ST PATRICK’S Primary School, Kilmore, is calling for war veterans to be part of their creation of a ‘unique’ memorial space to honour people who fought in the war.
The project will aim to incorporate all aspects of students’ learning including science, technology, engineering, arts, maths, STEAM – as well as history and literacy.
Digital technologies and STEAM leader at the school Shelly Michalke said the project would aim to commemorate veterans from the area.
“St Patrick’s Primary School are investigating our local Anzac history. We are now working on gathering participants’ names of veterans willing to share firsthand stories,” she said.
“We will then organise opportunities for veterans and students to meet. Students will record shared stories, using digital technology and literacy skills. It is our intention to accompany the narratives of participating local veterans with a photographic portrait.
“This collaborative project has several important aims; to honour and commemorate our local Veterans, learn their story, our history. Through connecting with our local heroes, students experience authentic opportunities to develop vital research and collaboration skills.”
Ms Michalke said the end product of the project was yet to be determined.
“As with any authentic STEAM inquiry the direction will be determined along the way by all participants,” she said.
“We do have a memorial space set aside but what this will look like is the exciting part of the process for our students. The opportunities for students to present their work in the 21st century are exciting to say the least.
“Students will be preserving and sharing local history, learning about the significance of sacrifice and mateship with an end product that aims to inform our local community of significant historical stories gained from primary sources.
Ms Michalke said it was a long-term project, which would not be completed until the end of the year.
“Allowing time for students to be authentic inquirers, learning the essential skills required in a research project such as this, to gather relevant information and images and coordinate visits from our local veterans will all take time. I believe such a significant project is deserving of time,” she said.
Ms Michalke said the project would involve the whole community.
“This is an authentic collaborative project in every aspect and cannot succeed without the participation and shared ideas of the whole community,” she said.
“The more participants in this project the better the outcome will be.
“It is my role as facilitator to listen to what our veterans and students need to develop the project and invite St Patrick’s staff and community members who have the expertise, passion and desire to help them achieve their end goal join the team.
“If there are any members of the community who have read this article and thought ‘I would love to be a part of that project!’ please get in touch. We would love your story, your expertise and your support.”
People can contact Ms Michalke via email shelly.michalke@spkilmore.catholic.edu.au.
