CSHS Anzac Tour 2024

03/07/2025

Please come and support the next Tour. Register on the Collie Hub in “upcoming events “.

20/06/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/N5rzQykG5LXADb1V/?mibextid=w8EBqM

09/05/2024

As you would have seen if you were following along with our daily updates, while we were in Paris we visited Mr Croft’s friend Julian, a professional firefighter, and his team.
During our visit Brandy presented badges and a cap on behalf of her uncle and the Collie Volunteer Firefighters to the team in Paris. Today Brandy and Mr Croft presented Shane Hickson (Captain of Collie Volunteer Fire and Rescue) with the badges we had brought back from Virty-sur-Seine fire station.

We would like to give a big thank you to Shane Hickson as well as Julian and our friends in Paris, for allowing us to share bits and pieces from different sides of the world, keeping us connected to our friends abroad as well as the relationship between the tour and our community.

01/05/2024

Final Blog
Brian and Yannick are the winners of “My Restaurant Rules” for the 2024 Collie Senior High School Anzac Tour. Their glittering prize is the glory of coming first and bragging rights. Well done fellas. The strategy of being super competitive drove off many contenders and you chose wisely. If you’re confused by the start of my final blog, it is simply this. I’m righting a perceived wrong from the last entry that saw the boys relegated to a post script right at the very end!

The 2024 Tour was our return to an overseas journey of commemoration since 2019. It has been a resounding success. Made possible, by the commitment of the students and their families to the ethos of the tour.

To demonstrate that Collie SHS students are young citizens of enormous potential.

The fundraising is a key component of the program we run at Collie SHS. Through hard work and effort, they slowly raised as much funds as they could, to earn the privilege of representing their school, community, state and nation.

They did this with incredible energy, good natured humour and excellent manners and courtesy. The number of times that people stopped us to congratulate us on just how well behaved and respectful that the students were, was numerous and from a wide range of people. They are a credit to their families and to the community that produced them. It has been so wonderful to see them grow and whole heartedly take up different experiences and cultures and be amazed by history. We push them hard on this tour. They took on every challenge and rose to every occasion. The greatest thrill for me though, was their dawning realisation of just how enormous the First World War was, the sad and tragic loss of life that it represents and how Australian sacrifice during that conflict shaped who we are as a nation and people, gave us values and ideals that are important to uphold and upon which are a fierce source of pride that we should never relinquish. They felt it. They absorbed it. They will never be the same again. I know this to be true. They went from being a tour group of students excited to see the world, to mates, with lifelong bonds they will never forget.

The Tour invites a RSL veteran from the Collie-Cardiff sub-branch. They have always been wonderful supporters of the Tour and this tour they gave us Yannick Peltier. He was an excellent addition to the tour, a good sport, great with the kids and managed to count to 9 on most occasions. I thank him for his efforts and mateship. Oh and the stories! Lots of stories. And the adventure on the last day recovering his phone at Charles de Gaulle airport. He claims not to be responsible but I can’t print here, the story he wants told. I’ll leave that for him.

The parents who came on the tour, Stacey, Anthea, Kelly and Brian. Together we made a team and bonded over our shared goal to look after the students. They all did a wonderful job and Stacey’s work dealing with the money needs to be mentioned. It’s not an easy job. I couldn’t have done it without her. All of the parents now share in that special bond that forms having done one of these and I now consider them all as my friends. Thank you.

To the staff, Rebecca Stewart, Kirsten Thomson, Mike Podgorny and Chris Ireland, thank you all for such a wonderful job, in good humour and dedication to what we aimed to achieve. I can’t thank you all enough. Chris for his dependability, Kirsten for the blog, Rebecca for her blunt assessment of my shortcomings, and Mike for his support. I really enjoyed doing this with you all.

The school supports the tour in many ways. Making it possible to gain approvals, use of administrative support and the relief component from our colleagues who take our classes. Thanks everyone.

The Principal, Dale Miller, deserves credit for much of this as she is a firm believer in the value of the tour and a mover and shaker in the background to make this huge undertaking happen. Thanks Dale.

We pride ourselves on the fact that we by and large provide a good or a service in most of our fundraising efforts. Or the chance to win something. But without the support of the community, who buy tickets in our raffles, get their car washed or buy a curry, we wouldn’t have a tour. Thank you so much in believing in us. Collie truly is a wonderful place full of good people.

To the parents of the students. You are remarkable. The support you gave your kids was awesome and once again showed what a dedicated bunch of people can achieve when they put their minds to it. Once again, I have made a lot of friends.

I should also mention Colin Gillard and Sue McPherson. Sue did a lot of the leg work in organising the details of how we got where we wanted to go. Colin is our longtime tour guide, since day one on the very first tour on the Western Front. A man with so much knowledge and experience, specialising in Australian Battlefield history, he now only does one tour a year. We are glad he chose us for this year. Thanks mate.

We arrived home after a long flight and the excitement of everyone was palpable as we neared that sliding door in Perth Airport that meant we would soon be hugging our loved ones.

We had a really special tour. Largely because of the enthusiasm and commitment of Alexis Milne, Amara Mumme, Beau Milne, Brandy Morton, Charlie Cochrane, Gemma O’Brien, Isobel Kippin, Jaycee Coverley, Jessey Brown, Kate Abbott, Katy O’Brien, Keet O’Brien, Lola Henderson, Luca Miller, Milla Harker, Phillip Whitford, Phoenix Hickmott, Rose Harrington and Ruby Whitney. I cannot thank these young people enough. They truly are special and give all of us faith in the next generation.
Regards,
Ed Croft
Teacher-in-charge
Collie SHS Anzac Tour 2024

28/04/2024

Landed safely back in Perth 😀

27/04/2024

We’ve arrived in Dubai. Waiting to board our last flight home ✈️

27/04/2024

Some fun facts as we wait to board:
- Phoenix has the lightest case going home
- Mr Croft has the heaviest case going home, doubling his original case weight
- Brian was bang on the 30kg limit
- Keet gained 11kg in his case (he was the biggest souvenir collector)
- Phillip’s case was the smallest increase
And we don’t know how, but Brandy’s case is lighter coming home, has she forgotten something? 😂🤷🏽‍♀️

27/04/2024

As we get organised this morning to head to the airport & say goodbye to Europe… As a bit of a reflection on a quieter day yesterday, I asked everyone on tour to briefly summarise their experience.

“An experience of a lifetime that was special enough to be remembered forever.”
- Gemma O’Brien

“Being apart of the 2024 Anzac Tour has been such an amazing and eye opening experience with some of the best people, something I’ll never forget and memories that will last a lifetime.”
- Brandy Morton

“This trip for me has been amazing I have made so many lifelong memories with the best group. I feel like I now know the true meaning of ANZAC and Mate-ship”
- Jaycee Coverley

“I had such a great time and have had many laughs but also have developed a deeper connection and understanding about the ANZAC spirit.”
- Luca Miller

“This trip has personally been one of the best experiences of my life by far. I have learnt so much and made friendships that will last a lifetime. Being here and experiencing these things surrounded by this amazing group of people is something that has been truely eye opening and I will cherish it and these memories forever.”
- Milla Harker

“Being apart of the 2024 Anzac tour is something I will always cherish for the rest of my life. The tour was the most eye opening thing I have ever done, and to do it with the most amazing people, made it even better!”
- Katy O’Brien

“The trip for me has been amazing, not only have I learned so much, but I have created some amazing bonds with people I never thought I would have if it had not been for this trip.”
- Rose Harrington

“This trip was honestly a life changing experience for me, and has exceeded all my expectations. My favourite part though is how it feels like we’ve all grown closer, like a family. I’ve made a lot of new friends I would have never made before.”
- Phoenix Hickmott

“This trip has done more than exceed my expectations and has changed my perspective on life and history. This trip has brought me closer to so many people and I have made new friends that I thought I’d never even speak to.”
- Izzy Kippin

“Trip of a lifetime, full of memorable moments. Something hopefully all of us will never forget.”
- Keet O’Brien

“When people told me it was a “once in a lifetime opportunity” they weren’t wrong. I enjoyed every minute and I’d do this trip with these people all over again if I had the chance.”
- Lola Henderson

“For me, this trip has been otherworldly, I have made so many friends and even more memories. There has been lots of laughs and jokes told in the true Aussie spirit. I can’t describe enough to you how much I have enjoyed this trip.”
- Ruby Whitney

“My experience on the Anzac tour has definitely been incredible, I will forever be grateful for the bonds I’ve created and memories made. I’m so thankful I got the opportunity on visiting my Great, great uncle’s grave and hold a private service. The Anzac tour has taught me a lot and it’ll be something I always cherish.”
- Jessey Brown

“I am beyond grateful for this tour and everything it has taught me about the ANZACs in World War 1. I am also thankful for the opportunity to connect with some truly amazing people I may never have met and create lifelong memories.”
- Alexis Milne

“It’s impossible to put in to words the connections formed over the course of the tour and the emotional rollercoaster the trip has been. Truly the trip of a lifetime.”
- Kate Abbott

“This has been the trip of a lifetime. Being able to create memories and share them with the most amazing people that will always have a special place in my heart no matter where our own journey takes us, and for that I will be forever greatful.”
- Charlie Cochrane

“This trip has been an incredible experience that has not only created new friendships and memories but broadened my knowledge and understanding of the Great War through unforgettable experiences.”
- Amara Mumme

“This trip has been fantastic, I’ve grown closer to people I’d never expect and to experiencing life in Europe at such a young age has been something I’ll never forget, I will certainly come back.”
- Phillip Whitford

“I can't even begin to describe the connections that I've made within the tour, I haven't just had the chance to talk to people I never expected to, but I've also been able to deepen the friendships that I had outside of the tour. I am so grateful for this opportunity and I'm honoured to be able to say I've been a part of it.”
- Beau Milne

“This trip has been a massive eye opener for me, it's showed me there's an entire world out there to explore and enjoy. It really was like taking a family of 29 overseas.”
- Kelly Hallissey

“The highlight for me on the tour was representing CSHS at the Arc de Triomphe (as one of two veterans on the tour) and being part of the services on ANZAC Day at Villers-Bretonneux and Bullecourt. Being thanked for my service by the Hon Matt Keogh MP, French people and John Langoulant AO.”
- Mr Podgorny

“Out of the many loss of lives arose mateship, resilience and camaraderie to form the Australian identity.”
- Yannick Peltier

“A once in a lifetime experience, jam packed into 3 amazing weeks that I will remember forever. From seeing Big Ben, to the Eiffel Tower, to the ANZAC dawn service and everything in between, all while sharing this with our wonderful tour group. Seeing the battlefields and memorials first hand and visiting my great, great uncles’ memorials will be something I'll treasure. It has given me a deeper appreciation for our service men and women, who sacrificed their lives for the freedom we have today. Thankyou to all involved!”
- Mrs Stewart

“This tour has impressed upon me a profound appreciation of Australia's role during World War 1. From exploring Europe's fascinating history and grand museums, traversing London, Paris, Belgium and the Western Front, and following in the footsteps of our ANZAC Legends, I have gained a much greater understanding of why young Australians went off to fight in The Great War.”
- Brian Kippin

“This has been an amazing experience, being able to explore the places that our courageous soldiers fought and gave their lives. Listening to the discussions the students have had after visiting the battlefields, memorials and war graves makes me feel honoured to have been able to share this journey with them.”
- Mr Ireland

“I have loved every minute, it has awakened the travel bug in me that I never knew was there! These kids are amazing, I have loved watching every one of them have their eyes opened.”
- Stacey Henderson

“It has been a such a pleasure to spend the past 3 weeks with such a wonderful group. To see people conquer fears, try new things, eat different foods & most of all look out for each other has been truly special.”
- Anthea Abbott

“This tour means so much to me. Its value as a learning experience is incalculable, priceless. What greater gift could I wish for than to be surrounded by energetic young people who awaken to the possibilities and opportunities that this world has to give. I will never get sick of watching that happen.”
- Mr Croft

“I’m so privileged to have been able to experience this tour & watch the students grow and learn over the 3 weeks here. I can’t put into words the feeling of seeing the amount of battlefield cemeteries & memorials, because it really has given me a whole new perspective on the consequences of war and the sacrifices others made for our futures.”
- Miss Thomson

Thank you for following along at home, we’re so glad you’ve all enjoyed the updates, see you all back in Australia soon 😀

Miss Thomson

26/04/2024

Day 19
We all started our day off with much deserved sleep ins after the early wake up yesterday for the dawn service. Around 10-11 of us decided to head out in small groups for brunch or some snacks. It was our last day in Arras so many of us wanted to make the most of it. While a few opted to spend the day reviving from their lack of sleep by staying in at the hotel, at 2 o’clock we had strict instructions to meet Mr Croft in the lobby and to be ready and prepared for the infamous “race around Arras”. Once we had all arrived and were divided into our teams, thanks to the help of a random generator, it was time to get it underway. Mr Croft began by explaining that firstly penalties would be awarded to teams that had not completed much of their journals (which was many of us - sorry Mr Croft!). The pink team (Katy, Jessey, Phoenix and Amara), the blue team (Milla, Charlie, Keet and Izzy) and the yellow team (Brian, Lola, Rose and Jaycee) all got a head start as they had the least amount of penalties. Whereas the orange team (Kate, Phillip, Luca and Brandy) had a 2 minute wait and the green team (Beau, Alexis, Gemma and Ruby) had a 4 minute wait due to having the most amount of penalties within their team. Then on Mr Croft’s call we were off!

Many teams began frantically running and opening the first envelope trying to figure out the first clue. We had to head to the church and get a team selfie with one of the Italian saints near the lilac. Once completed we had to then meet Mr Croft in the square with our proof to get the next clue. With the second clue we had to meet Miss Thomson in the Pattiserie where we all had to pick and eat a sweet treat before we could get the next clue. The clue collected from Miss Thomson gave us a ticket to the tower, where we had to race up to the top, take a group selfie and then find Mrs Stewart for the next clue. Many teams easily got to the top of the tower, but finding Mrs Stewart on the other hand was a struggle. After what felt like ages searching for her Katy spotted her in a full disguise sitting just metres from the teachers! We were all in disbelief as every team had walked past her multiple times on their search.

We then quickly got the next clue from Mrs Stewart which lead us back to Mr Croft in the middle of the square where we had to sing the French national anthem as loud and fluently as we could. If it wasn’t up to Mr Croft’s standards, we would have to start again! Many teams aced this challenge, turning the heads of many locals. Yellow struggled with this stage as someone in particular (Brian) did not know the words.

Once we had met Crofty’s standards we secured the next clue, where we had the head to the square and figure out what was different about the buildings and whether they were the same or not. We had to think really hard, and remembered that our trusty tour guide Colin had told us none of the buildings were the same and every window was different. Once we relayed this important information to Mr Ireland we got our second last clue.

We had to find the place we went for dinner on the first night in Arras and either eat a piece of strange cheese or intestine sausage! Every group member had to finish a piece and show their tongue in order to get the next clue. Many struggled on this one, including Brandy, Gemma and Alexis. We then quickly grabbed our last clue off Yannick, which was that every group member had to try on a piece of clothing from a different shop and then finish by meeting Mr Croft in the middle of the square with proof. The first team to complete this final clue would then be crowned the winners.

We were rushing around the square frantically with many shop owners kicking us out and repeating “no challenge” or “no photos”. In the end the Pink team (Katy, Amara, Phoenix and Jessey) came out on top, followed closely by blue in second place, then green, then orange and lastly yellow (unlucky Brian! 😝).

After the race around Arras was complete we made our way back to the hotel to rest and pack before meeting in the lobby and heading to our final tour dinner at 6.45pm. For dinner we went to The French House. Before we ordered, Mr Croft started off with a presentation for the race around Arras. The winning pink team were awarded an Arras tote bag and a pink pen. The runners up (blue team) chose a poppy pen and a fridge magnet, the green team chose a pencil, the orange team chose an iron on poppy and the last team (yellow) got an Australian button cover.

We then ate dinner which was followed by speeches. The speeches started with Mr Croft saying how proud he is of us and congratulating us on our journey. Many more speeches were made and many tears were shed, thinking about the memories and friendships we have made along the way. A delicious last dessert (something we were very sad about) was then eaten. After indulging we made our way back to the hotel and went to bed for the last time of the tour. A bittersweet feeling but we are ready for home.

Love from Arras,
Milla and Amara

P.S. Brian & Yannick won My Restaurant Rules in case anyone was wondering… at least Brian won something 😉

26/04/2024

25/04/2024

Just some more photo spam from the last day. It was such a wonderful experience to share with this brilliant group of students and adults. I am so proud of them and privileged to have this opportunity to see them grow and develop. They are amazing. Their understanding of the Great War and its effect on our identity as Australians has changed them forever. It is now their responsibility to take up the torch.
Lest we Forget.

Mr Croft

25/04/2024

Day 18 - ANZAC DAY on The Western Front

We started ANZAC Day as soon as the clock struck 12am by waking up, getting prepared and putting on our many layers of thermals to brave the cold weather. We got onto the bus and left the hotel at 1am. We started heading to Villers Bretonneux trying to keep awake. We had a packed breakfast and Amara accidentally dropped her orange juice onto the floor of our new bus and decided to let it roll around and watch everyone else clean it up! We had our very own bus attendant serve us hot chocolate, tea and coffee (spoiler it was Mr Croft).

We arrived at Villers Bretonneux around 2:30am. We stood around and admired the place once again. The realisation kicked in to everyone that we had finally gotten to the part of the tour we had came for. We got sat down and were shocked with where we were sitting. We were told we would have VIP seating, but instead we had VVIP seating where we were sitting behind the minsters and mayors. We were very excited and well prepared to sing the French national anthem there. We nailed it. School captains, Lola and Alexis, laid a wreath with all of us forming a guard of honour for them to do so.

Once the service had finished we got back onto the bus and headed to the Adelaide Cemetery where we visited the original grave of the unknown soldier who now lays to rest at the Australia War Memorial in Canberra. We held a service where Phoenix read a poem and Gemma said the Ode.

After this we went into the village of Villers Bretonneux for their town service. Here Charlie, Rose and Phillip laid a wreath. We made our way to the town of Albert and got a hot chocolate from a little cafe. We quickly stopped to look at the Notre-Dame de Brebères and whilst leaving, Charlie caught some good luck by getting pooped on by a bird.

We went into the Musée Somme and saw some artefacts and watched a small video about the different landmarks and memorials along the Western Front. We then had some baguettes for lunch.

We then went to the Honourable Artillery Company (H.A.C) Military Cemetery for Jessey’s ancestor, Herbert Oliver Brown. Here, Jessey read her poem and Amara read the Ode. Luca and Jaycee also read a poem relating to ANZAC day as this was our last private service of the trip, meaning it was Ruby’s last time playing the Last Post too. We all think she has done a fantastic job playing at nearly every service we’ve held over here.

We hopped back onto the bus and headed to Bullecourt. We attended the service at The Slouch Hat Memorial in town. Then walked down the road to the Digger’s Memorial of Bullecourt and attended the service here. Amara, Beau, Luca and Phoenix laid the last wreath of our trip. The feelings kicked in after the service as it was the last war related event we were completing together. We were all extremely tired from a long, but amazing day, so we headed back to our hotel to find an easy dinner and to get ready for a good nights sleep.

We are all so thankful to have experienced Anzac Day on The Western Front.

Luca & Gemma

Public education in Western Australia