With the recent passing of Tom Pritchard, Australia's last "Rat of Tobruk", Year 10 students were encouraged to go home and talk to parents, caregivers and older relatives about their family connections with World War II. Students were asked to record their at-home discussions in writing and were also asked if they could bring into class a family artefact that was symbolic of the War. The intention is to maintain our connections and memories of World War II in a living way. Year 10 students shared personal stories of prisoners of war, post-war migration and mateship. There were stories and images of courage in a Spitfire, connections with past Concordia pupils in Papua New Guinea and great grandfathers defending the Kokoda Track, family members defending Switzerland and Singapore, and family members that did not come home from the War. There was an original piece of the Berlin Wall which was obtained at the site when the wall came down. 

This time was 30 minutes well spent. It reminded us of the importance of keeping our living connections with World War II and its consequences. Thanks to the students and parents who contributed.

Year 10 History Teachers