Mitchelton Pre School

Following a Tradition

Early on the morning of April 25, many families from Mitchelton Pre-Schooling Centre gathered with the crowds at Gaythorne RSL to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. At the tender ages of 3 and 4 years, the significance of such an early morning event with so many people could easily be lost. However, for these children, it is just the beginning of their lifelong learning about what Anzac Day means to Australians.  

The marchers gathered to walk proudly behind the Kindy flag.  The children, some of whom were wearing the badges of older generations or of serving family members, happily held hands with their parents. They walked together with hundreds of others along Samford Road to assemble at Gaythorne. The flag made its way into many of the children’s hands as we marched proudly to the Dawn Service. The faces of the children who helped to lay the wreath clearly revealed their focus and concentration in completing their task to help commemorate this proud tradition.

 Throughout the week the children at Mitchelton Pre-Schooling Centre have been involved in discussions about the work of our Armed Forces. Stories and experiences highlighted various past and current roles in keeping our country as well as other countries safe.

The children had visits from current serving Armed Force personnel to talk about their jobs in the Army and to show the children uniforms, badges and kit bags. Stories were told about their work here in Australia and Overseas. The children gained insights into the lives of soldiers and realised that they are often Mums and Dads too. 

As the 100^th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landings now passes, the children of Mitchelton Pre-Schooling Centre are among the next generation to continue the tradition of remembering the Anzacs.