Remembrance Day Centenary (1918 - 2018)

It was 100 years ago that the guns fell silent on the Western Front, bringing an end to World War One. For Australia, the First World War remains the costliest conflict in terms of deaths and casualties. From a population of fewer than five million, more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner. It is important that we reflect on the service and great loss our country endured and to never forget the horrors they experienced. Each year we gather on the 11th hour of the 11th month to pay our respects and this year on Monday 12 November, Henry Kendall High School held a centenary ceremony for Remembrance Day.

We were lucky enough to have veteran, Kerry Spencer attend for the ceremony. He spoke to the whole school on the lessons of war, his experience as a Vietnam veteran, and importantly, to carry on the story and legacy of his great uncle who served in the Australian Light Horse at Beersheba in 1917. Beersheba was a heavily fortified town, The Australian Light Horse charged, and amazingly took the town. Thirty-eight Turkish and German officers and about 700 other ranks were taken prisoner. In contrast, the Australians suffered only 67 casualties. Our role today is keeping these stories alive, in order to remember and never forget. We want to carry on this tradition at Henry Kendall High School in order for our students to act as social justice citizens and carry on the respect and remembrance, not to glorify war but to ensure the legacy continues.

Students involved on the day included Angela Sibley, Zac Hegyessy, Leo Coleman, Jessica Lam, Luke Mirfield, Katie Lewis, Liam Colbran, Arabella Kimber, Maikiira Barber and our School Captains, Senjay Turner and Alexandra Sidiropoulos. The students all conducted their roles with dedication and should all be highly commended for their efforts on the day. Henry Kendall High School would like to thank everyone who was involved, helped and attended.

Lest we forget   

Mrs Chloe Mitchell

Coordinator