ANZAC Day 2015

On Friday, 24 April 2015 the school conducted its annual ANZAC Day Commemoration.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr Arthur Leggett, OAM, ED.

At 96 years of age, Arthur remains a firm favourite of the student cohort with his wit, sense of humour and generous spirit.

As well as the Centenary of the landing at Gallipoli, 2015 represents 70 years since he was repatriated from captivity by the Germans during World War II.

The Lone Pine Tree

Thanks to a donation from the Business Manager, Ms Anne Gilchrist, a small Lone Pine tree stood next to the flag pole.

Grown from the standing pine tree following the Battle of Lone Pine in August 1915, it provided a direct connection to the Gallipoli peninsular.

The tree is to be gifted to the local Army Reserve Formation, 13 Brigade, for the commemoration of the 1915 August offensive.

Perspective from a French Exchange Student

Rotary Club of Heirisson exchange student, Charles, spoke of a former Mount Lawley resident, Eric Danker, who was killed in the Great War and buried in Charles' home village of Hazebrouck.

This is a project between the Heirisson Club, the Mount Lawley Society and the school.

The intent is that for each centenary year of World War I, the school's ANZAC Service will feature at least one World War I soldier with a Mount Lawley connection.

It is expected that this will become a Middle School S&E curriculum project.

Presentation of a Bugle By the RSL

Mr Phil Orchard, CEO of the RSL also presented the school with a bugle.

Mount Lawley SHS is one of 20 schools that the RSL has selected for this project.

Thanks to the RSL for this support.

Year 12 student, Benjamin, played The Last Post and Rouse.

In his hands these very difficult calls were played masterfully.

Additionally, the Senior Concert Band and Choir also performed and were outstanding.

Well done to the students and Music TIC, Mr Manning.

Thanks

Following the ANZAC Service itself a number of presentations were made, including a framed copy of the Centenary of ANZAC poster to Mr Leggett.

I would acknowledge the work of Mr Hudson in planning the assembly and School Chaplain, Andrew Paul, in preparing the AV segments that added much to the solemn occasion.

ANZAC Day is not about celebration but respect, remembrance and reflection.

A number of guests from the Mount Lawley Society, Rotary Clubs and present and former senior Army officers attended and complimented the students on their behaviour and observance of ANZAC.

Former students, Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Bradstreet, AM, RFD, Lieutenant Colonel Gaye Donley, RFD and Lieutenant Colonel Bill Munnee, RFD took pleasure in participating in their former school's ANZAC observance.

Thanks to all who attended and the outstanding conduct of the student cohort is warmly applauded.