By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A GEELONG teacher who encouraged one of his students to apply for a study tour was so impressed he decided to have a go himself.
Sacred Heart College learning enhancement coordinator Carl Tracey helped Ocean Grove student Jasmine Davis win a place on this year’s Spirit of Anzac study tour.
“Jasmine described it as the best experience of her life and it was the catalyst for me to apply for the position of chaperone on the 2014 tour,” Mr Tracey explained.
“My role at Sacred Heart is to encourage students to take up opportunities to extend themselves outside the normal curriculum.
“It was really rewarding for me when Jasmine was selected, so it’s almost ironic for me to be awarded this honour.”
The Spirit of Anzac study tour in April will take 12 students to significant sites where Australians served in war, including Lemnos, Gallipoli and the Western Front.
Mr Tracey said the tour would have a personal connection because his grandfather and grand-uncle fought at the Western Front.
“My dad was in the army and I have a brother in the army, so I know it will be an emotional trip but I look forward to learning more about the Anzac spirit that drove them all.
“It will also allow me to share that with my students and hopefully I can lift the profile of the prize.”
Mr Tracey said his first duty would be to play a role in selecting the 12 students for the 2014 tour.
