WAR ANIMALS

Today we learnt about war animals. "So what are war animals?" you may ask. They are animals that are used in war and they helped the army by doing things they couldn't do.This included pigeons taking messages, dogs listening for the enemy and cats eating the rats and mice that ate the supplies. Horses, mules and donkeys carried the injured men off the battlefield and carried the heavy supplies. We would love to hear your opinions about this video in the comments below. Here are some comments from the students who are arguing about whether or not animals should be used in war. Report from Tom and Will C.
In Ivan's opinion,"Dogs can be great company. But, they can also be trained to sniff out explosives or listen for the enemy."
In Madeline's opinion, "Animals have been, and still are, help we've always needed. However, this is no excuse for animal cruelty. A long time ago, one thousand horse were sent to war and only one returned."
In Katherine's opinion, "Horses were once used to carry food and most importantly, to help wounded soldiers to safety such as the famous example of Simpson and his donkey. On the other hand, it could be dangerous for animals to be at war with no protection and they could easily be killed, die of hunger or suffer from a lack of water."
In Corinne's opinion, "Animals play a big part in today's society and in yesterday's war and should continue their noble work."

Remembering on Anzac Day...Response to Text-"Lone Pine."

 Reading the moving story of "Lone Pine," inspired our writing today. The authors are Susie Brown and Margaret Warner and the illustrator Sebastian Ciaffaglione.

Leah wrote: Based on a true story, "Lone Pine" really moved my soul! In a battlefield in Turkey, two brothers far away from home have to suffer losing their youngest brother in battle. They send a pine cone to their mother...not knowing it would turn into a symbol of remembrance! Lest we forget!

Jia-Yi wrote:  "Lone Pine" is a moving and powerful true story. The authors use short, sharp and powerful sentences to get straight to the point...the story appealed to me because of the dramatic and dynamic vocabulary, for example, "solitary" and "memorial." I also realised that many things resembled the three brothers who fought in the war. For example, the three seeds grew into three saplings, two of them stood tall, while the third withered away. This story reached out to touch my heart. Lest we forget!

Harry wrote: The weather is foul. I can see a storm coming. It is nearly time. The real fight is about to begin. I can sense it. Many will be lost. I'll be lucky to survive...my one wish is to survive this terrible war along with my brothers......the war has finally come to an end. Somehow I survived but, I have yet to find my little brother, and I fear that I might never see him again...
These might have been some of the soldiers'  thoughts. The battle of Lone Pine is a truly moving story that shows us the pain and sadness of war and how it can affect us all. But the lives lost were not soon forgotten, and every year, all around Australia, we remind ourselves of the lives lost!  Lest we forget!

Chloe O wrote: This story is sad, with the classic Anzac Day message, lest we forget. The short powerful sentences harden the story and catch our attention. I thought the pine saplings used as symbols worked well. It is sad to think this is a true story. The illustrations were very striking, especially the two dawn scenes, one with the young pines them the lone old pine tree.

 Jess K wrote: This book is very powerful. I loved the strong language and powerful illustrations that really painted the picture! I loved how one little pine seed could make a big difference in someone's life... Lest we forget!