School commemorate ANZAC Day

Catholic kindergartens, schools and colleges from across the diocese participated in ANZAC Day services in their local communities to remember and pay respects to all Australians who served and died in wars, conflicts and peace keeping operations.

Students turned out in great numbers despite adverse weather conditions representing Catholic Education in local marches, dawn parades, liturgies and community services.

A respectful and moving whole college assembly at Emmaus College, Rockhampton included an address from former Lieutenant Commander, Royal Australian Navy, Bruce Sloper, inviting the college community to honour the memory of those who have served by promoting peace and harmony.

"Our first ANZACS and those who followed gave their tomorrow so we can enjoy today. They have given us the gift of relative peace in a free, ethnic diverse, democratic country. Let us not waste or ignore that gift. So, in their memory let us all endeavour to make our school, our community and our nation a place of harmony, tolerance and peace,” Mr Sloper said.

The annual ANZAC ceremony at Mercy College, Mackay included a student-led theatrical presentation, a hand-bell performance by staff, Drum Corp routine leading to the reciting of the reverent Ode, Last Post, a minute’s silence and playing of the Rouse.

Queensland Country Women’s Association representatives Carol Ferguson and Ngiare Merrifield visited St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Emerald to talk to the school community about the role of women in war and presented the school with “Women to the Front” an historical book detailing the stories of Australian women doctors who served in World War I.

Director, Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton, Leesa Jeffcoat said its very pleasing to see our Catholic school communities continuing to participate in such great numbers in ANZAC services in all regions in the diocese.

“It’s wonderful to see these important and meaningful ANZAC traditions continue with such tremendous support. The spirit of ANZAC, with its human qualities of courage, mateship and sacrifice continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity, and for our school and wider communities. The day invites us to stop, give thanks and reflect on the peaceful country in which we live,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Photo: Students from St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Biloela participate in their local community ANZAC Day Service.