Newsletter

Remembrance Day services were held in class on Tuesday, November, 11^th. The service was led by students whose families have a history of military service, with the Last Post and Rouse played by Harrison Brink, 9B. Their stories are listed below.

My grandfather on my Mum’s side of the family Leanard Egan, was in the Royal Australian Air Force from 1943 - 1946 in WWII. He served in Darwin, and he worked on the radio commutation. He would work on ways to communicate with the soldiers fighting which is something he really loved and enjoyed doing. At the time of the war, he was only eighteen years old; he would not have even finished school. He only signed up for it because all of his friends were doing it and he thought it would be fun and exciting thing to do with his friends!
Hattie Fogarty, 7A

My dad, retired Captain Christian Cieplik served in the Canadian Armed Forces in the Afghanistan War along with my godfather, Lee William McDougall. They were both in the Royal Canadian Regiment, third battalion (that’s an Infantry unit). They were deployed to Kandahar in 2010 and were tasked with securing a large area that was done through patrolling, engaging with locals and fighting the Taliban. My dad served for ten years and was deployed once, my godfather served for six years and was deployed once. They are now both Veterans and living healthy lives.

My great grandfather, Corporal Jan Cieplik was in World War 2 and served in the 22-artillery supply company with the second Polish Corps. He with the allies in Italy at the age of 33. He joined the free Polish army at 29 after being accused of false crimes and tortured by the Soviets as they invaded Poland making him a victim of the war. After the battle of Monto Cassino, he was left with a reattached blown-up finger and broken ribs. Unlike many others he survived to continue a life with a family.

My great, great grandfather (First name unknown) Klause who fought in a war agents Soviets after World War 1 1920 at the age of 15. He was injured by a sword. Once World War 2 came he refused to fight for the Nazis and was sentenced to death for treason but was freed before his execution.

These are only a few of the people in my family who served in a war or was a victim of one. All of these people are why I want to make a difference in the world in my own life. So many stories are still left out, so many ended during and after their battles and so many forgotten. These are only the beginning. Remembrance Day has always been a big day in my family and will always continue to be.

Kleo Cieplik, 7C

Cornelius Hogan (my great grandfather) served in WWII in Papua New Guinea on the Kokoda Track. He was 27 years old. Before the war he was a postman in Bowral NSW. He was married with four children when he signed up, feeling a strong need to serve his country despite the fact he had no obligation to, due to the fact he was married and had children. By the time he deployed his fifth child had been born. In his unit he was looked up to, partly due to his age (many in his unit were under 20 years), and due to his kindness. On the day he was killed one of his unit was standing up, unaware of a Japanese sniper who was in range. When the Australian soldiers spotted the sniper, Con stood up to warn the younger soldier and to pull him down to safety. The sniper fired at the same time and Con was hit with the bullet that was fired at the other soldier. His children were aged 1,3,5,7 and 9 when he died.
Hannah Sherwood, 8F

My great-grandfather, Stanley Ludlow, served with distinction during World War II. He was deployed to Timor in 1941 as a Lance Corporal and was promoted to Corporal in 1942. His missions were highly classified-his unit operated in secrecy, often being among the first to enter active battle zones. After completing his service in Timor, he returned to Australia before deploying to New Guinea in 1943. Tragically, he was killed on 18 November 1945. For his dedication and bravery, he was awarded the 1939–45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal, and Australian Service Medal.
Gigi Hoyer, 7A

My great-grandfather, Brian Clarke, served in World War II. He was a Royal Australian Navy sailor, meaning he was part of a crew that was towing a Destroyer (a type of ship) back to Australia after the fall of Singapore. Serving on nine ships, he had his fair share of lucky escapes. After additional training as a diver, his duties included assisting the US Navy and Merchant ships which had run aground in the Great Barrier Reef. He also helped defuse allied and enemy sea mines. One risky escape included his ship being hit by a torpedo, thankfully it failed to explode.
Matilka Robinson, 7E