For more than a century, ANZAC Day has seen our nation come together to honour those who have dedicated their lives to defending our country.
Marking the day that Australian and New Zealand troops landed at Gallipoli in 1915, 25 April sees communities around the world pause to honour and commemorate those who serve today, have served in the past, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, as well as the families who have supported them.
On ANZAC Day, College Captain Sophie and Vice Captain Holly attended the Rockingham Service and presented a wreath from our grateful school community.
Sophie commented that “ANZAC Day is an important time to reflect on the courage, sacrifice and service of those who have served. As a school, it is important that we attend the Rockingham ANZAC Day Service, as it shows our respect and demonstrates our active involvement in the local community.”
For Holly, the experience was more personal as she shared that “ANZAC Day is extremely meaningful to me because my family has a history of military service, including my dad and great, great grandfather, which reminds me that the sacrifices we honour are not just part of history, but part of my own family’s story. It is a day to reflect on the courage, resilience and honour shown by those who served, and it is important that we continue to come together in this way to ensure their legacy lives on.”
On Wednesday, 29th April, we gathered as a whole school community on The Avenue for our own ANZAC Day Commemoration. The theme this year was ‘Women in Service’. Our guest speaker, Chief Petty Officer Kristen Wishart, has two children at Kolbe and is currently serving in the Royal Australian Navy. CPO Wishart spoke about her many operational deployments and also the meaning of mateship.
Year 11 Student and Navy Cadet Tahj commented that “It is important that we commemorate ANZAC Day because it is the one day the whole country comes together to remember the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives or part of their lives in services to the nation, defending its land, values and beliefs. It is a great honour to be part of the Assembly that remembers their service.”
Year 9 Student Paige reflected that “ANZAC Day to me is a time to reflect on and remember the soldiers who fought for our freedom, as well as honour those who still serve today. I think Kolbe Catholic College holds a beautiful ceremony that shows respect and gratitude for their sacrifice.”
Year 7 Student Kaylee shared, “I feel we need to remember ANZAC Day to reflect on how brave those soldiers were and to also make sure we don’t repeat the past.”
