By Brendan Rees
Alkira Secondary College has been honoured for commemorating the service and sacrifice of war veterans over the past century.
The Cranbourne North School took out the Secondary School State category in the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards during a presentation with special guest City of Casey Amanda Stapledon on Friday 23 November.
The school’s winning project involved the Intermediate VCAL students running Anzac commemorative ceremonies at Tulliallan and Hillsmeade Primary Schools on 23 April.
Classroom activities were held at Tulliallan Primary School where students interviewed veterans on their leadership and conflict management skills.
Two Year 8 classes also wrote letters to veterans to thank them for the sacrifices that they made for our country.
In a statement from the Depart of Veteran Affairs, it said “The judges thought the program was unique and enhanced students’ understanding of the Anzac story.”
“A strong link between the students and the veteran and wider community was demonstrated through this entry.”
It’s the fifth time Alkira Secondary College has been successful with the ANZAC Day Schools’ Awards in recent years.
Teacher Nicole Scott said the prize money would go towards the purchase of Bears for Schools for the local primary schools, and hoped to spend the rest to purchase equipment for the student radio program.
VCAL student Liz said: “I was honoured to run the ceremony for the local schools and run activities for them. It was nice to give back to the school where I started.”
