ANZAC Day, observed on April 25 each year, is an important occasion in Australia and New Zealand to remember and honour the brave men and women who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions. The day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I at Gallipoli, Turkey, in 1915.

ANZAC Day is an opportunity to learn about the values of courage, sacrifice, and friendship. It’s a time to reflect on those who fought for freedom and peace, and how we can appreciate the life we have today because of their bravery. While ANZAC Day focuses on history, it also reminds us of the importance of kindness, helping others, and standing up for what is right. It’s a day that brings people together and helps children understand the value of peace and respect.

Purple Mash resources:

Through age-appropriate activities like creating poppies and listening to stories, primary-aged children can feel connected to this significant day and understand its meaning in a way that’s both educational and respectful. To support this, Purple Mash has a dedicated category with bespoke ANZAC Day resources. From poetry, to postcards from the past, there is a way for all students to make a connection to ANZAC Day.

In addition, Purple Mash are encouraging you and your students to put your artistic hats on and create a special piece of artwork, symbolising the significance of ANZAC Day. To inspire children and teachers alike, we’ve prepared a guide that includes examples and step-by-step instructions to support the creation of a moving tribute by combining multiple artistic elements in 2Paint A Picture.

In past years, we've seen some incredibly moving Anzac Day tributes created with 2Paint A Picture and we warmly invite you to share your creations with our social community using the hashtag #pmanzacart. Those who do will go into a draw to win some incredible prizes, including a 6-month subscription for their school!