewish kids around the world celebrate this holiday by dressing in costume, eating hamantaschen (triangular prune cookies), and giving to the less fortunate by doing a "mitzvah".  This year the celebration falls on March 20th.  Students are invited to wear a costume, bring a non-perishable food item and join in a read-aloud in the learning commons during snack recess tomorrow.


Holi is undoubtedly one of the most colourful festivals in the world and is celebrated by Hindus across Northern India.  It involves throwing coloured powder at one another which pays tribute to the many hues of the spring season as well as events from Hindu mythology.  Usually lasting a full day and night.  The festival is a gloriously colourful and happy celebration of the end of winter and the spring growing season.  We will be offering coloured sand art in the learning commons on Thursday during snack recess to celebrate this colourful tradition.