Ipswich kids partake in creative commemoration
08 November 2024- History & commemoration
- Ideas & info
School students create heartfelt artworks to remember and reflect.
As 11 November fast approaches, thousands of kids will unleash their inner artist as part of RSL Queensland’s Draw to Remember initiative. Now in its third year, Draw to Remember has become a highlight for RSL Sub Branches and primary schools alike.
For Ipswich RSL Sub Branch Secretary Debbie Wadwell, the program is one that she is proud to support.
For Ipswich RSL Sub Branch Secretary Debbie Wadwell, the program is one that she is proud to support.
Ipswich RSL Sub Branch Secretary Debbie Wadwell and one the students.
“I love Draw to Remember because the program ensures that the significance of the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month remains alive for future generations,” Debbie explains.
“I was so excited about our first year and I was very keen to get the word out to our local schools. I even dragged my board members along for the ride and excitement because it was so cool to see the children get involved in remembrance.”
During a Draw to Remember session, children use chalk to create artworks that express what Remembrance Day means to them. Colourful poppies, flags, crosses and wreaths wash over schoolgrounds across Queensland, bringing history to life and fostering respect for veterans.
“Draw to Remember is a powerful educational tool that can help enhance a child’s understanding of history, strengthen their community bonds, and keep the memory of veterans alive in their hearts and minds,” Debbie says.
Thomas, Jamie and Carlos working on their creations.
“Our veterans are thrilled that we partake in Draw to Remember, and they find the drawings very inspirational. On the flipside, the children appreciate the opportunity to take on such an important task, and their teachers love it and thank us for inviting them to take part.”
A visit to West Moreton Anglican College
This year, Debbie and the Ipswich RSL Sub Branch team will venture out to 10 local schools, including West Moreton Anglican College (WMAC). Guided by the school’s Defence Mentor, Jenny Sheehan, 75 kids from the junior school gathered to listen to Debbie’s team share the importance of Remembrance Day, and then spend a morning bringing their commemorative creations to life.
“I love sitting here and asking, ‘What are they thinking at this age?’,” Debbie says while watching the students work.
A visit to West Moreton Anglican College
This year, Debbie and the Ipswich RSL Sub Branch team will venture out to 10 local schools, including West Moreton Anglican College (WMAC). Guided by the school’s Defence Mentor, Jenny Sheehan, 75 kids from the junior school gathered to listen to Debbie’s team share the importance of Remembrance Day, and then spend a morning bringing their commemorative creations to life.
“I love sitting here and asking, ‘What are they thinking at this age?’,” Debbie says while watching the students work.
“It symbolises the people that fought in the war. They’ve done so much for us to give us freedom,” Year 4 student, Genevieve says.
Every few minutes, a plane from the RAAF Amberley base roars over the school as the kids work on their creations. With more than 100 Defence kids enrolled in WMAC, the noise provides a timely reminder of the sacrifice that many WMAC families have made for our country. Some of the children have even pinned medals from generations of their family’s service to their uniform for the occasion.
“My Dad’s got medals because he’s been deployed in the Air Force for 30 years now. They are from all the overseas missions that he’s done and from training some pilots. It makes me feel really happy, thinking that maybe one day I could also achieve this,” Year 4 student, Thomas says.
“My medal was awarded to my Dad because he got deployed. He’s a pilot and his grandfather was in the war. I’ve been drawing some poppies, an aeroplane and a big cross that says, ‘Lest We Forget’,” fellow Year 4 student, Theodore adds.
Connecting with the next generation
With dozens of drawings completed, and just as many kids covered in chalk, students gather for a certificate presentation from Ipswich RSL Sub Branch to thank them for another successful year of Draw to Remember.
“The imagination you put into this is outstanding, and I am very proud of what you have done. Thank you for being a part of Draw to Remember,” Debbie says to the group.
Every few minutes, a plane from the RAAF Amberley base roars over the school as the kids work on their creations. With more than 100 Defence kids enrolled in WMAC, the noise provides a timely reminder of the sacrifice that many WMAC families have made for our country. Some of the children have even pinned medals from generations of their family’s service to their uniform for the occasion.
“My Dad’s got medals because he’s been deployed in the Air Force for 30 years now. They are from all the overseas missions that he’s done and from training some pilots. It makes me feel really happy, thinking that maybe one day I could also achieve this,” Year 4 student, Thomas says.
“My medal was awarded to my Dad because he got deployed. He’s a pilot and his grandfather was in the war. I’ve been drawing some poppies, an aeroplane and a big cross that says, ‘Lest We Forget’,” fellow Year 4 student, Theodore adds.
Connecting with the next generation
With dozens of drawings completed, and just as many kids covered in chalk, students gather for a certificate presentation from Ipswich RSL Sub Branch to thank them for another successful year of Draw to Remember.
“The imagination you put into this is outstanding, and I am very proud of what you have done. Thank you for being a part of Draw to Remember,” Debbie says to the group.
Jenny Sheehan (the school's Defence Mentor) and students award a certificate for being part of this commemorative activity.
As the students head off to their mid-morning classes, a teacher comes over to thank the group, sharing that she too was a Defence child.
The group were then treated to a tour of the school’s library by the school’s Defence Mentor, who showed off the colourful remembrance displays featuring giant poppies, soldier silhouette posters, and a display cabinet of Defence memorabilia.
“Today has helped the students to appreciate the contributions of service members and the lasting impact of their sacrifices. By drawing to remember, I hope the students have felt a sense of national pride and encouragement to uphold values such as mateship, bravery and community,” Debbie says.
It’s safe to say that Debbie will be greatly looking forward to Draw to Remember in 2025.
Remember to remember
This Remembrance Day (11 November), join millions worldwide in honouring those who died in service to their country.
Attend an RSL Sub Branch service, observe a minute’s silence at 11am or donate to the Poppy Appeal, and help keep our service people’s legacy alive. Lest we forget.
The group were then treated to a tour of the school’s library by the school’s Defence Mentor, who showed off the colourful remembrance displays featuring giant poppies, soldier silhouette posters, and a display cabinet of Defence memorabilia.
“Today has helped the students to appreciate the contributions of service members and the lasting impact of their sacrifices. By drawing to remember, I hope the students have felt a sense of national pride and encouragement to uphold values such as mateship, bravery and community,” Debbie says.
It’s safe to say that Debbie will be greatly looking forward to Draw to Remember in 2025.
Remember to remember
This Remembrance Day (11 November), join millions worldwide in honouring those who died in service to their country.
Attend an RSL Sub Branch service, observe a minute’s silence at 11am or donate to the Poppy Appeal, and help keep our service people’s legacy alive. Lest we forget.