On Monday 28 April, we all gathered in our House areas to commemorate those in the armed forces for ANZAC Day. A moving ceremony was broadcast to each House area, allowing all in attendance the opportunity to reflect and give thanks for all of those who have dedicated their lives to the armed forces.
We were fortunate to hear from Year 12 student Sofia Castello, who gave a speech about what ANZAC Day means to her. Some excerpts from her speech included the following:
ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on those who gave everything - at Gallipoli, on the Western Front, in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and in peace-keeping missions around the world. But it's also about recognising the people who continue to serve our country, and those who carry the scars of the war long after it's over. It's not about glorifying war - it's about acknowledging sacrifice and showing respect.
And for us, the next generation, it's about asking ourselves: how do we carry the legacy forward? We might not be on battlefields, but we can still live with bravery. We can still look out for each other. We can show kindness, empathy, and strength, even when things are tough.
As a Young Ambassador for the Shrine of Remembrance in 2022, I've had the chance to reflect deeply on what these values mean, then and now. Visiting the Shrine, standing in silence during ceremonies, hearing the stories of veterans, I've come to understand that ANZAC Day isn't just about remembering the past. It's about how we choose to live today....One of the greatest things this role taught me is that leadership doesn't always look like standing in the spotlight and sometimes about standing still, listening, representing your community with respect and simply showing up to honour others.
We pause today not just to look back, but to remind ourselves of the responsibility we have to honour their memory - not just in words, but in actions and in the way we live. Honouring the ANZAC Spirit is more than just standing still for a minute in silence. It's about a commitment to never forget the sacrifice of those people who fought for our freedoms, and our way of life. It's about a commitment to live up to values that they held dear.
Lest we forget.
Call
Email