Gallipoli - In the trenches

Gallipoli - Turkish Memorial

 

Below is a copy email from Mrs Venhuizen. Enjoy!

We have had a busy couple of days and are learning lots. Yesterday we stood on the beach where the Anzacs landed and visited the cemeteries. The soldiers were buried near where they died, so some sites have dozens of graves and others only a few. We found Simpson's grave, then wandered and read many others. Some inscriptions break your heart to read but help to understand the soldiers' stories.

Seeing the topography of the land firsthand helps to learn the difficulty impossible nature of the military objective for the Anzacs. The students did not complain, but it was a workout to walk to the top of the ridge, straight up, in the footsteps of the Troops. We at least had a path; they mostly crawled up. The century old trenches are still carved in the landscape and it was eerie to walk in them and find bits of barbed wire etc still there

We are also learning from the Turkish perspective - their stories of heroism and a different version of some of the events. Our guide is Turkish but our historian is British - good for the students to see differences yet conclude that both narratives are valid. It rained in the afternoon so our media appointment was postponed and instead we went to this very cool brand new museum which uses 3d technology etc to put you in the battle. When the canon turned on us and fired it is amazing how many rational adults screamed.

Our historian said these kids are the best he has seen - 'a purposeful group of young people with insightful questions'. As you would expect, the Delany girls are shining.

Mrs Venhuizen

 

Written By

Tracey Flynn

Tracey Flynn
Delany College Granville

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  • 29 Sep 2026

    From Facebook
    Over the past six months, two of our Year 11 students have taken part in the Max Potential program, using their voices, passion and leadership to create positive change in our community. 🌟 ✨ Paige’s project, See the Signs, promoted respectful relationships and raised awareness of the signs of coercive control. 👟 Kuae’s project, Walk in Their Shoes, raised awareness of homelessness and advocated for people experiencing homelessness. We are incredibly proud of Paige and Kuae for their compassion, courage and commitment to making a difference. Their leadership reminds us that even small actions can create meaningful change. 💙🙌

    28 Sep 2026

    From Facebook
    Our Year 11 students took time away from their usual routines to come together for their retreat. 🌱 The retreat gave students the opportunity to pause, reflect and focus on their formation and spirituality. Through prayer, reflection and shared activities, they strengthened their connection with God, built meaningful relationships with their teachers and peers, and considered how they can continue to grow in faith and community. 🙏💛 Thank you to everyone who helped make the day such a special and memorable experience for our Year 11 students. ✨

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