The Importance of ANZAC Day at Madeley Primary School

ANZAC Day is an important event in the school calendar at Madeley Primary. We seek to commemorate all those who represent our country in the armed forces and to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in order to promote and preserve our way of life. The ANZAC Spirit promotes mateship - looking after your friends and resilience and perseverance even when things get tough. These same qualities are what we seek to develop at Madeley Primary School.

Our school's approach to positive education encourages students to strive to do their very best, to treat others as they would like to be treated and to be brave and sensible in everything that they do. These skills and abilities are an important part of being a 'mate' to others. Our focus on relationship building and cooperative problem solving helps to develop resilience and the capacity to see and appreciate the feelings of others.

Our annual ANZAC Service is a community event which involves local politicians, community groups, School Board and P&C members as well as parents, staff and students. It provides an opportunity for student leaders and classroom representatives to participate in the running of a formal ceremony. It also provides our choir with an opportunity to perform for an audience.

 This year our special guests included:

• Honorable Liz Behjat MLC
• Senator the Honorable David Johnston
• Margaret Quirk MLA
• Councillor Lara Simpkins - City of Wanneroo
• Joe Hawkins - Bendigo Bank
• James Dillon - School Board
• Paul Wright - P&C Vice President
• Edna Johanson - guest speaker

We wish to thank our special guests, parents and community members for their attendance at our ceremony. We also thank Mrs Dawn Chester who organised and coordinated the ceremony again this year.