Principal's Message
Mrs Josie Crisara
Remembrance Day Service
This year we commemorate 100 years of the signing of the Armistice which ended The Great War, World War 1. This year our service involved the students in a Cross Building Ceremony which identified key words signifying the legacy left behind and honoring all those who helped keep our country a free democracy. The photo and attached script explain the significance of the images attached to cross.
The Aitken Remembrance Cross
This is the script used to build the Aitken Cross at our annual Remembrance Day Service. This year marking 100 years since the end of World War 1 in 1918.
In front of the flagpoles stands an empty cross. Today we will use the cross to remind us of some significant aspects of war, especially in relation to military personnel and civilians from many different countries who have lost their lives. Remembrance Day especially marks the end of World War 1, in which an estimated 17 million people died.
Elif from Prep placed the word LOVE on the cross. Love lies at the base of the cross – we are reminded of the type of love described in the Bible in John Chapter 15 Verse 13: “Greater love has no one but this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Sayuni from Year 1 placed the word PEACE on the cross. War may result from things such as greed, power, hate and racism – but those who fought and suffered longed for one thing – a return to enduring peace.
Kara from Year 2 placed the word HERO on the cross. War has many heroes: soldiers who fought, protected or rescued others; civilians who sheltered those in danger; doctors and nurses who cared for the injured.
Tiah from Year 3 placed the word COURAGE on the cross. Courage is great bravery in the face of danger, especially in battle. Even when faced with impossible odds, many soldiers displayed courage that often resulted in them receiving the medals that we see them wearing on occasions such as today.
Sienna from Year 4 placed the word HONOUR on the cross. Honour means to hold in great respect, to look up to. On Remembrance Day we honour the memory of all who gave their lives or suffered so that we can live in peace.
Natalija from Year 5 placed the symbol of the POPPY on the cross. During the First World War, red poppies were among the first plants to spring up in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium. The sight of poppies on the battlefield moved Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae to write the poem In Flanders Fields. The poppy came to represent a powerful symbol – the sacrifice of shed blood.
Kayla from Year 6 placed the word MATESHIP on the cross. Amidst the hopelessness of war, it was trust, loyalty and love that brought comrades through the horror of conflict. Mateship became an Australian term for these enduring friendships.
Mary-Rose from Year 7 placed the word SACRIFICE on the cross. Men and women, both military and civilian, in the service of their countries, and for the good of others, have sacrificed their own lives or well-being so that others will have freedom and peace.
Olivia from Year 8 placed the word ENDURANCE on the cross. Survival in war meant not giving up despite fear, danger, hunger and thirst. Such endurance is an example for us all in whatever challenges we face.
Marcus from Year 9 placed the word RESILIENCE on the cross. Returning from war required recovery from injury, illness and emotional stress. Such resilience was recently celebrated in the Invictus Games held in Australia last month.
Hasan from Year 10 placed the words “LEST WE FORGET” on the cross. This phrase, originating in the Bible and passing into common usage, is a plea not to forget the sacrifices made in war that ensured our freedom.
Kaitlyn from Year 11 placed a slouch hat at the top of the cross. The slouch or digger’s hat became symbolic of Australian and New Zealand soldiers. Its image reminds us of the huge number of ordinary Australians, including indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people who made the long journey to foreign lands to fight, many to never return.
Our cross is complete. It stands as a reminder to us of the selfless and dedicated service given by men and women from many countries, not just in World War 1 which we remember today, but in all wars before and since.
Australia’s modern multicultural community, including Aitken College with families from across the world, serves as a symbol of the freedom and peace that we all value.
Visual Arts and Design Exhibition
The Visual Arts and Design Exhibition displayed some great student work. Many students were excited to see their work on display as were parents and visitors. Students were able to display their creative talent under instruction from their teachers. Thank you must also go to the Visual Arts and Design and Technology staff who spent many hours putting their exhibition on display.
Congratulations
We congratulate Ms Karen McArdle who is moving to St Catherine's as their new Head of Primary School. Mrs Leanne Schulz has been appointed the position of Head of School (Cumberland) for 2019, she comes to us with a wealth of leadership experience in curriculum, pastoral care and primary teaching and learning. She is currently the Deputy Head of Middle School at Overnewton College.
Student Concerts
A number of concerts were held last week that included: the Private Instrumental students performing, the Twilight Concert and the Director's Choice Concert. All these events enable students to perform and develop confidence. The Director's Choice Concert program was outstanding and well worth being part of the audience with students from Year 4 to Year 12 performing and a sneak preview of next year’s Musical, Monty Python’s, ‘Spamalot’ .
Open Evening
Open Evening was held on the same night as the Twilight Concert. We had over 200 visitors to the College. Our student leaders were eager tour guides, showing much pride in their school. Many compliments were received from visitors.
Thank You
The Parents and Friends Association supported the Twilight Concert with a Pre-loved Uniform sale and a barbecue. A big thank you to the parent volunteers who assisted and to the Catering and Hospitality students who helped out with the barbecue and also making scones for visitors to enjoy.