ANZAC Day 2023

One of the events I most look forward to in the school calendar each year is our annual ANZAC Day service. Quite apart from the fact that this is an important day on the national calendar, it is an opportunity for our students to shine in many ways. The Oxley service has always been student-led, and this year was no exception. Over 50 students were on hand to deliver carefully prepared speeches, perform well-rehearsed songs, welcome guests, direct traffic and make pancakes. Our ANZAC service is a true community event, involving students, teachers, families and friends, all meeting to commemorate the actions and sacrifices made by Australian servicemen and women. This year there was a specific focus on Australia’s experiences in the Vietnam War, as we commemorated 50 years since the year Australia withdrew from that conflict.

The service was directed by the Humanities captains, Natasha Mevasia (10.1) and Antony Scarborough (11.13), ably assisted by Lucy Destry (10.3), Gabriella Swyny (10.1) and Jack Driessen (12.10), as well as our Junior School captains Mia Frazer (6G) and Lincoln Johnston (6G). The ANZAC address was delivered by Aimee Whiting-Le Cras (11.13), one of our senior History students. This address focused on some of the reasons for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, the nature of the conflict, the memories of the soldiers who fought, and how the war changed Australia’s view of war and its place in the world. The Senior Vocal Ensemble performed the National Anthem, the hymn Abide In Me, and the Australian classic And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda. The breakfast raised over $240 for Legacy Australia, supporting our veterans. Some aspects of the service were replayed in the subsequent Senior School Assembly.

Events such as this are not the work of just one or two, but require support from many. The following teachers made vital contributions: Mr Moseley and Mrs Roberts (Pancake Breakfast); Mr Clarke (vocal group); Mr Chan (musical accompaniment); Mr Cook (technical support); and Mr Whittle (car parking).

Stephen White

Head of Humanities