National award for ANZAC program

Redcliffe Special School’s commitment to honouring veterans and serving Australian Defence Force members has earnt it a national award.

The school won the Specialist Educational Settings Award category in the Anzac Day Schools' Awards competition run by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

It received a certificate, trophy and $2000.

Redcliffe Special School Senior Teacher Michael Turnbull says the competition recognises the work of students and teachers in schools and other educational settings.

The purpose of the competition is for students to engage actively with veterans, or current serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, and research content related to a theme in Australia's wartime history.

“The entry from Redcliffe Special School showcased the range of work our students took part in. I developed a four-week curriculum that covered the breadth of the ANZAC legend and provided opportunities for all students to be included regardless of their level of disability,” Michael explains.

“These activities included tactile exploration and play, art and expression, listening to letters from the front, watching and responding to documentaries, listening to stories, writing their own poems, journals and stories, and cooking.

“The whole school visited the (Redcliffe) RSL 'Memorabilia Gallery' and got to listen to and ask questions of veterans. For those that could not attend, we built our own display in our school hall. We invited students to bring photos of service members from their families to display.

“The RSL supported our ANZAC Day service and also organised for soldiers and vehicles from 20 EOD SQN. 6 ESR to visit our school. The RSL also kindly donated our memorial which we utilised for the first time in this year’s ceremony.”

Michael, a veteran with 25 years’ service in the Australian Army, says Redcliffe Special School and Redcliffe RSL share a strong bond.

“Whilst the students were at the RSL museum talking to the veterans on Anzac Day, we were asked if we wished to provide a Remembrance Day display later in the year. We of course accepted,” he says.

“As a teacher I look forward to creating new, unique and insightful experiences for my students and continuing to build my connection with the RSL. Winning the Anzac Day Schools Award honours the hard work of all our teachers and students.”

The school also received a $1000 donation from Redcliffe RSL to be used to “support a meaningful program”.