INQUIRY: "Something To Remember"

For Weeks 8-11 of Term 1, our Mini-Unit/Inquiry topic is "Something To Remember".
Our BIG IDEA: That past wars affected many people's lives in a variety of ways and we still hold to items of significance today.

We put out a notice for parents to share anything they knew about family members who have been in the Armed Forces or any of the Wars with the children in Room 7.  WOW!  What a great response and fantastic sharing opportunities that help link us to the past.
Check out some of the information shared below.

Riley shared with the class about his Great Great Grandfather and showed his war medals (British War Medal 1914-1918, Star 1914-1915 and the Victory Medal 1914-1918), along with the Certificate detailing his commitment during 'The Great War'.
Riley also shared information about his distant cousin and his memorial stone with the class.

Pippa brought in her Great Great Grandfathers Helmet worn in the First World War.  Pippa spoke very well sharing what she had been told.
"This helmet was worn by my Great Great Greandad in World War 2.   My Great Nana was also bombed when the war was happening.   She spent nearly one year in hospital and has many scars to show".
We discovered how heavy the Helmet was to wear and that it would have been uncomfortable to wear all the time during the war.

Charlotte Shared:   "My Great, Great Grandad was in the ANZAC War.  He died in the war."

Monique Shared: "My Great Grandfather died in World War 2."

Lejla Shared: "My Uncle Ipo, was in a war in Bosnia.  20 years ago my Mama had a war in her Country.  Her brother, my Uncle Ipo, who I never meet, was in the Army and he died.  He was 19 years old.  
My Mum loves her brother so much.  We miss him so much.  Bosnian War had a very big impact on all of our lives for ever.  No war is good!   Make peace, not war!"

Liam Shared: His 'Woisin Family WW1 & WW2 History" Folder.  Some notes in brief:
"Great, Great, Great Uncle Frederick William Woisin fought in the battle of Somme, France...  He was shot and died on the second day of battle, 16th September 1916.
Great, Great Uncle Vernon Carl Woisin was in the 24 Auckland Battelion which fought in Egypt and Libya. He was captured and while being taken by ship to a Prisoner of War Camp, they were torpedoed by a British Submarine ... he was one of 118 out of 160 New Zealanders on board that died.
Great, Great Poppa Fredrick Harvey Woisin was a crew member on HMSNZ Leander during WW2. He survived many attacks that eventually put the ship out of action.  After the war he met his future wife in Scotland, then moved to MataMata, NZ to live. 

Jack Shared: "My Great, Great Uncle was in the ANZAC War.  He died."
Mr Rees (Jack's Dad) also came into class and spoke with us and showed us items of personal communication, photos, memorabilia, a newspaper notice and a medal recognising his contribution to the ANZAC War, his Country and the King.

This video is about an Australian boy and his Grandad, and what happens on ANZAC Day.