Heads of Secondary 

Messages from the Heads of Secondary

From Mrs Cameron

In the lead-up to ANZAC day I decided to “google” my maiden name (Barrow) and ANZAC just to see who popped up. I came across the story of a nursing sister named Lucy Barrow (probably not related!).

Lucy left family, familiarity and comfort to serve her country in WW1. She served in hospitals in Egypt and Macedonia and was appointed Matron of a British Hospital in Constantinople. Lucy was twice decorated for her service, including the highest award that could be given to a nurse; a first class Royal Red Cross.  She returned from these conflicts intact (at least in a bodily sense) while sadly, her brother Percival was not so fortunate. He was killed in Palestine in 1917.

While the story of Lucy and Percival, and many other service people, helps to give us perspective about being selfless during our current limitations, it also reminds us about the importance of service. 

You may have noticed “Learning Growing and Serving” in some of our branding. These are not just buzz words but the core of what we aim for as a community. It is worth noting also that these aims are not just for the students. As staff members, parents and as citizens we are all challenged to continue to Learn and Grow and Serve. 

The current Covid-19 situation asks us to serve our community and calls on us to exercise our school values. This service may not seem as significant as other examples but is nonetheless important and potentially lifesaving. We must continue to be selfless and inclusive as we care for ourselves and each other. We must hold fast to our integrity as we comply with uncomfortable guidelines and grow our capacity to be resilient.

From Mr Howey 

As I am sure many of you have already done, the commemoration of ANZAC Day under the current circumstances of isolation has allowed for even more reflection than usual on the values of ANZAC, with some comparison between war and pandemics afforded. The Prime Minister’s ANZAC Day message alluded to this with reference to courage, sacrifice, selflessness. It can be read on the link below:

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6734158/nations-spirit-shows-the-way-in-a-crisis/

It could be considered that Western society (and Australian Society) has been convinced to think our lives are invincible in terms of health, wealth, and happiness. The current situation has been a challenge to our comfortable lives given the state of instability and uncertainty. For the ANZACS and others who have experienced war, with their lives and livelihoods in a state of flux, a healthy and wealthy existence was not assumed. In those times, selflessness and resilience through sacrifice was the response which we all commemorate and recognise on ANZAC Day. In a time of instability, it would be wise to consider and take some inspiration from their experiences as we negotiate current circumstances. It is partly the reason why our school had adopted these values of selflessness and resilience, in serving our school and wider community.

There was a call from our students leaders to recognise ANZAC Day in some form despite not being able to gather together and march as usual. It was great to receive their contributions.