School race a mark of spirit

Although Lake Gwelup Primary School will hold its first Dawn Service tomorrow, the century-old school already has its own Anzac traditions.

After a formal service, the students head to the school oval for the annual Anzac Gift, a sprint for students of all ages.

Heats over 50m narrows the field to a boy and girl from each year group with Stawell Gift-style handicapping so even the youngest runner has a chance. The last winner was in Year One.

Deputy principal Jodi Piercey said the race was in its ninth year.

"We're really trying to entrench the spirit of Anzac into the students," Ms Piercey said.

"It's held in very high regard by the students and the wider school community."

She said the idea came from the husband of a staff member who was a returned serviceman.

"It's a fantastic thing," Ms Piercey said. "Former staff members are now starting races at the schools they move to."

The school takes its commemorative efforts seriously, with an $80,000 project starting this year to build a war memorial for the Anzac Centenary.