Berwick Lodge Primary School Memorial Garden
Berwick Lodge Primary SchoolBerwick Lodge Primary School’s Memorial Garden was officially opened on Friday 11th November 2016 by Judith Graley MP who was acting on behalf of the Honourable John Eren, Minister for Veterans. The special Remembrance Day service and garden opening was conducted by the school captains who gave a speech about the significance of Remembrance Day. The Memorial Garden was the idea of Assistant Principal Sandra McCrum to create a space within the school which is a focal point for future assemblies and an area for the school and local community. The Memorial garden provides the opportunity to acknowledge our veterans and educate our students about the sacrifices of those who have fallen. Within the garden we honour a fallen soldier, Williiam Donovan Joynt who resided locally and won the Victoria Cross for his ‘most conspicuous bravery’ and include information about the significance of the local area as a soldier settlement after the war. The Memorial garden was supported by the Victorian Government and the Victorian Veterans Council through an ANZAC Centenary Community Grant.
The Honourable John Eren MP says “The Victorian Government has an important role to play in sharing the story of veterans’ service with the younger generations – this project is a fine example of the impact of this support”. The garden was built with the generous assistance of parents and staff. A ‘Field of poppies’ mosaic made by students adorns a brick wall and Robert Kelly, a teacher, designed the interpretive signage. Chris McKenna and members from the Berwick RSL were involved in the project and assisted with purchasing signs to display information in the garden. All the students made a special poppy which were displayed around the Memorial at the official opening. The official opening was the culmination of 12 months of planning and constructing. We wish to thank all those involved in creating a beautiful Memorial garden for our school and local community.
