Our ANZAC Story

Here is our retelling of the Anzac story in pictures.


We learnt about the beginnings of ANZAC Day by acting out this story in the role of a first world war soldier.  We made a series of freeze frames to show our thoughts and feelings.

Uniforms on, gear packed, thinking about going to a war far away from home.

Fear, worry, sadness, excitement, uncertain

Brave, determined, wondering will I return?

I can't wait to go into battle.

I'll get them.

I don't want to leave my home.

I didn't choose to be in the army.

I hope I come home alive.

I don't want to fight.

Please help me.

I look brave but I feel afraid.

Standing to attention - ready to board the ships.

Waving goodbye.

Guns ready - about to land at ANZAC Cove.

Guns held high out of the water.

The confusion of battle.

Trapped on the beach and fighting hard.

Many soldiers die or are badly wounded.

Fighting at Gallipoli for eight months with no success.

Helping the dead and wounded.

Friends, fathers, husbands - never return home.

On April 25 every year we remember all those that fought for our freedom.

ANZAC Day

The Red Poppy

The red poppy has become a symbol of war remembrance the world over. People in many countries wear the poppy to remember those who died in war or who still serve. In many countries, the poppy is worn around Armistice Day (11 November), but in New Zealand it is most commonly seen around Anzac Day, 25 April.

In Flanders fields

The red or Flanders poppy has been linked with battlefield deaths since the time of the Great War (1914–18). The plant was one of the first to grow and bloom in the mud and soil of Flanders. The connection was made, most famously, by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in his poem 'In Flanders fields'.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

 

What questions do you have about the war?

This afternoon we will use our drama skills to help us to understand the meaning of ANZAC Day and why we have a public holiday on the 25 April every year.