51ɬɬÎÝapp

Who doesn’t love a celebration? They provide us with a chance to bond, share traditions and delight in yummy treats.

Year 9 Food Technology students have been immersing themselves in the history and ritual of celebrations by creating their own themed celebration parties to share with younger students and visitors from the Erina Baptist Preschool.

The students were challenged to research and bring to life a celebration that incorporated decorations, food and activities. Just some of the creatively executed themes included under the sea, rainbow, princess, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Alice in Wonderland.

Students Alex Smith-Cochrane and Gabrielle Dufficy give us insight into what they learned about celebrations while planning their themed celebrations.  

Why are celebrations important to you?

Alex: Most people have gone to celebrate a wedding or a birthday - something of significance. It’s tradition to celebrate with other people and is something that we’ve been doing for millions of years.

Gabrielle: Celebrations are important in our society and culture today because it brings together family and friends who we don’t normally talk in our busy day-to-day lives. It’s important to celebrate special days - it relieves stress and gives us an excuse to spend a day with the ones who mean the most to us. I think celebrations are a significant part of our society because it continues our traditions.

What were some of the challenges you faced in creating your themed party?

Alex: A challenge was definitely time management as we only had just under an hour to make all three dishes (fairy bread, fruit skewers and pikelets) as well as decorate the cupcakes that were pre-prepared, and entertain the guests while the food was coming out.

Gabrielle: Some challenges that faced us executing our theme included not over displaying the pink theme of princess that will it just looks like a basic ‘pink’ theme rather than princesses. Another challenge we faced on the day included the time frame which we had to finish everything before the pre-schoolers came to enjoy our party.

What do you think worked well?

Alex: The food came out very well, the kids seemed to enjoy it a lot. Overall the entire party was a success!

Gabrielle: Our party worked really well, including the presentation of both our food and our table décor. The cupcake castle which we assembled on the cupcake stand presented really well and was sprinkled with edible glitter. Another successful part of our party was our table - the blow-up crowns, our food placement and arrangement, and edible cookie wands and tiaras which the pre-schoolers could wear while enjoying our food and our party games.