ANZAC DAY SCHOOLS’ AWARDS KEEP SPIRIT ALIVE

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, today announced Mount Pleasant Primary School, Western Australia, and McAuley Catholic College, New South Wales, as the national winners of the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards for 2007.

Mr Billson said entries for the awards demonstrated that primary and secondary students across the country continue to honour the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans.

"The ingenuity and enthusiasm of the schools that participated in this year’s Anzac Day Schools’ Awards has highlighted the important contribution the younger generation can make towards keeping the Anzac spirit alive," Mr Billson said.

Primary and secondary school winners were chosen in each state and territory, and from those winning entries, the national winner’s were selected.

History students from McAuley Catholic College made a pilgrimage to the Western Front, visiting the Somme and Flanders Fields in Belgium.  The students honoured World War I soldiers with a wreath laying at the Menin Gate, at Ieper in Belgium.

Students from Mount Pleasant Primary School were visited by World War II veterans from their community, listening to their first-hand experiences of the war.  The students compiled a book, Our Anzacs – In Appreciation, to record their reflections and what the Anzac spirit meant to them.

"Students from all participating schools have demonstrated their understanding of the significance of Anzac Day and clearly now have a greater appreciation of our wartime history," Mr Billson said.

Four special category prizes were also introduced this year.  Categories were the Best veteran and community involvement organised by students, Best use of technology by students, Best innovative activity undertaken by students and Best local history research undertaken by students.

The Anzac Day Schools’ Awards are funded under the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorations program.  For more information visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website at www.dva.gov.au

Media inquiries: Cameron Hill  0408 239 521
Editor’s Note:  A full list of State and Territory winners of the 2007 Anzac Day Schools’ Awards is attached

2007 ANZAC DAY SCHOOLS’ AWARDS WINNING ENTRIES
PRIMARY SCHOOL CATEGORY

2007 ANZAC DAY SCHOOLS’ AWARDS WINNING ENTRIES
SECONDARY SCHOOL CATEGORY

2007 ANZAC DAY SCHOOLS’ AWARDS WINNING ENTRIES
SPECIAL CATEROGORY