PR E PA R ATORY S C HO OL
ANZAC Day
Service
On April 10 2014, Year 3 students
organised a commemorative service for
their families and friends, on the shores of
the Swan River, behind Woodbridge House.
This year the Preparatory School Level
Two Concert Band performed “The New
ANZACS,” at the service. Students wore
medals belonging to family members, as
well as sprigs of rosemary and poppies for
remembrance.
Mr Sam Day, Year 6 teacher, very kindly
helped us with the service. Mr Day, who is
currently in the Army Reserve, came dressed
in uniform and spoke about what ANZAC
Day means to him and to other servicemen
who have defended our country.
During the service, students carefully placed
many wreaths in front of the flagpole. These
wreaths had been created by the students in
class, prior to the ANZAC service.
Students learnt about how difficult life
was for the soldiers who had lived in
trenches in Turkey during the war. They
had to endure heat as well as rain and
freezing temperatures. Something that
brought them much joy was the arrival of
a package from Australia or New Zealand.
Contents typically contained hand knitted
warm socks, letters and photos from home,
and sweet treats such as jam and ANZAC
biscuits. These packages were sent by
mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and friends
of Australian and New Zealand soldiers who
wanted to help.
Lest we forget
In class, students did some research on
ANZAC biscuits. Have you ever wondered
how they got their name? In WW1, all
mail had to go by ship to the soldiers and
parcels took at least six weeks to reach their
destination. Most cakes and biscuits contain
eggs and butter and would not have lasted
this long sea voyage. Someone devised
a recipe with no eggs. Golden syrup was
used instead. Rolled oats were added to the
biscuits because of their nutritional value.
Imagine how happy the soldiers would
have been to receive a parcel from Australia
containing delicious ANZAC biscuits.
Students had visited Woodbridge House
earlier in the term and had learnt about two
of the Harper boys; Wilfred and Gresley,
who had joined the famous 10th Lighthorse
Regiment and had been sent with many
other ANZACS to Gallipoli in Turkey. Sadly
the brothers were killed in action. We learnt
about how their poor mother, Mrs Harper,
had found out about their deaths by letter.
After the service, guests enjoyed sampling
ANZAC biscuits made by Year 3 students.
Mrs Carol Ray, Miss Karen Bernic,
Miss Fiona Heald
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