Schools get creative to commemorate Anzac Day

WHILE the Victorian Returned and Services League (RSL) has been forced to cancel their Anzac Day services because of the coronavirus, local schools are finding new ways for their students to commemorate the date.

Both Anglesea Primary School and Aireys Inlet Primary School have long-standing connections to the Anglesea RSL.

Performing arts teacher for both schools and visual arts teacher for Anglesea Primary School Karren Stoneham has been organising for students to make their own poppies for display and learn songs they can sing at the driveway vigils.

The driveway vigils is a growing movement to have people commemorate Anzac Day by holding a candle or lantern at the end of their driveway at dawn.

Ms Stoneham said after hearing about the concept, she wanted to help students to also be involved.

“I was looking at the driveway campaign and I thought ‘how can we connect the kids?’

“The kids have always been involved with the Anzac Day services. They’ve marched and they’ve sung their songs, but they can’t be part of the service this year.”

Ms Stoneham took her ideas to the two school principals, who were both very supportive of the plans. Aireys Inlet Primary School principal Jennifer Abel said they felt it was particularly important given the schools had such strong ties with the Anglesea RSL.

“Both schools have been involved with the RSL for more than two decades.

“Anzac Day is always a really big day for the kids, so I think it’s a great idea.”

The songs the students will be learning are “Waltzing Matilda” and “Beautiful Soldier”. These were requested by Anglesea RSL to be sung at the service before its cancellation.