By Brendan Rees
A Great War teddy bear has made a plenty of new friends with its popular arrival at three primary schools in Casey.
Intermediate VCAL students at Alkira Secondary College, which was a winner of the ANZAC Day Schools Awards last year, presented the bears to Hillsmeade, Tulliallan and Clyde Primary Schools on Monday 25 February.
Dressed in the historic uniform of those who have served, Private Ernest Harvey, a Gallipoli Centenary teddy bear is designed to help children interact with the stories of the Centenary of Anzac.
The students from at Alkira Secondary College decided to buy the bears using their award money to assist with the Bears to School project.
The project allows teachers to engage with young children about the Great War history in a way that accommodates the age and learning needs of the students, said Alkira Secondary College teacher Nicole Scott.
Year 12 student Jade said presenting the ANZAC bear to Tulliallan Primary School was important in strengthening Alkira Secondary College’s relationship and “builds a connection, so that we can help each other grow and learn in the years to come.”
