Department of Veterans Affairs and RSL NSW in conjunction with local sub-Branches, mentor a number of activities to help students understand and demonstrate through art their interpretation of the sacrifice made by our military past and present.
Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration
The RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration, first held in 1953, is co-hosted by RSL NSW and the Department of Education. Over the years the service has expanded to Catholic Schools NSW and the Association of Independent Schools NSW. The competition aims to educate primary and secondary school students about Australia’s military history, whilst paying respect to the service and sacrifice of servicemen and women of the Australian Defence Force. All finalists’ artwork will be displayed at the Anzac Memorial and are included in the program for the RSL NSW Anzac Day service at the Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park. For more information: RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Art Competition for 2025 | RSL NSW
Postcards of Honour
An initiative of RSL NSW in 2024 to coincide the inaugural MEAO commemorations on the 11th of July, which recognises the sacrifice made by the men and women of the Australian Defence Force that not only served in this theatre of operations but are currently serving our nation. After a brief presentation by a local sub-Branch member, students are given literature of the MEAO along with a blank postcard. Students are encouraged to decorate the postcard with their interpretation of the MEAO and what our ADF personnel mean to them. The cards are then collected and distributed to serving ADF personnel in appreciation of their service.
Draw to Remember
‘Draw to Remember’ program sponsored by RSL NSW was conducted by the sub-Branch with year 5 and 6 students from Gloucester Public School and St. Joseph’s Primary School in 2023. Expressions of interest from Primary schools in the district opened this year at the end of July 2024. After an initial presentation to schools by sub-Branch members, students will be then asked to discuss what Remembrance Day means to them and then illustrate their thoughts by a chalk drawing.
National History Challenge Australia’s Wartime Experiences category
Hosted by Dept. of Veterans Affairs, the National History Challenge is open to primary and secondary school students across Australia. It is an opportunity for students to research and explore history in their own ways. With a different theme each year, this year it is– ‘Crisis and response’. You can enter the competition with a research essay, a 3D model or an audio-visual presentation. You might have another idea that will impress the judges. Entries close on Friday 23 August 2024. To find out more, visit: National History Challenge Australia’s Wartime Experiences category – Anzac Portal (dva.gov.au)
Anzac Day Schools’ Awards
Also hosted by the Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) each year is the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards. This is a national competition that recognises the work of students, teachers and schools who engage with veterans and honour Australia’s wartime history. With an annual theme (for 2024 was- Discover the Stories of Veterans in Your Local Community) the theme for 2025 will be announced later this year. Each school is limited to one entry and should be coordinated by a teacher or school leader. The 2025 competition theme will be released later in 2024. For further information: Anzac Day Schools’ Awards – Anzac Portal (dva.gov.au)