History Happenings
Visit to the Adelaide Holocaust Museum
On Wednesday 28 September, the Year 12 History class participated in an Educational Program at the Adelaide Holocaust Museum. Students were able to explore the museum through the eyes of South Australian survivors. Personal stories are highlighted throughout the exhibitions, and this gave the students greater insight and empathy. Although challenging, the students found the experience deeply moving and the educational team at the Museum were able to offer a rich learning program, in a safe and respectful manner.
The students were sincerely grateful for the valuable opportunity to expand their knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust.
Kelli de Lacy
Year 12 History teacher
Exam Preparation Night (Adelaide University)
On Tuesday 27 September, Year 12 History students were invited to the Exam Preparation evening at the University of Adelaide, hosted by the History Teachers Association of South Australia. Students were treated to a university style lecture on Nationalism which was relevant and engaging and a very helpful session on source analysis and exam revision. Our students represented Endeavour College with pride and valued the learning opportunity.
Kelli de Lacy
Year 12 History teacher
Veterans Day
It was with great excitement and anticipation that more than eighty Year 10 History students came together on Tuesday 1 November to meet and engage with a group of Australian war veterans. These veterans – Barry Fox, Peter Tobin, Lloyd Stevens and Ryk Traeger – fought in the Vietnam War.
Our Year 10 History courses have a strong focus on Australia’s involvement in 20th century conflicts. In recent weeks students have been undertaking individual assignments looking at the service of our military personnel and the ways in which war has affected their lives. What better way to find out first-hand about these things than to interview veterans personally?
After some general introductions, smaller groups were formed where students conducted interviews with the veterans using background research and prepared questions to assist them. At the conclusion of the interviews, student representatives from each group presented a gift to their veteran as an expression of thanks.
Veterans Day, which has been a fixture on our school calendar for many years, proved extremely successful once again. As one student commented, “Veterans Day was very helpful and interesting in the way we learned more about how the soldiers felt. It was very insightful and interesting.”
The Year 10s behaved impeccably and gained much from the experience, learning not only about the individual contributions of these men but also the human impact of war. The History staff are very proud of the students for the way they eagerly immersed themselves in this unique learning opportunity and for the respectful manner in which they honoured these former servicemen. We have all been touched and impacted by the testimonies that were shared.
We salute these men for their service to our nation.
David Thiele
History Learning Leader
Remembrance Day
Today, the whole school community paused to remember the wartime sacrifices of Australian men and women during a special Remembrance Day observance.
This morning's school timetable was restructured so that the observance could take place at the traditional time of 11:00am. The observance commenced with a flag procession led by a group of Year 7s. Speakers included the new College Captains and a group of Year 8-10 students, Ms Kelli de Lacy, Mrs Kylie Urlichs, Pastor Chris Mann, and me. The observance focused on the notion of sacrifice and how it is understood in a Christian context. The historical significance of Remembrance Day was also explained, as was the meaning behind the wearing of a poppy.
This year marks some significant anniversaries. In 1942, in what could perhaps be described as the darkest days of the Second World War for Australia, Darwin was first bombed by Japanese forces. Also, the Battle of Kokoda, one of the most iconic Australian campaigns of the Second World War, raged in Papua New Guinea. The Japanese were intent on capturing Port Moresby and isolating the Australian mainland. The five-month Kokoda campaign became an epic feat of endurance. Greatly outnumbered by the Japanese, Australian forces ultimately prevailed, fighting in some of the most treacherous jungle on earth.
After observing a minute’s silence between stirring renditions of the 'Last Post' and 'The Rouse' by Mr Dan Wooldridge, the gathering was dismissed, and the school community returned to its regular activities.
LEST WE FORGET.
David Thiele
History Learning Leader