CARING: Candece Fuller, Troy Stuart, Ainsley Watson, Abbey Dean and Tom Dening from James Sheahan Catholic High School with some of the items being prepared for the care packs which will be sent to Afghanistan. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 0406sgcarepack1
AUSTRALIAN soldiers serving in Afghanistan will know the real meaning of support from the home country when they take delivery soon of care packs specially prepared by students of James Sheahan Catholic High School.
Working under guidelines supplied by the Department of Defence the students of the year nine history class have brought in items which are not readily available to the fighting forces in Afghanistan.
School principal Mark Pauschmann said he is proud of the initiative shown by the students.
“I think there is a renewed interest in our war history particularly over the last ten to 15 years and young people are becoming more and more aware because of their studies,” said Mr Pauschmann.
Student Abbey Dean has prepared her care pack with treats for the dogs that are with Australian defence forces in Afghanistan working in the bomb detection units.
“I just love animals and when I found out I could send a care pack to one of the dogs, I just thought it would be a nice gesture too,” she said.
Mr Pauschmann said students of the school will focus on Anzac Day activities following a recent visit to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
“It was a particularly poignant and special moment as we stopped to place a red poppy on the memorial wall at Tim Cutcliffe’s name.
“Tim who was killed in Vietnam is a former student of the school,” Mr Pauschmann said.
The students’ history teacher Tina Ellis said she was impressed by the attitude of students to connect with the commitment of former and current serving troops. “All the care packs will be delivered free of charge through Australia Post,” said Ms Ellis.
Donations for the care packs were also received from Mullion Creek Primary School, and James Sheahan Student Representative Council.
“We have been assured they will be delivered to the forces in Afghanistan to arrive in time for Anzac Day,” said Ms Ellis.
