On Friday 23 April, St Margaret’s students stopped to honour our service men and women at a tribute in remembrance of those who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
The service, which involved the whole school, featured a choral performance, The Last Post and a guest speaker St Margaret’s parent Lieutenant Shane Bliss. Lieutenant Bliss shared with students stories of some of the courageous soldiers from the suburbs surrounding St Margaret’s who served at Gallipoli. Students Isabella Bluett, Sophie Martin and Lucy Edwards also spoke, reflecting on the ANZAC spirit of courage, endurance, initiative, discipline and mateship displayed on the Western Front.
Elsewhere, other groups paid tribute to our service men and women at various services. On ANZAC eve, TOC H members, wearing their school uniforms, attended a midnight service at Brisbane’s Shrine of Remembrance in ANZAC Square, while a group of Year 12 boarders attended the Dawn Service the following morning. Some boarders also paid their respects at an ANZAC Day Service held at Churchie.
Our younger learners in Prep learnt about the importance and significance of ANZAC Day and the ways in which people commemorate the national day of remembrance. The students baked ANZAC biscuits, decorated poppies and listened to the story of ANZAC Ted by Belinda Landsberry.
Observing this national day as a school community not only highlights its significance in Australia’s history but also encourages students to reflect on the contribution and sacrifices made that have afforded us the country and lifestyle we have today.
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."