Lanterns of Memory

This year, our Grade 3 students celebrated Halloween in a very special way – through the project “Lanterns of Memory”.

Instead of spooky costumes and candy, they honored their ancestors with light, stories, and gratitude.

Each student prepared a short presentation about a family member – grandmothers, great-grandmothers, great-grandfathers – and discovered incredible stories within their own family trees: a famous actress, a boxing champion, a submarine constructor, a mechanical engineer, teachers, diplomats, a cook and many more…

They learned that their ancestors were strong, resilient people — some lived through war, some preserved traditions, and all left a meaningful legacy.

To make the day even more special, students:

* lit handmade lanterns in memory of their loved ones

* learned about Kazakh traditions of honoring ancestors

* tasted traditional Kazakh flatbreads Zheti Shelpek, prepared for remembrance.

It was a touching, powerful experience – full of light, pride, and connection to family roots.

Every lantern truly held a story.