Schools honour veterans through Anzac Day Schools’ Awards

Back to table of contents

Fourteen schools across the country have been awarded a share in $39,000 in prize money for their projects that commemorate Australia's Vietnam War service as part of the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards.

The national competition has become a source of innovation, offering students the opportunity to connect with veterans and explore Australia's wartime history.

This year’s theme, Commemorating Australia’s Vietnam War Service, was chosen to complement the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

John Edmondson High School in Horningsea Park, New South Wales, won the national prize. Students from different year levels collaborated on an impressive website exploring the Anzac Day Schools' Awards theme. They conducted extensive research and interviewed Vietnam veterans, showcasing their learning of the era's history, including battles, the role of Australian women, conscription, poetry, and artwork. “Their reflections demonstrated heartfelt empathy and understanding about this time in our nation’s history,” expressed the judges, comprised by a panel of teachers, veterans and DVA staff.

Baranduda Primary School, a first-time participant and Victorian state winner, submitted an entry by students in Years 5 and 6. Students created a lesson about Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War, aiming to improve future understanding of veterans' service and sacrifice. The judging panel commented, “This student-led initiative will undoubtedly serve as a timeless resource, allowing future generations to grasp the true extent of the service and sacrifice of our veterans.”

Mountain Heights School crafted a replica of the Long Tan cross in their woodwork class, serving as a lasting tribute to our veterans.  The judges agreed “this inspiring piece not only showcases the craftsmanship of the students, but also becomes a constant reminder to never forget the sacrifices of those who served.”

Moorooka State School's Year 6 students demonstrated their exceptional research skills by seeking and conducting interviews with local veterans to gain insights into their experiences. This earned the school the Brigadier Bill Rolfe AO Award for Veteran Involvement.

Announcing the awards, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the students in the winning schools reflected strong engagement with veterans, and it was truly moving to witness the interactive and creative approaches teachers and students took.

“I’d like to congratulate the winning schools, but would also like to express how incredibly proud and impressed I am with the dedication and respect that all schools have shown in honouring our veterans and Australia's wartime history,” Minister Keogh said.

Technology played a significant role in maintaining connections. Students extended the learning experience beyond the classroom through collaboration with local ex-service organisations and members of the defence community.

Students expressed their knowledge through websites, videos, presentations, artwork, songs, projects, podcasts, and poetry.

Entries are now open for the 2024 awards. The theme is Discover the stories of veterans in your local community, encouraging students to connect with veterans in their community, learn about their experiences and gain a personal understanding of Australia’s wartime past.

Entries for the 2024 awards close 31 May 2024, so start planning your ideas now.

The Anzac Day Schools’ Awards encourage schools to connect with veterans and current serving members of the Australian Defence Force, to provide students with a personal and meaningful understanding of Australia’s wartime history.

To enter in the 2024 Awards and learn more about the winners and to see the wonderful ways schools honour the service and sacrifice of veterans and serving personnel, visit the Anzac Portal.

2023 ANZAC DAY SCHOOLS’ AWARDS WINNERS