ANZAC Day 2024: Next generation reflects

23 Apr 2024

St Margaret Mary's Primary reveal what ANZAC Day means to them
Students Gabriella Clark, who holds a photo of her great uncle, and Levi Van Spanje, with the medals of his relatives who served.

Service never forgotten as students at St Margaret Mary's Primary reveal what ANZAC Day means to them.

A collection of mementos on display at St Margaret Mary's Primary School in Merrylands has seen students reflect on what ANZAC Day means to them.

Teacher Lyn Burton, who created the display, said it's great to see it spark an interest in the young students.

"A lot of children have got interested, saw the display and then shared their stories about their family histories and what they know about ANZAC Day," she told Parra News.

"[It's about] teaching the children that ANZAC Day isn't just about Gallipoli, there was so much more than just Gallipoli, but also teaching them about the qualities and the things of people who did serve, as well as the women that worked hard and the effect on families."

The ANZAC display has been mostly compiled from photos and artefacts that Burton's parents collected over time, as well as replica newspapers Burton found herself as a teenager.

She said she's loved being able to tell the stories of those who have served to the children, including that of her own parents.

"Mum was a nurse and my dad was in the air force and then moved to the army. He didn't serve overseas but he joined with his brother - they thought it would be a bit of fun to join the armed forces," she said.

"And one of them learnt it wasn't fun, because he was sent to New Guinea and was presumed lost for quite a long time, so that was distressing of course for his family, but he was found."

Mementos on display

St Margaret Mary's Primary Merrylands students with ANZAC Day mementos

St Margaret Mary's Primary Merrylands ANZAC Day mementos

St Margaret Mary's Primary Merrylands student with ANZAC Day memento

For eight-year-old St Margaret Mary's student Gabriella Clark, ANZAC Day is an opportunity to remember her great uncle who fought in World War I.

"It means a lot to me, and ANZAC Day ALWAYS reminds me of him," she said.

Levi Van Spanje, also eight-years-old, enjoys going to the ANZAC Day March in Sydney every year in honour of his family members who have served.

He is particularly proud of his great grandfather, George Van Spanje, a submariner with the Dutch East Indies who fought against the Japanese in the Pacific. Pride is the overwhelming feeling.

"I'm proud of them... I think of them every year on ANZAC Day in the city marching," he added.

Grace Carlo-Stella, Principal of St Margaret Mary's Primary, added that it's important that young people know about the Australians who fought for the country's freedom.

"We're very grateful that Lyn does that for us because I think it's really important to keep the history alive for the young students coming up, and whether they've had ancestors that have fought in battle or not, it's important that we remember what Australians did for us to have the country that we have today," she said.

"Once we get back from our school break, Lyn and Michelle, who is our other teacher librarian, they will actually be taking every class throughout the first two weeks and doing some work on ANZAC Day, because we think that's very important."