ANZAC DAY
We had a heartwarming response to the call for support for the 2020 Girton ANZAC photo gallery.
Well over 200 students proudly wore their school uniform on Saturday 25th April and paid respects to our ANZAC’s in a range of ways from home.
We thank our wonderful students for looking beyond themselves in this way at a challenging time.
Please enjoy the gallery of photos that has been compiled for the Bendigo RSL.
Junior School Students at School Honouring ANZAC Day
The Last Post
Girton students and teachers took to their driveways on ANZAC Day to play The Last Post and Reveille, below are some reflections on what it meant to them, to be able to play for their neighbourhood.
The Driveway Service highlighted to me how important ANZAC day is to our community. Whilst playing The Last Post, several of my neighbours came over to listen. One was crying. When I went over to speak to her after playing, I found out that her father served in New Guinea. Our neighbour had been going to the Dawn Service for many years. I had never seen her there, so never knew her family’s war background. It was clear how much The Last Post meant to her, which was played at her father’s funeral. Afterwards, she showed me a photo of her father and the medals he received for his service in the war.
Eloise Symes (10 Jones)
Every year since I was born I have attended the Dawn service for Anzac Day. I have always looked up to those who served and those who got to play the Last post to commemorate the Anzacs, but I never thought it would be me playing the Last post on Anzac Day. When I got up and went outside to play, all I could think about was if I was going to mess up. As I began playing, I realised that I was not playing the piece to be perfect, but rather to honour my great-uncles who fought, and those whom they fought alongside.
Sarah Harris (10 Millward)
This year’s ‘Driveway ANZAC day service’ was a very special experience. Despite the freezing cold and lack of light, my family and I managed to drag ourselves out of bed and stand at the end of our driveway before 6 o’clock. I was surprised to see our neighbour’s lights on either side of us, and I was even more surprised when, seeing our light, they came and stood with us. Having an audience was slightly nerve-wracking, but having them there also gave me a sense of community and comradery with them that I had never really felt before. To me, this ANZAC day was a meaningful example of the ANZAC spirit and it made me proud to call myself Australian.
Ebony Walz (10 Frew)
I live in Kennington. I could see one other family down the street. It was well lit. I wasn’t really nervous, since I do it all the time. I think it was quite a special and sweet moment as I heard other brass players echoing over the hill. I could see myself doing this again.
Henry Livingston (10 Frew)
It was great to be part of the ‘driveway service’. We live in a suburban area, so we were able to have a memorial service with the people across the road, and light candles from both our driveways. Even though I was a bit nervous to play in the cold, it was really good to be able to hold a service and remember those who sacrificed so much for us.
Holly Notarangelo (12 Aherne)
I live in Mandurang. There was no one else in sight however I could hear another person or a recording play the last post as well. It was completely dark which made it less familiar than how I have normally played in the past. I have done this a few time before so I was not nervous, however, as it was so cold it made it more difficult to play. It was a great experience playing is quite a different setting and I would happily do it again next year.
Hugo Begg (12 Jones)
The 6:00 AM driveway ANZAC service was a unique and very moving experience for many. I was genuinely concerned that our neighbours might get angry about being woken up by a trumpet. However, the experience was completely different in that I received many messages of gratitude.
My son, Tristan (OGA) and I positioned ourselves in different parts of our property and we saw many lights on in the distant houses. We took our candles with us and played the Last Post. The morning air was still and the sound could be heard eerily cannoning throughout Mandurang Valley. It is a moment that I will never forget. The respect of the minute's silence wrapped up by the Reveille was a fitting tribute to extraordinary generations of people who gave so much for us.
After a number of years in the Royal Australian Air Force, and many Bugle Calls later, this was one that will stay with me for a lifetime. I am incredibly proud of many of our students who played the Bugle Call this year…….who knows, this may be a new tradition?
Mrs Jacqui Vine
MiC Brass & Bands
Congratulations Scarlett Abbott (7 Jones)
Congratulations to Scarlett Abbott who performed a moving rendition of the Australian National Anthem at the Soldiers Memorial Institute in Pall Mall on ANZAC Day. This was incorporated into the online service for the Bendigo & District RSL for the ANZAC Day services.
To view the footage of Scarlett, please click HERE.
24 Jack Jones
At 14 Jack Jones left school to be an engineer apprentice but sadly he lost his job. Jones eventually found employment as a sign maker and painter. He then joined his Dads business as a Liverpool docker.
Jack (real name John) was born in 1924. On the 15th of December 1942 he served with the 24th Infantry Battalion in New Guinea and Bougainville, before returning home, and was discharged on 14th of March 1946. Jack began his footy career in 1946 with Essendon wearing the jumper number 24. His career started with one kick in a game to winning Essendon’s best utility player award in 1946, 1947, 1949 and 1954 and the best club man in 1953. In this day and age, he was invited to many ANZAC ceremonies, Essendon games.
In February Jack Jones was diagnosed with cancer. During his time in hospital, they had to take his phone off him because he kept calling the Essendon players who adored him greatly. He did not think it was his time to go, he kept fighting but could not hold on tight enough, he eventually said ‘ 95 isn’t a bad age to live’.
He died on March 24th, 2020 age 95.
Jack Jones was a man who fought and a man of his word, a man who was a believer.
He was my Great Uncle Jack.
Claire Jones (7 Jones)