ANZAC Day Events

There is something pretty special about watching teenagers stop, make eye contact, smile, and genuinely connect with an older member of their community. In a world that moves fast and often keeps generations separate, those moments matter more than we probably realise.

Students at Baimbridge College have long nurtured a warm and caring relationship with the members of the Hamilton RSL and Legacy. 30 years ago, Legatees approached the school to assist with badge selling as part of their fundraising efforts. Today, that partnership has become a treasured tradition shared between Legacy House, the RSL, and our students.

Each year, students head into the Hamilton CBD to sell badges, interact with members of the RSL, and learn more about the support these organisations provide to service men and women and their families. Along the way, they also learn something equally important — how to speak confidently with adults, how to approach people respectfully, and how to contribute to something bigger than themselves.

The message to students is simple: “Selling a badge is done with eye contact, a smile, and a simple hello.” It sounds small, but those basic human skills are becoming increasingly rare. Watching our students step outside their comfort zones, engage with the public, and represent Baimbridge so positively is something we are incredibly proud of. This year, students raised more than $2300 through their efforts.

ANZAC Day also provides an opportunity for our school community to come together in reflection and respect. We held a full ANZAC service in the gym, with students raising flags, reciting odes, and laying wreaths. We were privileged to welcome Mr Jared Eastman, President of the Hamilton RSL Sub-Branch, who spoke to students about his experiences in service. Legacy Hamilton President Mr Bill Garrett and fellow Legatees Mr Rod Papworth, Mr Mal Eales, Mr John Graham and Mr Tony Wright also attended alongside School Council President Mr Hany Samuel. Spending time together over morning tea after the service reminded us all how valuable these intergenerational connections truly are.

Many students across the district also represented the college at local services, laying wreaths on behalf of the school in Hamilton, Dunkeld, Penshurst, Cavendish, Coleraine, Digby, Macarthur and Merino. Mia Kmon once again delivered a thoughtful speech at the Coleraine service for the second consecutive year. In Hamilton, our student leaders participated in the march, with School Captains laying the wreath at the cenotaph.

One of the quieter but most meaningful traditions of the day happens after the dawn service. Each year, Baimbridge staff and students cook breakfast for the Legatees and RSL members. Armed with the HDSC industrial toaster and the BBQ, we serve bacon and eggs generously donated by Fushy and Leia from Two Doors. School Captains Olivia Bell and Bella Perry worked tirelessly producing what could only be described as perfectly cooked toast — not too dark, not too light — while Chloe Colquhoun cooked eggs alongside Mrs Hill, Mr Hill, Mr Price, Mrs Colquhoun and Mr Robinson. Thank you to everyone who was up and going by 6.30am to look after a very appreciative crew.

This year, students and staff also created the wreaths used throughout the services. They were made with enormous care and turned out beautifully. Thank you to Jodie Sanders, Yvette Colquhoun, Chloe Colquhoun, Sharon Donehue, Lisa White and Sophie Robinson for the time and effort invested in this work.

Helping others is a skill. Connection is a skill. Community is built through small acts repeated over time. We are proud that our students continue to learn those lessons not just in classrooms, but through genuine relationships with the people who helped shape the community they are growing up in.