Día de Muertos was celebrated this past weekend, as it is traditionally observed across Mexico on November 1 and 2. Our resident expert on the subject, PAC Vice Chair Guillermo, shared his knowledge with all our students today in mini workshops for each division about the Day of the Dead. Each class watched a short video introduction, took part in a Trivia and Q&A session, learned about Calaveritas Literarias and finished with a taste of authentic Pan de Muerto. As students left, they received a colouring sheet they could complete for a chance to win a unique LEGO set to remember this experience.
Whenever possible, the PAC purchases books related to themes featured at school, such as Día de Muertos, to add to the library collection. This time, it’s The Ofrenda That We Built by Jolene Gutiérrez, a story about a family coming together to honour loved ones through a shared tradition, and Our Day of the Dead Celebration by Ana Aranda, which follows children preparing for a joyful remembrance filled with colour, music, and love. We hope these additions let students keep exploring the themes that inspire their learning ❤.
A couple of Día de Muertos–themed LEGO sets are up for grabs! Once students complete their colouring sheet, all they need to do is snap a photo of the finished page and email it to BrantfordPAC@gmail.com by 9pm on Nov 12th for a chance to win.
Some snapshots from today’s mini workshops:
Calaveritas Literarias (literally, literary small skull) are short, humorous poems often written for el Día de Muertos. If your kiddo came home referencing or maybe even reciting the one used as an example today, this is what they heard:
One bright and busy autumn day,
La Muerte came to stay,
She’d heard about the PAC, so strong
and wanted them away!
First she found Anita, the Chair,
leading with style and grace,
but Death just sighed and whispered,
“I can’t match her pace!”
Then Guillermo, the Vice, stood tall,
with plans so neat and clever,
Muerte tried to take his notes
but couldn’t read his writing ever!
Cathy, with her careful books,
balanced every cent,
Death peeked inside the budget sheet
and quickly just resent!
Behnaz, the French rep, smiled so bright,
with charm and savoir-faire,
Muerte tried to say bonjour,
but tripped upon the chair!
Parm and Lan, the fundraising pair,
were selling treats galore,
Muerte bought some cookies too
and asked if they had more!
Heather, the Secretary,
was typing fast, so keen,
Death waited for the minutes done
but she was still unseen!
Morten, with his bright stop sign,
keeps traffic calm each day,
Death tried to cross, he shook his head,
and sent her on her way!
Charlene, Member-at-Large so bright,
joins with heart both near and far.
She helped last year, now leads with cheer,
Death laughed, “I’ll leave her here!”
And Angela, the website star,
was posting news with flair,
Muerte clicked through every link
her bony hand in the air!
Then Death looked ‘round and softly said,
“These parents never tire!
Their spirit’s strong, their hearts are kind
that’s something I admire!”
She waved goodbye, her hat held high,
and vanished through the door,
leaving PAC to plan again,
for families they adore.
And all the parent volunteers,
who give both time and care,
La Muerte smiled and softly said,
“I’ll leave them all, they’re rare!”