anzac day service

Lest we forget

We were so fortunate to have had Mr Morris Danks from the Kwinana RSL and Lieutenant Commander James Dew from the Royal Australian Navy HMAS Stirling join us for our service today.

Listening to the inspiring speeches and stories shared this morning filled me with pride to be living in our wonderful country; Australia, which we all share together. If it was not for the brave individuals who have come before us, life could in fact be very different. We only need look around the world at the moment to see how fortunate we are to live with the freedom that we do. There are many countries currently that are rocked by unrest and hostility. It is so important for us, whilst we are honouring and remembering those brave troops who fought for our freedom in Gallipoli so many years ago; to also reflect on those who are currently in this situation around the world. During this time of great turmoil across the globe, reflecting on the service of those who have gone before and those currently serving is so important. By doing so, we can hopefully find alternate and more peaceful ways moving forward.

Today we reflected on the more than 100,000 service men and women who have lost their lives in military operations carried out in the name of our country. We have honoured their values and selfless courage to allow us to live the life that we do today. We have reflected on the actions of those men and women who have put the freedom of their country before their own lives and continue to do so today.

Each year when I stand here as the Principal of Calista PS, I feel proud that as a school we are continuing this acknowledgement of these brave individuals. I am also content in the knowledge that our students are being taught the values that will enable them to be strong citizens with a voice. They are the future of our country.

This ceremony is an important tradition and needs to be continued. It allows the collective remembrance of those who have defended and continue to defend us.

Thank you to all of you who attended this morning and to all of those who have been a part of this special service.

A special thanks to Mrs De Souza and the choir who were amazing and also to all staff who helped setting up. Once again our ANZAC service was beautiful.