Scholarly performers

Published: 1 May 2011
By: Robin Williams

Padua College students accept a cheque from the Kedron Wavell RSL Club to support their Canberra history tour

HISTORY students from Padua College, Kedron, had a unique experience on Anzac Day, taking part in the Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

The Canberra history tour involved 20 students and three staff members and involved the students attending the national Anzac ceremony later in the day before touring the war memorial and being given a private viewing of Earnest Heathcote's memorabilia from the 1919 Russian campaign.

Students also took a walk down Anzac Parade during the late afternoon to view individual campaign memorials.
Steve Thrum, from Padua College, said the trip also had the support of the local RSL.

"In late 2010, Padua College approached the Kedron-Wavell RSL for possible assistance with funding of the 2011 Canberra history tour, including paying for tour shirts," he said.

"Following a presentation to the RSL at one of their monthly meetings by Padua College's RSL representatives, Mitchell Caulfield, Jackson Hanley and James Lazelle, the members of the RSL voted in favour of providing $2000 to support the tour."

Mr Thrum said the funds were handed to the students in a ceremony at the Kedron Wavell RSL on March 22.

"In addition, the RSL also supplied the participants with badges and poppies, and a special wreath to lay at the Anzac Dawn Service," he said.

Mr Thrum said that, while in Canberra, students also toured Parliament House and the National Museum.