Easter is the most solemn event in the Christian calendar because it marks the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Christ. Religious observances began on Palm Sunday marking the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and ending on Easter Sunday with his resurrection from the dead.

For many however, and children especially, Easter is increasingly associated with the mythical Easter bunny, chocolate eggs, new outfits and gifts.

At Mount St. Agnes Academy, while greater emphasis is naturally placed on the Christian aspects of Easter, the students also acknowledge the secular. Thus it was that this week students in the elementary grades were taught by Miss Heidi Smith how to make Easter cards, baskets, and pretty posters to take home to their families.

Along with the cross, because the egg symbolises new life, it was also the focal point of the art work, with glitter adding extra sparkle to the children's handiwork.

"We try to do one craft which is connected to Jesus rising on Easter Sunday," Miss Smith explained. "I also teach them about families, and how much families do for us. It's not just about 'I love you' at this age, but about making them go a little deeper and saying why they love (the members of their families."

A random sampling of the students in Grade IV, who were completing Easter cards, proved that Miss Smith's lessons had been well received.

"My card is for my family — how I love them, and how I love Easter because we are all together. Also about Jesus loving us. That is what Easter means to me," ten-year-old Ain Shawki said, adding that she would be having an Easter egg hunt at her house.

Matthew Lopes, who is nine, had composed a similar message. "It's about how much I love my parents, and what Easter means to me. It means reflecting that Jesus died on the cross, and for knowing that he loves us. That's my favourite thing about Easter."

Matthew Girard, also aged nine, said his card for his parents and brother was about Easter, how Jesus died on the cross for us — his favourite part — and thanking Him for school, family and friends.

Nine-year-old Shannon Wade said the message on her card thanked her parents for what they did for her.

"I appreciate it, and I love them very much," she said. Her favourite part about Easter, however, was hot cross buns.

Victoria DeFrias' card was also for her parents. "I want them to know how much I love them, and that although me and my sister fight we still love each other."

She was also making a second card for her older sister, Courtney. Victoria's favourite part of Easter was kite flying.

Nine-year-old Austen Kroezen said he liked art and was making a card for his baby brother Jackson, who turns three this month.

Sage Outerbridge, also aged nine, had created two cards. "One is for my namma and poppa and nanna's dog, and the other is for my sister, nephew, and my mom and dad. I love them all," she said.