ANZAC Day
Commemorating our ANZACs: St Joseph's Catholic College on ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day, one of Australia and New Zealand's most significant national days of remembrance, honours the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served and sacrificed their lives in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. It marks the anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli in 1915 during World War I, a campaign that left a profound legacy on both nations. The spirit of ANZAC, embodying qualities of courage, mateship, and resilience, continues to inspire us today.
On 25 April, students from St Joseph's Catholic College proudly participated in ANZAC Day ceremonies across the district, attending dawn services and marches in eight locations: Denman, Merriwa, Muswellbrook, Aberdeen, Scone, Murrurundi, Gundy, and Moonan Flat. In each town, our students contributed respectfully and actively, whether by marching, assisting with wreath-laying ceremonies, delivering moving speeches, performing touching musical tributes, or engaging with local veterans and community members. Their presence and participation demonstrated the school’s values of respect, integrity, and community service.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the students, staff, and community members who contributed to the ANZAC Day ceremonies. Your dedication and participation ensured that the legacy of ANZAC continues to live on in the hearts and minds of the younger generation. By taking part in these events, our students honoured the memory of those who served and showed immense pride in representing St Joseph's Catholic College. Your efforts made the day memorable and meaningful for all involved, and we are incredibly proud of the way in which you represented our school and community on this significant day.
Shannon Monro
ANZAC Day Organiser
ANZAC Liturgy 2024
At the end of Term One, students from both the Year 11 Modern History class, and Society and Culture class, travelled to Newcastle Civic Theatre to participate in the Newcastle and Hunter Combined Schools Anzac Service.
This event, which included The Catafalque Party, The Hunter Wind Ensemble, Aspire Drama Performers, Hunter Singers alongside students from New Zealand and a guest presentation from returned veterans and their spouses, was a very sombre and respectful occasion.
Students were immersed in a re-enactment of WW1, learnt about the origins of ANZAC and heard firsthand what serving at war was like.
At the start of Term Two, the Year 11 Modern History class (as per school tradition), had the honour of running an ANZAC liturgy for the students of St Joseph’s. Participation in these events is an integral part of our school’s foundation belief systems, as students of St Joseph’s are encouraged every day to live their lives out in courage, egalitarianism, endurance and mateship.
It was a solemn, yet a respectful and positive way to start the new term.
I would like to congratulate the students on their efforts in running this liturgy and thank Mr Villari for driving the students to Newcastle last term.
Ms Wendy Thomas
Leader of Learning - HSIE
