St Marys RSL Sub-Branch - Reports on School-Related Activities
RSL Sub-Branch Contacts:
President - Gary Fizzell 0418 114 976; Secretary - Ron Kelly 02 9623 3334;
Welfare - John Foeken 0409 329 688, Uwe Schoenherr 0414 063 957, Terry Burns 0407 834 499.
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Once again, hundreds of Year 10 students in six high schools were offered the opportunity to compete for school scholarships in a program conducted by St Marys RSL Sub Branch. The scholarship program commenced in 2003 after much ground work by our past-President, Colin Shepherd.
RSL Sub Branch members continue to show their generosity in maintaining their commitment to supporting young students with their studies, through the availability of the scholarships. The funds are provided to the student’s school to be held in trust and used to cover purchases of materials and/or equipment to assist them with their studies.
Judges from the Sub Branch in 2011 were Gary Fizzell, Ron Kelly and Tony Fryer.
Topic Choices for 2011
Topics are chosen to enhance a young person’s understanding of a historical Australian military incident or situation and to elicit some thought and their opinion on the topic. This year’s topics were:
- Explore the role and history of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Provide details of your understanding about the life of an Able Seaman (Gunnery) on board a RAN ship today, in an operation. Include your own thoughts and opinions about ‘life in Australia’s Navy’ – i.e. is this a life for you?
- What is the role of Australia’s Army Reserve (A-Res) forces? Explain the general commitment a person makes when joining & detail the types of jobs men and/or women can undertake at some of the Army Reserve units located in western Sydney. Would you join the A-Res, and why?
- Australia – a Republic? (The National Flag and National Anthem). A lobby group pushing to change Australia's flag predicts it will be successful within 5 to 10 years. AusFlag's campaign to remove the Union Jack is backed by several prominent Australians. AusFlag predicts Australians will soon vote to become a republic and are likely to want a new flag as well. Should Australia consider becoming a Republic? Discuss the pros and cons. If Australians chose at a Referendum to become a Republic, what would be your opinions regarding a change to the Anthem and Flag?
- Women in the Services. The role of women in the services have changed dramatically in the past few years in that they have moved away from the traditional role of yesteryear and, for example, now carry out some combat duties in the Army and fly combat missions in the RAAF. Explore the role of women in all Australian Military Services. Give your opinions on providing opportunities for women in all or only selected combat roles.
Results for 2011:
A presentation awards function was held on 24th November where individual scholarship winners were announced, students congratulated and updated school shields presented. Judges were pleased to see that the general quality of entries received (being the top entries from each school – as judged internally by each school’s staff) were of a high standard - some were considered exceptional. The winners for 2011 were:
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The 36 Winners for 2011
RSL Sub-Branch Contacts:
President - Gary Fizzell 0418 114 976; Secretary - Ron Kelly 02 9623 3334;
Welfare - John Foeken 0409 329 688, Uwe Schoenherr 0414 063 957, Terry Burns 0407 834 499.
