Message from the Director General
The ANZAC legend and all that it embodies has become an essential part of the Australian way of life with 25 April being one of the most revered days on the nation's calendar.
Each year we do much more than remember the Australians and New Zealanders who landed on the hostile shores of Gallipoli 93 years ago. We also pay tribute to the many brave men and women who have given their lives in the service of this country in the conflicts that followed.
Schools have many ways of honouring the service of our veterans. Each school either holds an ANZAC service or attends a public schools' commemorative service in Kings Park each year.
In 2004 the State Government introduced the ANZAC Student Tour to help instil in our students the importance of ANZAC Day and the true significance and relevance of the ANZAC sprit.
Twelve students took part in the inaugural tour, which visited France and the United Kingdom. They attended an ANZAC Day service at the new war memorial in Hyde Park in London before visiting Pozieres, Le Hamel, Fromellas and Villers-Bretonneux.
In 2005 the students visited and took part in commemorations in France and Greece and the island of Lemnos. During the Gallipoli campaign, Lemnos was a hospital and administration centre, and many ANZAC soldiers are buried on the island.
In 2006, students went to Gallipoli for the first time and everyone who attended found the visit a deeply moving experience.
In 2008 students will take part in the 90th year commemoration of the liberation of the village of Villers-Bretonneux on 25 April 1918.
As well as being able to make a pilgrimage to the birthplace of the ANZAC legend, the tour is also a wonderful opportunity for outstanding young ambassadors to represent Western Australia.
Every student should aspire to take part in an ANZAC Student Tour and aim to be nominated by their school to take part in the selection for this prestigious tour.
Schools nominate students who display excellent interpersonal skills and self confidence and have an interest in history and knowledge of the ANZAC experience.
Students are also required to be aware of the positive values exhibited in times of war, the lessons of war for the current generation, and the importance of international peace-keeping processes and non-violent means of resolving conflict.
Parents and teachers are urged to prepare, guide and encourage students to participate in this program.
Sharyn O'Neill