MOORAK Primary School students are doing their part for the community and our fallen air force veterans as they prepare for the upcoming Anzac Day.
Learning about the history of the country and involvement in World War II, the Year 4 and 5 students have taken it upon themselves to look after the Mount Gambier Airmen’s Grave.
Meeting together with Mount Gambier Community Returned and Services League president Bob Sandow and World War II Spitfire pilot Charlie Miller OAM at the Lake Terrace East Cemetery recently, the committed young people spent time cleaning the walls surrounding the four graves and removing rubbish and leaves from the area.
Eager to see the students contribute to the important day of remembrance, teacher Penne Paltridge said they have immersed themselves in the experience with a number of exciting projects.
“Following Anzac Day last year I saw an article in The Border Watch with comments from Bob on how he would like to see the younger generations getting involved with Anzac Day and the RSL in the general,” she said.
“I thought it was a great idea to focus projects around this and help students to contribute to the community.
“Last year Bob also brought Charlie along to speak to the students about his life and time in the air force.”
Over the past term students have begun creating a remembrance garden, a cabinet of memories of the fallen soldiers and undertaken thorough research on World War II.
Student Representative Council members will attend the Anzac Day service and place a wreath on behalf of the school.
“I have really enjoyed learning about the war and Australia’s involvement,” Year 5 student Tyler said.
“The research has been really interesting.”
Pleased to see young people taking an interest in the important day of remembrance, Mr Miller said they are taking great care of the graves.
“It astonishes me to see it looking so wonderful,” he said.
“It used to be a patch of weeds surrounding the tombstones and now the kids are looking after it which is excellent.
“I believe one must give to the community and that what these kids are doing already from a young age.”
Thrilled with the work being undertaken by school students from across the region, Mr Sandow said having young people involved is something that must continue.
“The aim is that when the older Australian’s are no longer with us, the kids will be here to look after these graves and continue the remembrance of those that served the country,” he said.
“I have had nothing but support from schools with Reidy Park Primary and Compton Primary also involved in the Anzac Day events.
“Education is very important so the values and traditions of the RSL are continued.”
