Northside Montessori School

Today, children across the school have taken part in age-appropriate activities that acknowledge Anzac Day. Primary students at our Northside Campus attended a ceremony during which the one-minute of silence followed these meaningful words that were arranged by the older students and which were delivered by them at our ceremony.

"Tomorrow is Anzac Day. The word Anzac stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corp. Originally the term ‘Anzac’ referred to the soldiers but now it has a much bigger meaning. Today we talk about the Anzac Spirit. It stands for freedom, supporting your mates and being brave.

Anzac Day is commemorated by everyday Australians and New Zealanders visiting war memorials to pay their respects to those affected by war. In World War 1, on the 25^th of April, 1915, the Anzacs arrived at Gallipoli. There were 4000 Anzacs. As they landed, the Anzacs tried to secure one head of the beach in Turkey. The Anzacs sent 1500 men out for the first wave and the remaining 2500 for the second wave. But the real problem for the Anzacs was that the Turkish had the upper ground of the cliff. The Anzacs had to climb the steep cliff while getting fired at. They were very brave and didn’t give up. But the point of Anzac Day is to pay your respects to the extremely brave soldiers who fought for our country – in World War 1 and in all wars.

Maria Montessori spoke about war and peace.She said:

‘Establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all politics can do is keep us out of war.’

And

‘Peace is what every human being is craving, and it can be brought about by humanity through the child.’

Because of the men who went to battle on the 25^th of April, 1915, we can vote without fear, express our opinions and live with freedom. Some other countries are not as lucky. Anzac Day was first marked in 1916. The day has gone through some changes since then. The ceremonies that are held at war memorials up and down Australia and New Zealand or in places overseas where Australians and New Zealanders gather remain very important.

We remember Anzac Day by wearing rosemary.We go to War Memorials and remember those who died or were injured in war. As you have tomorrow at home, maybe you could think about those who risked their lives to make yours better. Let’s take a minute now to be silent and think about how lucky we are to live in peace."