On Friday, 28 April, students at the College gathered in solemn remembrance of the Anzacs, participating in a moving Anzac Day ceremony held in the school courtyard.
Together, they reflected on the complex meanings of war, and paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of all those who have served in our armed forces throughout history.
Saraya and Calista shared the story of the Anzacs and their fateful landing at Gallipoli. Clarissa led the College in prayer, and Sophia and Henry delivered the College Captains' address, which can be read below.
During the formal proceedings, Ruby and Taya laid a wreath to honour the memory of those who have given their lives in Australia's wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions. This was followed by the Ode, the Last Post, One Minute's Silence and the Rouse.
The ceremony was a shared moment of respect and a powerful reminder of the ongoing impact of war and the importance of remembering those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
Thank you to all student leaders involved, as well as Music Tutor Nick Vane, for playing the Last Post and the Rouse.
“Today, many people will wear the medals of their grandparents or great-grandparents – people who were publically recognised for their efforts in world wars. However, it is essential that we acknowledge all individuals whose courage and sacrifice contributed so much to shaping the identity of this nation, and to those that continue to serve, as Australians gather today, in the thousands, or in communities such as ours, to do just that. With thanks to the Anzacs and other Australian men and women of the past and present, we can all learn to unite and accept one another, as the spirit of the Anzacs bonds us all, today, and in all days. With this, we can take these virtues into the future.” Sophia
“As a 17-year-old on the cusp of adulthood, I cannot begin to understand the terror our ANZAC soldiers would have faced on the shores of Gallipoli, many of whom would have been the same age as I am. I believe the best way of paying our respects to the Anzacs is by embodying the very spirit which was born on this day 102 years ago. The values of courage, honour, endurance, initiative, discipline and mateship are ones that we should hold with the utmost importance. Not just on this day, but on all our days, as that is what it means to be Australian. The way in which we pay our respects should be more than just a moment of silence one day of the year, or by wearing a badge or attending a football game. It is essential that we embody these traits so as not to allow the sacrifice of our Anzacs to be in vain. We must be courageous and fight for what we believe in, even in the face of adversity, just as our soldiers have. We must never give up at the first hurdle but strive for greater. In a diverse world, we must remember to love and respect our fellow man rather than cast him aside.” Henry
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