Donkey takes centre stage in ANZAC service

Donkey takes centre stage in ANZAC service

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Owen Fulton (injured soldier) and Emmett Dickson (Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick) and donkey (Wilfred ) re-enacted the famous photograph.

One local primary school has adopted some local diggers and a donkey as a way to teach the students about the meaning of ANZAC Day.

Last Friday, April 26, South Thornlie Primary School welcomed in the community for their special ANZAC Day Service.

Special guests Chris Tallentire MLA, Cr Kylie Dalton from the City of Gosnells along with the school’s adopted diggers Mr Fred Flor and Ms Helen Cole were in attendance and took part in reading the ODE and the laying of wreaths.

The Year 6 student leaders led the service.

The school’s choir was joined by some of the Thornlie Senior High Māori Cultural Group to sing the Australian and New Zealand National Anthems.

The story of Simpson and his donkey was re-enacted by students as the story was read.

The wounded soldier rode the donkey through the crowd while being led by Simpson.

Our students from Years 2 – 6 were encouraged to write a poem about what ANZAC day meant to them.

A panel, that comprised of  Mr Fred Flor, Ms Helen Cole and Mr Mark Paskulich, along with Mrs Bell looked at these poems and chose one to be read during this service.  The chosen poem was written by Maya, a year 5 student.

“We feel very privileged to hold our annual ANZAC service with our special guests, donkeys and community in attendance,” Principal Barnett said.