CAMP GALLIPOLI

24 & 25 APRIL

To mark the centenary of the Anzac landing at Gallipoli, 'Camp Gallipoli' was created for schools and members of the public to recreate the experiences of the Anzacs. Thirty-eight students and eight teachers voluntarily attended an overnight camp at the Melbourne Showgrounds along with hundreds of other Melbournians on Friday 24 April.

On the Friday evening, there were ceremonies, interviews, concerts from Clare Bowditch and Shannon Noll and a movie screening. The unofficial activities included massive games of gang up tigging and other games to pass the time without the need for iPhones and technology. 

The intention was to sleep out under the stars, without tents or shelter, but the weather forecast of rain and thunder storms meant we moved into a huge shed with hundreds of other students and teachers.  Dinner was served in 'army tins' and we attempted to sleep in rows on the asphalt, listening to the rain, thunder and very chatty students.

On the morning of Saturday 25 April, we were woken by a bugle at 5:30am and then attended a very informative and quite sombre Dawn Service. We learnt about the experience of the Anzacs and the impacts on the Australian society as a whole.

After a warm breakfast, we returned to McKinnon in awe of the experience. Thank you to Mrs Binnion for making this opportunity available to the Year 9s and staff.

Kellie Dickson

Year 9 Student Manager