Newsletter

Anzac Day is an important day in Australian contemporary life. The 25 April marks an important and solemn occasion. The day honours all Australian personnel who have served in active conflicts, as well as peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

For every person who served, there are families, friends and loved ones who have supported them and endured their own sacrifices. ANZAC Day offers opportunity for families to share connections and family ties across generations. Countless Australians wear their parents’ and grandparents’ medals on national days of remembrance, honoring the common threads of connection, love and belonging that sustain those who serve, their families and loved ones.

Honouring the service and sacrifice of Australian service men and women is symbolised by the eternal flame. The commemorative phrase ‘Lest we forget’ is a reminder of the costs of war to be avoided. The human cost of war can also be seen by the lists of names on honour rolls throughout the country. Other symbols of remembrance, such as the rosemary plant, have an important connection to remembrance and the experience of ANZACs. Rosemary is an ancient symbol of fidelity and remembrance. Greek scholars believed the aromatic herb rosemary improved memory. Ancient greek students allegedly wore it in their hair during exams.

Rsemary also grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula, where more than 50,000 Australians served in the Gallipoli Campaign in World War I, and was the location where more than 8,700 Australians and New Zealanders lost their lives. After Gallipoli, many of the original Anzacs served in Europe on the Western Front. Some served again in World War II. So, it's a fitting commemorative symbol to help us remember those who served and those who suffered or died.

Learning about ANZAC Day is an important aspect of both the Australian National Curriculum and Victorian Curriculum in Years 9 – 10. This fosters an understanding of the diverse experiences of ANZACs, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and women’s perspectives, and those of their families and children on the homefront.

Student learning at St Aloysius College is enriched by the Canberra experience, notably the student visit and learning tour of the Australian War Memorial. For those that have visited the War Memorial it truly is an immersive experience. The collection is vast and the site is imposing. The museum affords the opportunity to engage with a vast and truly astounding collection of personal records, artefacts, and displays, as well as a place for commemorative ceremonies, at ANZAC and Remembrance Days respectively.

Year 9 students Emily B and Lucas J (9B) spoke eloquently to all students at the College as part of the student-led ANZAC Day liturgy and commemorative assembly. Below are their reflections on their learning about the ANZAC spirit at the Australian War Memorial that they shared at the Assembly.

The Australian War Memorial was created from the vision of a man named Charles Bean, Australia’s war correspondent at the time. His idea was to create a national memorial where families and friends could grieve over those buried in places far away, as well as it being a place to educate people about the war. His proposal was approved in 1917; its building began on Anzac Day 1919. The War Memorial contains a collection of relics, personal and public records, media and art, telling the story of our nation's experience in the world wars. The collection contains unique objects including the largest collection of Victoria Crosses in the world and dioramas dating from the 1920s.

To me, the Anzac spirit embodies the values of mateship, courage, endurance, and sacrifice, the same traits that the Anzac soldiers showed during the war. It means doing what’s right for the better of your loved ones. It means acting even when you are afraid, having bravery. It means having the ability to keep going even when things aren’t going well, whether it is work or school, with enough persistence, all hardships can be overcome.
Lucas J

I found it interesting that they had a resting place for the ‘unknown soldier’. This really stood out to me because it was fascinating how they would bury a soldier that no one knew the identity of and could even be a French soldier! But as our tour guide let us explore around in silence, I had the time to think and try to understand what was written on the unknown soldier's tomb. “He is all of them and he is one of us”. This simple inscription is a symbol of remembrance commemorating those who served in war who have no grave or were never identified. It encourages reflection on the many, many Australian soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for their country. The placement of the Australian War Memorial also is significant as it is right in line with the Parliament House. As parliament has control over when the country goes to war, this placement symbolises the relationship between those who make the decisions regarding war and the high cost of those decisions.

It is important to remember and honour the service of Australian men and women as it reminds us of the people who have fought tirelessly for our country. Remembering their service is vital to preserve national memory and connects generations, upholding traditions that honour the courage of veterans and their family. Commemoration is a shared responsibility that shows respect to veterans and their families, ensuring that we will remember them.
Emily B

Tom Crowle
Senior Years Leader