Field of Remembrance

April 25, 2015 is an important day in the history of New Zealand. 

It is the centenary of the start of the Gallipoli campaign in World War One. 

Centenary means it happened 100 years ago.

New Zealanders and Australians fought alongside the British in an impossible situation at Gallipoli in Turkey. 

Many soldiers from both sides were lost. 

The campaign marked a new era of nationhood for both Australia and New Zealand.

Like many schools around New Zealand this year, our school made a Field of Remembrance. 

Yesterday the school had a special ceremony and we march in the community Anzac day parade. 

A Care Package from Home - Just Like 100 Years Ago

Our Social Studies topic this term is looking at Friendship, Camaraderie and Service. 

You can read about it in our last post titled A Letter Home.

We found out that our local soldier was looking forward to receiving a parcel from home.

Our interactive homework was to think what his family might have sent him and to make, draw or write about the parcel.

Here are our care packages. 

We were excited to see the packages, so we think the soldiers would have been VERY excited to receive them!

What would you include in a care package for someone serving overseas?

What would you like to receive in a care package?

A Letter Home -100 Years Ago

An important event from New Zealand's history,
that we commemorate each year, 

is the campaign at Gallipoli during World War 1.

2015 is the centenary of the landing, which means it took place 100 years ago this year.

Our school was given a copy of a letter written home by a local soldier who was at Gallipoli.

The classes have been using the letter as a springboard for their inquiry into those events 100 years ago. 

Here is some of B4's inquiry with Mrs W:

Some of the children from our school who live nearby, took their learning a step further by making trenches in the grass pile at the weekend!

How might soldiers in World War 1 have helped and supported each other?

Why is it important to remember events like Gallipoli?

'Mateship' - An ANZAC chat with Tipperary Station

The commemorations for ANZAC Day on April 25th happen during our school holidays this year, so we are spending time this week thinking about it in class.

ANZAC means Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. 

While there is traditionally a friendly rivalry between the two countries, troops from both countries saw action together at Gallipoli in World War 1.  

Tipperary Station, a small Australian outback school of 6 pupils, asked if we would like to do a Skype to talk about the meaning of 'mateship'.

Only 6 pupils!

To kick off our thinking, both classes read

'Simpson and His Donkey' by Mark Greenwood
and Frane Lessac.

Both classes had the same book!

During our skype chat we decided that mateship meant taking care of each other, sticking up for each other, being a good friend and sticking together. 
Another word for mateship is friendship!

We looked more closely at two pictures from the book.

What might the soldiers in the boat be saying to give each other support?

How are the soldiers in this picture showing mateship towards each other?

Thank you to our new mates from Tipperary Station. 

We hope we get to learn with you again!

ANZAC Day 2013

Even though it is the middle of our two-week term break, many of our students attended today's community parade to commemorate ANZAC Day.

ANZAC stands for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. 

On April 25 1915 New Zealand and Australia forces landed in Gallipoli during the First World War. 

The events of that campaign led to many casualties, but also helped to create a sense of national identity in both countries. 

ANZAC Day has been marked in New Zealand since 1916. 

It is now the day where we remember all who have lost their lives in any military operation that our country has been involved in.

In our small town a dawn service is held at 6am followed by a community parade at 10am. 

The Pipe Band (which comes each year from Westport) leads the veterans; the two schools; the scouts; and other community groups.

Did you attend an ANZAC Day service?
Do you have a relative who has served their country?

ANZAC Day 2012

Every year on April 25 we have a national holiday 

for ANZAC Day.

On ANZAC Day we commemorate those who were lost in war and acknowledge the sacrifice and suffering of others.

Our school always takes part proudly in the community parade.

We are getting ready for the parade to the cenotaph.

The pipe band from Westport always comes to lead the parade.

The service was held at the cenotaph.

You can read our previous posts about ANZAC Day here.

Do you have days that are important to you and your community?