Last Sunday, the 26th of January, Aussies celebrated their day: Australia Day. Australia Day commemorates the creation of the first British settlement in Australia in 1788. On this day in 1788, Captain Arthur Philip and an advance party from his fleet entered Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour, Australia), which he described as "the finest harbour in the world". A landing party was sent ashore. This was to be the site of the new settlement.
Captain Philip started out for Australia from England on 13 May 1787, with more than 1,000 people aboard 11 ships. There were 736 convicts - 548 men and 188 women. The rest were members of the Royal Marines who were sent to protect the colony from attack. Thirty seven children were on board.
What happens on Australia Day in Australia?
Most Australians take the day off work and all schools are closed. There are many other celebrations across the country, including many spectacular fireworks displays.
That´s why we will receive the visit of an Australian teacher, Belinda Beer. We will learn many facts about this big country: its flag, its currency, a bit of its history, its animals, its landscape,.. It will be a really interesting talk. Do you want to get some information beforehand? Have a look at these videos...
One language, three accents:
Cookie? Biscuit? Bikkie? They all mean the same thing! Three English teachers will quickly show you some pronunciation and vocabulary differences from Australia, America, and England!
A traditional Australian song: Kookaburra:
Fancy a visit to an Australian zoo?