Kids to learn lessons from Daniel

Daniel Morcombe

Queensland Times

TAKING heartbreaking tragedy and turning it into a positive, Ipswich schools are set to take part in national initiative Day for Daniel on Friday.

The day aims to raise awareness of child safety issues and is an initiative of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, established by Denise and Bruce Morcombe following the abduction and suspected murder of their 13-year-old son Daniel from the Sunshine Coast in 2003.

Immaculate Heart Year Four teacher Mandy Leape said, as part of the day, officers from the Queensland Crime Prevention Unit would speak to students about personal safety and there would be a continuous class relay around the school in the afternoon.

Children are also asked to wear “something predominantly red” from shoes to hats in honour of the cause.

“All the media coverage the Morcombe family has received, no parent wants for themselves,” Ms Leape said.

“The day is not a memorial day, but a day which aims to raise awareness.

“If we try to keep it fun, the kids are more likely to remember and take in the message.”

Now in its fifth year, the foundation aims to make the day a national day for child safety awareness.

“Children are our most important resource. The day aims to give them the extra tools to help keep them safe,” Ms Leape said.

“We live in a society where people are wary of each other.

“Parents can't be everywhere and children need to know where they can seek help if needed.”

Other Ipswich schools participating include St Mary's College and St Brigid's Catholic Primary School at Rosewood.