Embracing Community Spirit: An Anzac Day Story from Barden Ridge
- Ying Bean
- May 5
- 4 min read
Some moments in early childhood can't be planned. They just happen, and you know immediately that the children will carry something from them for a long time. This Anzac Day, The Ridge Preschool & Childcare in Barden Ridge had one of those moments.
We were honoured to welcome Command Warrant Officer Benjamin McGregor from the Royal Australian Navy to our centre. In full uniform, sitting quietly among our little ones, he answered their questions, listened to theirs, and gave our children something that no worksheet or craft activity ever could: a real, human connection to what Anzac Day means.
What Anzac Day Looks Like Through a Child's Eyes
Young children experience Anzac Day differently to adults. They are not yet ready for the weight of history or the grief behind the marches. But they are absolutely ready to understand something simple and profound: that some people choose to spend their lives looking after others.
When CWO McGregor sat with our children and asked, "Are you guys going to any of the ceremonies?" it was a small question, but it opened a big door. The children leaned in. They touched his uniform. They wanted to know why he wore it and what he did. In their own words, in their own way, they were beginning to understand service.
This is exactly the kind of learning we believe in at The Ridge. Not just what is delivered in a planned session, but what unfolds when you create the right conditions and invite the right people into your community.
Early Childhood Education and Community: Why It Matters
Research in early childhood education consistently shows that a child's sense of belonging extends well beyond their family home and their care setting. The children who thrive are those who feel connected to the broader community around them. They see the world as a place that is made up of people who contribute, who care, and who show up for each other.
At The Ridge, located in Barden Ridge in the Sutherland Shire, we are fortunate to sit within a genuinely warm and connected community. Experiences like this Anzac Day visit are not an add-on to our programme. They are part of how we educate. They are how we help children develop an identity that reaches beyond themselves.
For our youngest children in particular, being in the presence of someone in uniform, someone who is calm and kind and proud of what they do, is an early education in character. It says: the world is full of people who are good, and one day you might choose to be one of them.
How We Bring Anzac Day to Life for Little Ones
In the lead-up to Anzac Day, our educators at The Ridge create learning environments that introduce children to the themes of remembrance in age-appropriate ways. This might include Anzac-themed books like Alfred's War, which was on display during CWO McGregor's visit, gentle conversations about what it means to be brave and to help others, and creative experiences including poppy art and collaborative displays.
We also acknowledge that for some families, Anzac Day is deeply personal. Parents and grandparents who have served, or who have lost someone who served, bring a different kind of meaning to this day. We hold that with care.
This year, having someone from the Australian Defence Force present in our space brought all of those threads together in a way that felt completely natural. The children were not taught at. They were simply given the gift of presence.
Lest We Forget: A Community That Remembers Together
We are proud to be part of a community in Barden Ridge and the broader Sutherland Shire where these kinds of connections happen naturally. Where a member of the Royal Australian Navy can walk through our gate, sit down with a group of three and four-year-olds, and make a lasting impression not through rank or ceremony, but through genuine warmth.
To CWO McGregor, and to all who have served and continue to serve: thank you. We are honoured to welcome you into our community, and into the lives of our little ones.
Lest we forget.
Encouraging Families to Continue the Conversation
The preschool encouraged families to talk about Anzac Day at home, sharing stories and reflecting on what the children learned. This helps reinforce the values introduced during the visit and keeps the spirit of remembrance alive throughout the year.
Parents can support their children by:
Reading age-appropriate books about Anzac Day together.
Visiting local memorials or community events.
Discussing the importance of kindness, bravery, and helping others.
These simple actions help children see how the lessons from Anzac Day apply to their daily lives.
A Lasting Impact on The Ridge Preschool Community
The visit from the Royal Australian Navy officer was more than just a special event. It was a chance to build connections, inspire curiosity, and nurture respect among the youngest members of the community. The Ridge Preschool’s thoughtful approach to Anzac Day shows how even small children can understand and appreciate important values when given the right guidance.
This celebration reminds us that teaching about service and community starts early and that every generation has a role in carrying these values forward.
By welcoming a Navy officer and creating engaging activities, The Ridge Preschool made Anzac Day a meaningful experience for children and families alike. This approach offers a model for other early childhood centres looking to celebrate national days in ways that are both respectful and accessible.
Come and See What Learning Looks Like at The Ridge
If you are looking for a childcare or preschool in Barden Ridge or the surrounding Sutherland Shire area, we would love to show you around. At The Ridge, we believe education happens in moments like these, and we work hard every day to create the conditions for them.
Visit us at www.theridgepreschool.com.au or call 0477 030 666 to arrange a tour. We would love to meet your family.
