Anzac Day Commemoration

This year students from the Year 11 modern History class and the school leadership team attended the 93rd annual ANZAC Commemoration at the Shrine of Remembrance. Tarneit Senior College was one of many schools that attended this event which was about remembering the fallen and all those who sacrificed to give us the beautiful country we have today. 

Two of our students Erasti Kanellopoulou and Hunter Testa respectfully laid a wreath at the memorial site on behalf of our college, and they represented us proudly, showing dignity, honour and respect. Erasti was selected from the many students present to shake hands with the Governor of Victoria, which was a great honour.

A Students Perspective 

This year, on the 28th of April, we were brought to Melbourne Legacy’s 93rd Annual ANZAC Commemoration Ceremony for Students at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne.

When we got there, we were each given a golden, complimentary pin that consisted of a miniature version of Australia's flag on a toothpick, a white tag with Melbourne Legacy’s brand name and logo on it, and a piece of rosemary the same height as the other items.

When everyone was in attendance, Justice Smith, the Master of Ceremonies, welcomed everyone and made an introduction for the ceremony. Then a Traditional Owner of Bunurong Land welcomed us to Country.

Then the ceremony officially started with the Melbourne High School Cadets performing a guard of honour for the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC. Her Excellency and Melbourne Legacy’s President, Legatee Kerry Jenke, then performed an inspection of the guard. This was followed by a musical performance of I Am Australian, led by The Mac Robertson Girls’ High School Choir and the Melbourne High School Band. After the final speech, the choir and band returned to perform Waltzing Matilda. The Shrine of Remembrance guards then started on the Catafalque Party Mount.

When that was completed, everyone had to stand up as students began laying the wreaths. Two students from every school present had the honour of laying down their respective wreaths around the plaque under a tree next to one of the Shrine’s eternal flames, while Scotch College Pipers played the Lament. Tarneit Senior College student representatives were Erasti Kanellopoulou and Hunter Testa.

After all the wreaths had been laid, Legatee Kerry Jenke recited the poem The Ode. After The Ode is recited, a minute of silence was held, with Joshua Lobo playing Last Post and Reverie to accompany it. Nearing the end of the ceremony, The Mac Robertson Girls’ High School Choir and Melbourne High School Band performed the national anthem. The Vice-Regal salutes and the Catafalque Party dismounted as Her Excellency departed, concluding the ceremony.

I’d say the experience was really informative and enjoyable. We got to not only listen but participate in the ceremony with the wreath laying, and got to have some fresh air in the city as well as representing our school. It was a relaxing yet educational day for most everyone that attended.

-Shi En Lim

Tarneit Senior College Year 11 Student