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ON THE WINGS OF PEACE
LOWER PRIMARY
1. Story Time: ‘The Soldier and the Dove’
· Begin by gathering the children for a storytime session. Introduce them to a simple yet meaningful story about a soldier who learns the importance of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation through an encounter with a wounded dove during wartime.
· Emphasise how the soldier shows love by caring for the injured dove, justice by protecting it from harm, forgiveness by understanding the consequences of violence, and reconciliation by making peace with the enemy.
The solider and the dove
Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a brave soldier named Jack. Jack had always dreamed of becoming a hero and serving his country with honour and courage. When war broke out, he eagerly volunteered to join the fight, leaving behind his family and friends.
As Jack marched off to battle, his heart was filled with determination and pride. But amid the chaos of war, he witnessed things that shook him to his core. He saw the devastation and suffering caused by violence and conflict, and he began to question the true cost of war.
One day, as Jack was patrolling through a war-torn village, he stumbled on a wounded dove lying helplessly on the ground. Its wing was injured, and it looked up at him with eyes filled with fear and pain. Despite being trained to fight, Jack’s heart was moved with compassion for the defenceless creature.
Carefully, Jack scooped up the injured dove and cradled it in his hands. He realised that this small creature was a symbol of peace amid the chaos of war. With gentle hands, he bandaged the dove’s wing and vowed to protect it from harm.
As Jack nursed the dove back to health, he began to reflect on the true meaning of his duty as a soldier. He realised that true bravery was not found in wielding weapons, but in showing kindness and compassion, even to those considered enemies.
Weeks passed, and Jack and the dove formed an unlikely bond. The dove would perch on Jack’s shoulder as he went about his duties, a symbol of hope and peace during war. And through their friendship, Jack learned the power of love, justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
When the war finally came to an end, Jack returned home a changed man. Though the scars of battle remained, his heart was lighter knowing that he had made a difference, even in the smallest of ways. And as he released the dove back into the sky, he whispered a prayer for peace to reign forevermore.
From that day forward, Jack vowed to dedicate his life to spreading love and compassion wherever he went, knowing that true heroism lies not in the glory of battle, but in the kindness we show to one another. And the memory of the soldier and the dove lived on as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love and peace will always prevail.
· After the story, facilitate a discussion with the children about how they can show love, justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation in their own lives, especially towards those who may have different opinions or backgrounds.
2. Peaceful dove craft activity
Biblical references: Introduce students to biblical passages that mention the Holy Spirit descending in the form of a dove. For example, in the New Testament, during the baptism of Jesus, the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22, John 1:32).
Symbolism exploration: Explore the symbolism of the dove as it relates to the Holy Spirit. Discuss how the dove is often associated with purity, peace, and divine presence in Christian theology. Encourage students to think about how these qualities align with the characteristics of the Holy Spirit.
Dove outline gluing activity
Students can reflect on peace and reconciliation while creating their pictures of doves by engaging in guided questions and prompts that encourage deeper thought and introspection.
· Provide each child with white paper with the outline of a dove on it.
· Students tear or cut coloured paper into small pieces, then glue the pieces onto the paper to create the outline of a dove. Use markers or crayons to add details like eyes and wings.
· Reflect on peace and reconciliation while creating.
Discussion
While students work on their doves, ask questions such as:
· What does peace mean to you?
· How do you think peace can be achieved, both globally and in our own lives?
· Why is it important to reconcile with others when there is conflict or disagreement?
· Have you ever had an argument with a friend or family member? How did you feel afterward?
· What are some ways you can show kindness and forgiveness to someone you’ve had a disagreement with?
· How does the image of a dove represent peace in our artwork?
· What other symbols could we include in our artwork to convey the message of reconciliation?
· Close your eyes and picture a world without war or conflict. What do you see?
· How can each of us contribute to creating a more peaceful world in our everyday lives?
· How do you feel when you’re creating art that represents peace and reconciliation?
· Can art help us process our emotions and promote healing after experiencing conflict?
Students may like to write a reflection on the dove when they are finished.
LEST WE FORGET LOVE JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION
UPPER PRIMARY
1. Read and reflect
Begin by reading Lest We Forget: The Anzac Book by Kerry Brown as a class.
After reading, asked students to fill in the gaps in the story with their own prose.
Engage students in a reflective discussion about the themes of love, justice, forgiveness and reconciliation depicted in the story. Encourage them to share their thoughts and observations about how these concepts are portrayed in the context of Anzac Day.
Watch: Lest We Forget Written by Kerry Brown & Illustrated by Isobel Knowles & Benjamin Portas read by MissEmsBookworm Read Aloud
2. Mixed media collage
· Provide students with a variety of collage materials such as magazines, coloured paper, fabric scraps, and found objects.
· Introduce basic collage techniques including layering, texture, and composition.
· Encourage students to brainstorm ideas for their collages based on themes from Lest We Forget: The Anzac Book (Catholic values of love, justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation).
· Allow students to create their collages, using symbolism and imagery to convey concepts like love, justice, forgiveness, or reconciliation.
· Students will write a brief statement explaining how their artwork represents one concept from Anzac Day and the story. Then, they’ll display their pieces around the classroom for a gallery walk. During this activity, they’ll view each other’s work and discuss interpretations.
· Finally, the class will discuss the artwork’s impact and themes.
3. Scripture comparison
Discuss the importance of finding peace in stories, whether they are from the Bible or other sources like Lest We Forget: The Anzac Book. Explain that stories can teach us valuable lessons about love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Bible story selection: Choose a Bible story that resonates with themes found in Lest We Forget: The Anzac Book. For example, the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) emphasises compassion and helping others in need, which aligns with the spirit of Anzac Day.
Reading and discussion: Read the selected Bible story aloud to the class. Encourage students to listen carefully and think about how the themes of the story relate to the experiences of soldiers and families during wartime, as depicted in Lest We Forget: The Anzac Book.
Comparison activity with Venn diagram: Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a Venn diagram. Label one circle ‘Bible story’ and the other circle Lest We Forget: The Anzac Book. Ask students to read their assigned passage from Lest We Forget: The Anzac Book and compare it to the Bible story. In the overlapping section of the Venn diagram, students should write down similarities between the two stories, while differences are recorded in the separate sections.
Reflection and connection: After completing the Venn diagrams, gather the class together for a discussion. Ask students to share their observations about the similarities and differences between stories. Encourage them to reflect on how both sources offer insights into finding peace in challenging situations.
Creative response: Finally, invite students to write a short reflection that captures their understanding of finding peace in stories, drawing inspiration from both the Bible story and Lest We Forget: The Anzac Book. They can share their reflections with the class if they choose.
BUILDING PEACE
LOWER SECONDARY
1. Read
Read ‘The fight for peace’ by Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ. He writes that the reality of war overlays this year’s Anzac Day commemorations and is a powerful pointer to the need for the International Day for Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace on 24 April.
Background reading: See this article for before, during and after reading activities – Strategies for elevating reading comprehension in the classroom.
· What is the significance of Anzac Day in Australia according to the article?
· Why does the author emphasise the importance of recognising both past and present wars on Anzac Day?
· Describe the nature of the battle at Gallipoli as depicted in the article.
· How does the author connect the events of Gallipoli to present-day conflicts in places like Myanmar, Ukraine, and Gaza?
· According to the article, what does victory often entail in modern conflicts?
· Explain the author’s perspective on the impact of war on families and society, both historically and in the present day.
· What stance does Pope Francis take on war and diplomacy, and how is it received by some?
· How does the author suggest we honour the legacy of Anzac Day and support peace efforts in the face of ongoing conflicts?
2. Exploring Catholic values
Introduce the concept of peacebuilding from a Catholic perspective.
Discuss key principles such as love, justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Begin by engaging students in a brief discussion about their understanding of peace. What does peace mean to them? How do they think peace is achieved in the world?
Explain that today’s lesson will explore the Catholic approach to peacebuilding, guided by principles deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Present the key principles of love, justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation, explaining each concept in simple terms.
Love
· Love is a powerful force that connects people and brings them closer together.
· Love is more than just a feeling; it’s about caring for others, showing kindness, and treating everyone with respect.
· Love is demonstrated through actions such as helping a friend in need, being kind to others, and showing compassion to those who are suffering.
· For example, when you comfort a classmate who is upset or share your lunch with someone who forgot theirs, you are showing love in action.
· Biblical example: The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
In this parable, a man is beaten and left on the side of the road. While a priest and a Levite pass by without helping, a Samaritan stops to care for the injured man, showing him love and compassion despite their cultural differences. This story demonstrates love in action through selfless care and concern for others, regardless of their background.
Justice
· Justice is about treating everyone fairly and equally, regardless of who they are or where they come from.
· It’s making sure that everyone has the same rights and opportunities, and that no one is unfairly treated or discriminated against.
· Justice also means standing up for what is right and speaking out against injustice or unfairness.
· For example, if you see someone being bullied, speaking up to stop the bullying and making sure everyone is treated with respect is an act of justice.
· Biblical example: King Solomon’s Wisdom (1 Kings 3:16-28)
Two women come to King Solomon with a dispute over a baby, each claiming to be the mother. King Solomon listens to both women and, in his wisdom, proposes to divide the baby in half so each woman can have a share. However, the real mother shows her love for the child by sacrificing her claim to save its life. Solomon recognises her as the true mother and ensures justice by giving the baby to her. This story highlights the importance of fair judgment and protecting the vulnerable.
Forgiveness
· Forgiveness is choosing to let go of feelings of anger or resentment towards someone who has hurt or wronged you.
· It’s about giving people a second chance and choosing to move forward without holding onto grudges.
· Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting what happened or pretending it didn’t hurt, but it allows healing and reconciliation to take place.
· For example, if a friend apologises for saying something hurtful, forgiving them and choosing to continue your friendship shows the power of forgiveness.
· Biblical example: The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35):
In this parable, Jesus teaches about the importance of forgiveness through the story of a servant who owed a great debt to his master. When the servant begs for mercy, his master forgives the debt entirely. However, when the same servant refuses to forgive a smaller debt owed to him by a fellow servant, the master condemns him for his lack of mercy. This parable illustrates the necessity of extending forgiveness to others, as we have been forgiven by God.
Reconciliation
· Reconciliation is the process of restoring relationships and making peace after there has been conflict or disagreement.
· It involves listening to each other, understanding different perspectives, and working together to find a solution.
· Reconciliation requires humility, empathy, and a willingness to forgive and be forgiven.
· For example, if two friends have an argument and reconcile, they talk about what happened, apologise for any wrongdoing, and make amends to rebuild their friendship.
· Biblical example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)?A younger son asks his father for his share of the inheritance and squanders it on reckless living. When he realises his mistake, he returns home seeking forgiveness. Despite his past actions, the father welcomes him with open arms and celebrates his return. This parable illustrates reconciliation as the father restores the broken relationship with his son, showing unconditional love and forgiveness. It teaches the importance of reconciliation in repairing damaged relationships and restoring harmony within families and communities.
Provide an overview of the article ‘The fight for peace’ and its main points about war, Anzac Day, and the call for diplomacy for peace.
The article ‘The fight for peace’ by Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ reflects on the significance of Anzac Day in Australia and its connection to contemporary conflicts worldwide. Fr Hamilton emphasises the importance of remembering past wars while addressing present-day issues such as war, diplomacy, and the pursuit of peace. He discusses the impact of war on individuals, families, and societies, highlighting the need for compassion and solidarity. Through the lens of Catholic teachings, the article calls for a commitment to peacebuilding efforts amidst the realities of conflict.
Encourage students to reflect on how practicing these values can contribute to creating a more peaceful world.
3. Connecting to real-world examples
· Show students images or videos depicting instances of conflict and peacebuilding efforts around the world. Begin by showing historical photographs or video footage of Gallipoli, highlighting the devastating impact of war on soldiers and civilians alike. Then, transition to images or videos that depict efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in the aftermath of conflict, such as memorial ceremonies, peace talks, or community reconciliation projects.
Resources: Understanding Gallipoli and First World War by Australian War Memorial
Discussion: Facilitate a discussion on how the principles of love, justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation could be applied to these situations to promote peace. Lead a discussion on how the principles of love and compassion could have influenced the actions of soldiers on both sides of the conflict. For example, at Gallipoli, soldiers showed love and compassion by risking their lives to rescue wounded comrades under fire, sharing scarce resources, and comforting each other in moments of despair. ?Despite the brutality of war, bonds of brotherhood formed, transcending differences and revealing the humanity within each soldier.
Explore the concept of justice in the context of war crimes and violations of human rights during the Gallipoli campaign. ?After Gallipoli, accountability and reconciliation have been pursued through commemorative events, where nations honour fallen soldiers regardless of nationality. Additionally, educational initiatives aim to acknowledge historical truths, fostering understanding and empathy between former adversaries. These efforts promote healing by confronting the past and fostering reconciliation.
Discuss the possibility of forgiveness and reconciliation between former enemies after the war. How could acts of forgiveness, such as veterans from opposing sides coming together in friendship or participating in joint memorial ceremonies, contribute to healing and reconciliation? ?The possibility of forgiveness and reconciliation after Gallipoli is profound. Veterans from opposing sides coming together in friendship and participating in joint memorial ceremonies can foster understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. These acts of forgiveness promote healing by acknowledging shared suffering and honouring the humanity of all involved, paving the way for reconciliation.
Encourage students to reflect on how the principles of love, justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation can inform their understanding of war and peace, both in historical contexts like Gallipoli and in contemporary conflicts around the world.
Brainstorm: Encourage students to brainstorm ideas for peaceful resolutions to conflicts they see in their own communities or globally.
Conflict resolution vocabulary challenge
a. Discuss the importance of resolving conflicts non-violently and introduce vocabulary related to conflict resolution.
b. In small groups, brainstorm definitions and synonyms for vocabulary terms: dialogue, mediation, community-building initiatives, advocacy for justice and human rights.
c. Vocabulary relay race – race to select vocabulary terms and apply them to scenarios, writing sentences explaining their use.
d. Vocabulary reflection: discuss the significance of the terms and their application in real-life conflicts.
Conclusion: summarise key terms learned and encourage continued exploration and use in discussions and written work.
- Encourage students to think creatively about ways to resolve conflicts non-violently, such as through dialogue, mediation, community-building initiatives, or advocacy for justice and human rights.
4. Case study analysis
Provide students with a case study of a real-world conflict, such as a historical event or a current issue.
In small groups, have students analyse the case study through the lens of Catholic values. How could love, justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation be applied to resolve the conflict?
Have each group present their findings to the class and facilitate a discussion on the different perspectives shared.
5. Reflection and application
Ask students to individually reflect on the following questions:
· How can I practice love, justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation in my daily life?
· What actions can I take to contribute to peacebuilding efforts in my community?
Invite students to share their reflections with the class or write them down in a journal.
6. Pray
Heavenly Father,
Grant us the wisdom to seek love in every interaction, to uphold justice in every decision, to extend forgiveness in every moment of hurt, and to pursue reconciliation in every relationship. May our actions reflect Your divine grace as we strive to build a world filled with Your peace.
Amen.
FINDING MEANING IN EXPERIENCES OF WAR
UPPER SECONDARY
1. Read
Read the article ‘River of meaning’ by Michele Gierck, where she writes about how living in a post-war zone sharpens the awareness of life and death.
Background reading: See this article for before, during and after reading activities - Strategies for elevating reading comprehension in the classroom.
Answer the following questions and complete the activities:
· How does the author describe her connection to rivers, particularly the Birrarung (Yarra River)?
· What does the author compare her experiences by the river to?
· What did the author experience during her time living in El Salvador?
· According to the author, what is the true story of war, as opposed to what is typically depicted in the media?
· Why does the author mention Christina Lamb’s book, The Sewing Circles of Herat?
· How did the author feel on returning to Australia from El Salvador?
· Describe the significance of the Rose Garden and chapel at the José Simeón Cañas Central American University (UCA) to the author.
· What is the symbolic meaning of the cross that the author has in her house, and how does it differ from the traditional interpretation of the crucifixion?
Vocabulary building activity: Students will be presented with five vocabulary words –’reconstruction,’ ‘contortions,’ ‘reverently,’ ‘burdensome,’ and ‘radiating.’ For each word, students will write their own definition for the word and then look up the actual definition in a dictionary. Students compare the definitions, make the necessary corrections to their own definitions if needed and then use the word in a sentence. After reviewing the definitions and sentences, students may reflect on the words’ meanings and consider how they can incorporate them into their own writing and communication.
Research: In this paragraph writing activity, students will delve into research on the civil war in El Salvador and its aftermath. They will focus on various aspects, including the experiences of civilians, the role of international intervention, and efforts towards reconciliation and peacebuilding. Students will gather information from credible sources to gain insights into the impact of war on individuals and communities, as well as the challenges of rebuilding society after conflict. Using their research findings, students will craft a well-structured paragraph that summarises key points and reflections on the historical and humanitarian aspects of war and conflict resolution in El Salvador. They will demonstrate their understanding through clear and coherent writing, providing analysis and interpretations of the complexities involved in post-war reconstruction efforts.
Comparison: Students create a Venn diagram comparing the experiences of the Anzacs at Gallipoli with the experiences of people living through the war in El Salvador.
2. Essay writing
Reflecting on the themes of war, peace, and remembrance discussed in the article, how can the principles of Catholic teachings guide our understanding and response to the commemoration of ANZAC Day in Australia? In your essay, consider the role of compassion, reconciliation, and the pursuit of peace in the context of honouring the sacrifices of those who served in wars. Provide examples and insights from both the article and your own understanding of Catholic teachings to support your arguments.
You can find an essay planner here and a planning template and outline here.