Welcome

Connecting Spirits

Is a joint project between Meningie Area School and Birdwood High School which involves students travelling to the World War 1 battlefields, cemeteries and memorials of France and Belgium.
While there, the students commemorate individual soldiers from their own families and communities.
The first trip occurred in November 2006, the second in 2008 and a third will occur this year.

This webpage was developed with the generous support of the Anzac Day Commemoration Fund who contributed $3500 toward the cost of its establishment and maintenance.

Quotes

Victor Koolmatrie
"It was tragic that so many lives were taken, boys the same age as me. As I stand here I think of my great, great-Uncle Rufus and I know many people will never see their relative’s grave as I have. I feel a great sense of responsibility representing these relatives at home. And when it’s all over I think I will have a feeling of accomplishment and closure. I will never forget this journey and in the future I will tell my children about ‘Connecting Spirits’.”

Latest News

January 2010

Planning for Connecting Spirits 2010 is well underway. There will be an opportunity for our students to interact with students from Johan's school in Belgium during this trip. In the lead up to that meeting, we have arranged for an exchange program. We have sent a stuffed toy kangaroo, known as Ozzie, to Belgium with her own passport. During the next 10 months she will travel with Johan and his students to various places around Belgium, keeping a log as they go. A toy from Belgium is on its way to Australia and will be called Wozzie. It will do the same with our group and return to Belgium with us so that the students there can see where it has been. Keep an eye on this website for updates. Already Ozzie has attended the  burial of the first soldier in the new Fomelles (Pheasant Wood) Cemetery. 

 For more photos click here