The Department of Veterans' Affairs would like to congratulate everyone who entered this year’s Anzac Day Schools’ Awards. The theme for the competition was 'Commemorating Australia's Vietnam War service'.
The awards encourage schools to connect with veterans and current members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to provide students with a personal and meaningful understanding of Australia’s wartime history. This was evident in the many outstanding submissions.
We would like to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and creativity shown by all the schools that submitted an entry.
2023 winners
National winner
John Edmondson High School (NSW) students created an innovative website about the 2023 Awards theme. Students researched several Vietnam War battles and the role of Australian women. The website also featured the story of a national serviceman, poetry and artwork. Students interviewed veterans of the Vietnam War using insightful questions. Their reflections showed both empathy and understanding about this time in our nation’s history.
This artwork is from the entry of the National School Winner of the 2023 Anzac Day Schools' Awards, John Edmondson High School, NSW.
ACT winner
Students at Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School learnt about the Vietnam War by interviewing a veteran. They used the interview to share his story in their own words. The students presented their learning in a video that contained their research, reflections and many photos. This entry was respectful of the service of the interviewed veteran and others who served in Vietnam.
NSW winner
Students at St Patrick’s College for Girls, Campbelltown, researched the experiences of local people during the Vietnam War. They also focused on their community’s response to the conflict. The entry had several parts. It included interviews with local veterans and the creation of a website titled ‘The Vietnam War in Campbelltown’.
NT winner
Ludmilla Primary School's entry was unique. Students joined in cross-curricular activities, and learning was shared across the school. Students worked with veterans from a local community centre. Veterans shared their own medals and other items generously with the school community. Student understanding of the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans has grown.
This artwork is from the entry of the NT Winner of the 2023 Anzac Day Schools' Awards, Ludmilla Primary School, NT.
Qld winner
The Pallara State School history club shared an interesting journey. Student learning and understanding focused on Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. They engaged with the experiences of several veterans and age-appropriate tasks. The project concluded with a collaborative artwork encouraging reflection on the idea that from conflict comes a connection.
This artwork was created by the Pallara State School History Club. Pallara State School is the QLD State Winner of the Anzac Day Schools' Awards for 2023.
SA winner
Senior history students from Cornerstone College researched the historical background of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War. They investigated some issues and events from the time. These included conscription, the Battle of Long Tan and what happened when those who served returned home. The students went on to present their learning to the whole school community.
Tas winner
The Year 10 HASS class at Mountain Heights School created a lasting tribute to honour Vietnam veterans at their local RSL. Students engaged with veterans in their community. They sought contacts on the local radio, which led to recording a well-planned interview with a veteran. The Battle of Long Tan formed part of their study. Students made a replica of the Long Tan cross in their woodwork class.
Vic winner
Baranduda Primary School students in years 5 and 6 interviewed local veterans with respect and sensitivity. They collected many historical sources and items. These were used to learn more and create a lesson about Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. This original idea was student-led. The lesson will be available for use with future senior primary students in the years ahead.
WA winner
Woodbridge Primary School showcased a broad range of learning and commemorative activities that happened across all year levels. Completion of student-centred tasks and engagement with several veterans were key elements. The judges commended this entry for the many different ways students demonstrated understanding and empathy through reflection on their learning about veteran service.
Brigadier Bill Rolfe AO award for veteran involvement
Year 6 students at Moorooka State School (Qld) connected with local Vietnam veterans. They met and spent time interviewing veterans about their experiences. The school’s presentation demonstrated the deep student understanding of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War that has come from this incredible collaboration.
Award for innovative commemoration
Students at Heatherwood School (Vic) worked together with their dedicated staff to create a board game. The activity could be played in any educational setting. It used simplified language for players to practise each time they took their turn. Repetitive and continuous play meant students had the opportunity to consolidate their own learning about Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War.
Award for creative use of technology
Kulnurra Public School (NSW) students met with local Vietnam veterans. The students planned and created an Anzac memorial garden with a QR code linking to a website. The website demonstrated what the students learned about the Vietnam War, why particular plants were selected for the garden and the links between them.
Thank you cards written to Veterans by students at Kulnurra Public School, NSW, the winner of the Award for Creative Use of Technology in the 2023 Anzac Day Schools' Awards.
Remote schools award
Mount Magnet District High School (WA) demonstrated whole-school involvement in learning about commemoration and Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. The presentation clearly showed what was achieved at each year level. Students reflected on their learning and sent cards to 2 local veterans, thanking them for their service.
Specialist educational setting award
The Cleveland Education and Training Centre (Qld) entry reflected many innovative adaptations made to suit the learning environment and styles of students in their care. Students participated in various academic, creative, social and emotional activities according to their own needs. These were based on commemoration and learning about the service of Australians in the Vietnam War.
Certificate of Excellence winners
NSW
Barooga Public School
Edmund Rice College, Wollongong
Forbes North Public School
Kingswood High School
Lucas Gardens School
Narrabri Public School
Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School
Passfield Park School
Pottsville Beach Public School
St Brigid's, Gwynneville
St John the Evangelist Catholic High School
St Joseph's College, Lochinvar
Sydney Technical High School
Wattle Grove Public School
NT
Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School
Rosebery Primary School
Qld
Mount Mee State School
North Shore State School
Southern Cross Catholic College
Vic
Alfredton Primary School
Guthridge Primary School
Mount Waverley Secondary College
Notre Dame College
WA
Gwynne Park Education Support Centre
Mandurah Catholic College
2022 Winners
National winner
St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar
ACT winner
Charnwood-Dunlop School, Charnwood
NSW winner
Al-Faisal College, Liverpool
NT winner
Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School, Zuccoli
Qld winner
St Philomena School, Park Ridge
Tas winner
Rosebery District School
Vic winner - joint
Upwey South Primary School
Vic winner - joint
Wodonga Primary School
WA winner
Mount Magnet District High School
Brigadier Bill Rolfe AO award for veteran involvement
St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar
Innovative commemoration
St Philomena School, Park Ridge
Creative use of technology
Spring Mountain State School
Remote schools award
Rosebery District School
Specialist educational setting award
Forest Primary School
2022 Certificate of Excellence winners
NSW
Irrawang High School, Raymond Terrace
Jindabyne Central School
NT
Ludmilla Primary School
St Joseph's Catholic College, Katherine
Qld
Georgetown State School
Ipswich Junior Grammar School Early Education Centre
St Mary's Primary School, Woodend
St Stephen's Catholic College, Mareeba
Vic
Killester College, Springvale
Park Ridge Primary School, Rowville