Anzac Day
Mr Andrew Holmes | holmesa@mbbc.qld.edu.au
Welcome back to Term 2. I hope that you were able to enjoy the extended Easter break and you found time to reconnect with family and friends. The lockdown at the conclusion of Term 1 certainly came as a surprise to us all and is a kindly reminder that the pandemic looms ever close.
The term has started brightly with many events taking place, such as the Performance Assembly, Inter House Cross Country Carnival, ANZAC Day Service, Classics Concert and Denim Day. May I offer my sincere thanks to those staff for organising these events.
Last weekend, we were able to commemorate ANZAC Day. A day when we remember the anniversary of the landings of Australian and New Zealand soldiers or ANZAC’s, as we now call them, on some beaches far away from Australian shores.
ANZAC Day is a day when we honour those who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. A day when we acknowledge that Australian troops had demonstrated their bravery, determination, mate ship and sacrifice. It is a day when we honour service in past and present conflicts, peacekeeping, and community rebuilding operations.
ANZAC Day allows us to reflect on the past with pride but also look ahead and build on the achievements of our predecessors. We are guided by the ANZAC spirit which exists in all of us as we face our own challenges.
The respect shown by the boys at the College ANZAC Day liturgies was impressive as students listened to the solemn proceedings that incorporated hymns, readings, poems, a laying of the wreath and the Last Post. To commemorate ANZAC Day, we also had Student Leaders represent the College at the Commemoration Service in ANZAC Square last Thursday and the Manly Parade on ANZAC Day.
While the challenges we face today are different to those we honour on ANZAC Day, we are however, brought together by a powerful sense of belonging within our College community. May I offer my sincere gratitude to our families who attended the Manly Parade and who continue to support the College. As I marched with Mr Richard Curtis, Head of Primary and the College Leaders last Sunday, I found myself feeling very proud to be part of this wonderful community, thankful to serve such an amazing staff and boys, and optimistic for the future. Like the ANZACS, I am confident that if we stand shoulder to shoulder, together we can overcome any challenge that may present itself.
To honour those who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations I leave you with a poem that was shared with the College community during the Anzac Service:
Sir by Damian (Dib) Morgan
Sir - would it help if I shed a tear I swear it’s the first time since this time last year My spine is a tingle - my throat is all dry As I stand to attention for all those who died
I watch the flag dancing halfway down the pole That damn bugle player sends chills to my soul I feel the pride and the sorrow - there’s nothing the same As standing to attention on ANZAC Day
So Sir - on behalf of the young and the free Will you take a message when you finally do leave To your mates that are lying from Tobruk to the Somme The legend of your bravery will always live on
I’ve welcomed Olympians back to our shore I’ve cheered baggy green caps and watched Wallabies score But when I watch you marching (Sir) in that parade I know these are the memories that never will fade
So Sir - on behalf of the young and the free Will you take a message when you finally do leave It’s the least we can do (Sir) to repay the debt We’ll always remember you - Lest We Forget
With Faith and Integrity