ANZAC Day School’s Awards 2026
“Women in Service”
In 2026, students at Anzac Terrace Primary School undertook an immersive learning journey centred on the theme “Women in Service.” It was a particularly fitting focus, with both the current Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army (RSM-A) and the incoming Chief of the Army being women.
This cross-curricular program which included the whole school explored the stories, experiences, and contributions of Australian women in Defence, including senior serving members and female veterans from the Bassendean community. Students video interviewed a currently serving Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) who is a proud Indigenous woman and a Brigadier (BRIG) who was also the ACT Emergency Services Commissioner. It was great to hear how Aboriginals play a part in todays and during time of conflict in the ADF. They also engaged with local veterans who shared insights into their roles as a Signaller, Physical Training Instructor (PTI), Clerk, and Medical Officer, Logistics Officer and a psychologist Officer.
As part of this meaningful initiative, students undertook a powerful process of discovery, researching the rich history of Bassendean’s local heroes. Through video interviews, they connected directly with high-ranking women currently serving in the Defence Force. Their learning also highlighted the remarkable service and courage of women who have received honours such as the Nursing Service Cross, Nurses in Gallipoli as well as the leadership and achievements of the current RSM-A and the incoming Chief of the Army who are both women.
ATPS News Desk
A group of year 5/6 students also undertook an engaging multimedia project, where they created a news-style video report to showcase the school’s learning journey. Taking on the roles of journalists, students worked collaboratively as “roving reporters,” presenters, and camera operators, visiting different areas of the school.
Using their ICT skills, they planned, scripted, filmed, and edited their report, demonstrating creativity and technical capability. The final product captured a range of perspectives and highlighted key moments of learning, effectively communicating the depth and impact of the program. This task not only strengthened their digital literacy but also developed their confidence, teamwork, and communication skills in a real-world context.
Biographies of “Women in Service”
Students researched current and previous women that served in the armed forces and created a biography.
Click on the images for the biographies.
Part A
Engagement with Veterans
Anzac Terrace Primary School actively engaging with veteran and current Australian Defence Force (ADF) members through a variety of meaningful interactions and researched former women who served during time of conflict. These engagements included a school visit, online meetings, and written correspondence, providing students with valuable opportunities to connect directly with women who have served or are currently serving in the ADF.
Through these experiences and research students gained a deeper understanding of the role, service, and contributions of past and present “Women in Service.” The interactions helped build strong community connections and enriched student learning by allowing them to hear personal stories, ask questions, and reflect on the significance of service and sacrifice.
The valuable learning outcomes and insights gained from these engagements were demonstrated by students in their group reflection below.
Interviews
Students spoke to veterans from the local community, veterans from around Australia and also conducted video interviews with senior serving personnel, including WO1 Schwarz (7 Brigade) the highest-ranking enlisted personnel and a 1-star, Brigadier Whelan (ACT) who was also the Commissioner of Emergency Services ACT.
Click on the images for further interviews.
Jody Collier
Emily Douglass
Lyndsey Ebdon
Melissa Van Der Waal
Part B
Projects
Anzac Terrace Primary School developed a holistic approach to learning about “Women in Service.” Students undertook research into the important roles and contributions of over 35 women in the Australian Defence Force and throughout Australia’s military history. Through this learning journey, students explored the experiences, achievements, and sacrifices of women who have served their country in a variety of roles. They interviewed a WO1 and a Brigadier who was also the ACT Emergency Services Commissioner which was a major highlight.
As part of the project, students connected with veterans and current ADF members through school visits, online meetings, and written correspondence, gaining valuable firsthand insights into military service and the evolving role of women within the ADF. These experiences strengthened students’ understanding of service, and how differently women were treated. They also learnt that the top leadership roles in the Army are now women.
The project showcased students’ research, reflections, and learning journey in the selected presentation format, demonstrating meaningful engagement with the theme and a deeper appreciation of the contributions of women in service.
Stories of Women in Service
Listen to the inspiring stories read by students, of brave women during times of conflict, including the courageous nurses who served on the front lines. Discover the hardships they faced at Gallipoli Campaign and learn how they cared for and treated wounded soldiers with compassion, skill, and bravery. Through their dedication and sacrifice, these women played a vital role in supporting troops and saving lives during some of history’s most challenging moments.
Scan the QR codes to hear their stories.
Acts of courage
Nurses of World War 1
By Ruby-Valentine Conroy
Nurses
World War 1
By Sargent Adam Lea
The Gallipoli Campaign
World War 1
By Tomasz Joyce
Students Work
The students showcased their learned with a culminated display of 3 boards displaying their work for all the school to see and parents were encouraged to look at the work. This was then showcased and used as a backdrop during the ANZAC Day assembly with the flag in the centre. The purpose of this display was to build community and for students to show the insight into the role and contributions of past or current ADF members. Each class then talked about what they learnt at the assembly. This collaboration of student work shows whole school cohort of learning. Find attached a short video of the display. The school also created a full-time display cabinet in the front office of relic medals, real red-cross patches used, slouch hat, artwork, pictures, newspaper articles, biography’s and other memorabilia for all to see.
Nurse Uniform from WW1
Claire A from Room 18 was so inspired by the story of Sister Alice Ross-King, who served during both World War I and World War II, that she sewed and recreated her 1915 uniform. The uniform is now proudly displayed in the front office alongside other memorabilia.
Pre Primary students learnt about poppies, women have played a major role in shaping the meaning of the poppy, especially in remembrance traditions they learned about Moina Michael who helped establish the poppy as a symbol of remembrance after WWI and inspired the tradition of wearing them.
Year 1 students explored women in service, learning about the important contributions they have made and the medals awarded in recognition of their efforts. One special award they studied was the Nursing Cross, which is given to nurses who demonstrate outstanding skill and bravery while caring for those who are injured or unwell during times of war.
As part of their learning, students looked at real-life examples, including the current serving Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army (RSM-A), who has been recognised for her service. They also learnt about Georgina Whelan, who served in the Army and later became the first female Emergency Services Commissioner in the ACT.
To conclude their learning, students created their own replicas of World War I nurses’ medals, celebrating the courage and dedication of women in service.
Year 2 explored the important role women played during times of war, learning that their contributions extended far beyond the battlefield. They discovered how many women worked as nurses, caring for injured soldiers and providing comfort and reassurance. Students also learnt about the many other ways women supported the war effort, including driving ambulances, preparing meals, sending vital supplies, and working in factories to produce clothing and equipment for servicemen and women. Through this learning, students developed an understanding of the bravery, compassion, and dedication shown by these women during very challenging times. To honour their contributions, students reflected on what they had learnt by writing their own stories, which were then proudly displayed as part of the school’s Anzac Day commemorations.
Year 3 learnt that many women helped during wartime by working as nurses. They cared for people who were hurt or sick and worked long hours in very difficult conditions. They read “Anzac Girl, The War Diaries of Alice Ross King” by Kate Simpson and Jess Racklyeft and learnt about what Alice King Ross went through when she served in the first World War and her experiences caring for soldiers. Her story helped us understand how nurses showed courage, kindness, and care for others, and why their service is important to remember. They then made poppies and wrote on the leaves about things they learnt about nurses. If you look carefully, you can see Ida reading to Maisy who is a veterans Army Service Dog.
Year 4 In class learned about Anzac Day and the important role of women in service. They talked about how women have helped in many ways, such as being nurses, doctors, pilots, soldiers and support workers. They watched videos and had class discussions to learn about their bravery, strength and dedication. learned that women have always played an important role in helping and protecting others, both during war and in times of peace.
After our discussions, room 15 brainstormed words and phrases to describe women in service, like courageous, caring, strong and hardworking. They used these ideas to write acrostic poems about women in service, showing what they had learned. The poems helped them think carefully about the sacrifices women have made for our country.
Year 5 In class, students explored the significant role women have played in the Armed Forces, gaining a deeper appreciation of their contributions across a range of roles, including soldiers, nurses, doctors, pilots, and officers. They conducted research on prominent women in service and shared their findings through engaging presentations. This learning experience helped students develop a strong understanding of the courage, resilience, and dedication demonstrated by these women. They also recognised that women have consistently played a vital role in supporting and protecting others, both during times of conflict and in peacekeeping efforts.
Year 6 students embarked on a journey of discovery, exploring the lives of women who have played significant roles in serving our nation. Each student researched an individual and wrote a biography about their chosen woman. One group focused on currently serving personnel and discovered that the Army’s top leadership positions the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army (RSM-A) and the Chief of the Army are both held by women. The remaining students explored the stories of women who have served throughout history, learning about their contributions and the remarkable achievements they accomplished. They also interviewed the highest-ranking enlisted soldier, a Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) who is a proud Indigenous woman, as well as a senior officer at the rank of Brigadier. In addition, students connected with local veterans in the community, gaining valuable firsthand insights. A group also made a video of reporters about what the school did during this learning process. One student also sewed a nurse uniform that was worn by nurses during WW1.
This project not only enhanced students’ historical understanding but also fostered a strong sense of community pride, remembrance, and appreciation for the vital role women play in service.
Part C
Bibliography
Bibliography
Click for Anzac School Awards – Bibliography
Part D
Student Reflections
Year 6 students embarked on a journey of discovery, exploring the lives of women who have played significant roles in serving our nation. Each student researched an individual and wrote a biography about their chosen woman. One group focused on currently serving personnel and discovered that the Army’s top leadership positions the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army (RSM-A) and the Chief of the Army are both held by women. The remaining students explored the stories of women who have served throughout history, learning about their contributions and the remarkable achievements they accomplished. They also interviewed the highest-ranking enlisted soldier, a Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) who is a proud Indigenous woman, as well as a senior officer at the rank of Brigadier. In addition, students connected with local veterans in the community, gaining valuable firsthand insights. A group also made a video of reporters about what the school did during this learning process. One student also sewed a nurse uniform that was worn by nurses during WW1.
This project not only enhanced students’ historical understanding but also fostered a strong sense of community pride, remembrance, and appreciation for the vital role women play in service.
Student Reflection - Samuel S and James V
- What new knowledge and understanding have you gained from completing the project?
Back in the old days, women in the Army had lots of rules and restrictions. They were paid less than men and could only do certain jobs. Women also had to leave the Army when they got married or had children, but now they are allowed to stay and continue their careers. We learnt that being in the armed forces can help improve fitness and athletic skills. Many students researched inspiring women who served in the military and learnt about their achievements. We researched Doris Carter, who served and later became an Olympic athlete.
- What new knowledge and understanding have you gained from engaging with veterans or current ADF members and their personal experiences?
Our class interviewed Brigadier Georgeina Whelan and Warrant Officer One Annie Schwartz, and we learnt a lot from them. They told us about leading soldiers and helping manage emergencies, which showed us how strong and confident they are as leaders. We also learnt that the leadership skills that Brigadier Whelan acquired in the Army was used when she was given the role as ACT Emergency Services Commissioner. Other women we interviewed explained that going to war can be very stressful, especially when they have to leave their children and families behind, but it can also feel like an adventure. Our class was amazed by Brigadier Whelan and WO1 Schwartz because they were hardworking, brave, self-sacrificing, and very commanding leaders who inspired everyone around them.
Student Reflection - Akalya A and Tiziano A
- What new knowledge and understanding have you gained from completing the project?
Through researching women in Service, we learned that women had very strict restrictions in the past, like having to leave the army when married and then when they had children. Now, they are allowed to stay in the army, even when they have a family. Women were also paid less and weren’t welcomed fairly when they first signed up. We also learnt that going to war is stressful, especially when you have a family at home. Warrant Officer Schwartz talked about the medals that the children get when their parents are at war or on deployment for being brave while their mother is away on deployment.
- What new knowledge and understanding have you gained from engaging with veterans or current ADF members and their personal experiences?
Both Brigadier Whelan and Warrant Officer Schwartz were amazing. They displayed leadership, kindness, strength and perseverance. They are self-sacrificing, trustworthy, commanding and brave. They have managed life with a family at home, mixed with army life. These are extraordinary women that we should be grateful for, and we are. Both They worked very hard in the Army and also looked after their families at home, which would not have been easy. They helped and inspired lots of people around them and showed that women can do great things in the Army too. I think they are extraordinary women and we should all be thankful for everything they have done for our country and for the people they lead.
Student Reflection - Lilly P and Sivan S
- What new knowledge and understanding have you gained from completing the project?
One of the biggest things we gained from completing this project is knowledge about women in service, especially about the limitations of women in the earlier years. The inequities faced by women in service are only now beginning to be addressed, and positive changes have been made. My school has realised how much work goes into these sorts of careers and just how far some women will go to protect our country. Women such as Brigadier Whelan and WO1 Schwartz which my school has been lucky enough to have interviews are with both amazing women. We learned a great deal from interviewing them. It was an amazing experience, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
- What new knowledge and understanding have you gained from engaging with veterans or current ADF members and their personal experiences?
We have gained so much knowledge and understanding from engaging with veterans and current ADF members.. We learnt that not long ago (1980s) there were only 3% of the armed services were women, and there positions were largely restricted, if they got married they had to leave or when they had children. Now when they have children they can stay in the army and males can take on the role as main career and can stay home and look after the children. Now at lest 30% of women are in the ADF. It’s also worth noting that both the Chief of Army and the RSM-A are women, holding the two highest leadership positions in the Army.