Lest We Forget – Commemorating Anzac Day 2025
Anzac Day is a reflective day where Australians, young and old, pay their respects to those in the armed forces. Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten centres across the country chose to commemorate this day in several different ways. Let’s explore how our little learners engaged with this day of importance this year.
Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten Clyde North participated in the Cranbourne Anzac Day Ceremony. As part of the event, some of the centre children placed wreaths of poppies on the commemorative statue. The children had created the poppy wreath themselves in the lead up to the event. It was a fantastic opportunity for the children and centre team to build community ties, and take part in such an important local event.
One of the best-known Anzac Day traditions is making Anzac biscuits. These biscuits tie into Anzac Day because their ingredients are made out of non-perishable foods. This meant that during World Wars I and II, families were able to make these sweet treats and send them to their loved ones overseas. Despite the long distance they had travelled, the biscuits were just as tasty as the day they were made due to the long-lasting ingredients. Golden syrup, oatmeal and sugar and the omission of egg and milk meant that the biscuits lasted a long time.
Check out two traditional Anzac biscuit recipes (one published in 1933 and the other in 1926!) at the Australian War Memorial website here.
The children learnt the history of this Australian food as they made them. This helped them understand how families lived back in these times.
Many centres took part in making the traditional snacks during the week! Check out some of the fun that the children had making these delicious treats.
The Toddler Room at Aspire Cranbourne North honoured Anzac Day by creating beautiful poppy flowers. Poppies are a powerful symbol of remembrance and sacrifice. As the children explored this theme, they also strengthened their hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and colour recognition in a fun and engaging way. Many other centres made art to decorate their rooms, so that the Anzacs can be remembered every day.
On Anzac Day, Aspire Baldivis North team member Beck shared a bit of her own Anzac history. She brought in some very special items from her family’s Navy and Army history. The children respectfully examined and tried on the uniform pieces, and they marvelled at the shiny war medals. It was a beautiful, hands-on way to learn about the people who serve and protect our country. We’d like to give a big thanks to Beck for sharing her family history, and for bringing along these important pieces of the past.
