It’s not every day that a school project becomes part of a memorial – on display for everyone to see – but that’s just what happened earlier this week.
The efforts of Kingscliff Public School’s 5M from 2009 have now become the latest entry on the Kingscliff Walk of Remembrance at North Kingscliff. The paved walk which allows residents of the nearby nursing home to be wheeled or walk out to enjoy ocean views, was first mooted back in 1994.
However it was officially declared open in 2007 by former Australian of the Year and top military man General Peter Cosgrove on April 26, 2007. At the start of the walk there is a display that honours units and ships directly involved in the defence of Australia during World War II. The idea has been to establish plaques for these groups – with six now in place and room is still left for
several more.
When Kingscliff Public School teacher Gerry Matthews heard about the project, he decided it would be a good idea to involve his students, combining history and community spirit.
“At the end of 2008 I read an article about the walk,” Gerry Matthews said.
“And I thought if I could get the kids in the school involved it would be a great way to raise their awareness of the sacrifices defensive personnel made in
World War II.”
He said he asked his 2009 Year 5 if they had any relatives that had been involved in World War II and eventually came up with three suggestions. The class chose the suggestion of Chloe Hampton, who’s maternal great grandfather had served on the Kanimbla.
“We then spent a lot of time researching on the net and in books,” he said.
“Every time we thought we had heard everything about the Kanimbla, we would find out something else amazing.”
The young students edited down their information and drew pictures for the plaque, with Jacob Ryan producing the successful drawing in just one school art lesson. Jacob was on hand to see his handywork unveiled this week although Chloe Hampton, who’s teacher parents have moved to Inverell, was represented by her paternal grandparents.
The project was then handed over to Brian Vickery and the Kingscliff Branch of the RSL – who arranged for the plaque. Representatives of the nursing home, RSL, Veterans Affairs and the school were on hand to officially dedicate the new plaque on Monday.
