A Gallipoli oak tree will rise in front of Melton South Primary School and serve as a link between the school and Gallipoli.
A seedling was received last week and planted by pupils in time to mark the centenary of Anzacs landing in Gallipoli.
As it grows, it will serve as a symbolic link between pupils and the Anzac centenary, Gallipoli and the people of Turkey.
Gallipoli oak ‘grandparent’ trees were grown from acorns originally sent to Australia by soldiers fighting at the Gallipoli Peninsula in World War I.
Primary schools across Victoria have registered to receive an oak, and Melton South Primary was one of the first of 300 schools in the state to receive its tree last week.
Classroom teacher Sandra Hawkins said the oak was a special way for the school community to remember the fallen and returned servicemen and women.
She said the oak would also be a focal point in future discussions and study of Anzac Day.
“It’s something tangible the students can go and see. They’re very excited that we have that link with Gallipoli. They all know about Gallipoli and understand what happened there.”
Last Friday pupils held a special assembly in honour of Anzac Day. As part of the assembly, they discussed the importance of having the oak tree at their school.
