From the DSM Desk

Last week was Legacy Week, with Legacy celebrating it’s 100^th year. The week commenced here at Campbell with a brief morning Yuma visit by none other than Legacy Bear to help us promote our Camo 4 A Cause Day and educate the school on the role of Legacy. Kindergarten got to enjoy some question time and a few very special cuddles with Legacy Bear!

We were also very lucky on Monday to be on the route of the Legacy torch relay as it moved between the Australian War Memorial (AWM) and Russell offices, with 2 very lucky senior students invited to escort the torch bearer as they moved past the school. Most classes were able to make it out after recess to watch the procession go past - a very special moment in history. Congratulations Lincoln and Claire on being selected to escort the torch. One of our amazing new Campbell Primary School families also delivered the starting address, laid a wreath at the AWM, and lit the cauldron at the Governor Generals house at the conclusion of the relay. We were so proud of the girls and the incredible way they represented themselves, Campbell Primary and Legacy on the day.

Then it was time for Camo Day and what an AMAZING day we had! The call went out, and as always, the Campbell Primary community responded in terrific fashion. It was so fantastic to see students in a wonderful array of camo clothing, accessories and face paint to fit the theme.

Never ones to simply dress up, we went all out with military themed experiences for the students. Activities included the incredible Dr Silly and Medic Friend First Aid interactive show, tug of war, obstacle courses, military dress up relays, cam crème application, an historic display of memorabilia from the Australian War Memorial, a howitzer with a team from the Australian Federation Guard, and the incredible musical stylings of the Royal Military College pep band. For the whole middle session students danced, painted, leopard crawled, ran, jumped and learned about our incredible military community and culture, while also having a lot of fun!

While the day was amazing fun the cause we were supporting is very serious and sad. The recent helicopter tragedy during Ex Talisman Sabre brings to light just how important the work of Legacy remains in supporting the widows and children of veterans who pass away during service or any time after. This is their hundredth year and they still have 43,000 partners and children they support every day. Many of us will know someone whose family has benefited from the support of Legacy without even realising. Between the generous gold coin donation and the bear and badge sales Campbell Primary School has raised an incredible amount of over $800.00 to support Legacy in their important work.

A day this big doesn’t happen without a great deal of help and support. Campbell Primary School would like to thank all of our staff, families, P&C, canteen and students who embraced the day and contributed so much to the fundraising efforts. We would especially like to extend our appreciation to the 5 incredible Campbell Primary School ADF parents (and the members of their working teams) who gave up their time and knowledge to run our activities.  We genuinely could not have done it without you. Finally to the amazing teams from Fed Guard and RMC Band who contributed with such energy and passion, we are so grateful. We hope that this may become an annual event and that it will be bigger and better next year! Anyone have a contact for a helicopter?

Karyn Penney
Defence School Mentor