Lest we forget

ANZAC Day is a significant day in the life of our nation. Annually we commemorate the sacrifice made by many men and women, some having paid the ultimate price to preserve our freedom and democracy.

One of the most poignant times of my life was to visit Villers Bretonneux, France and tour the WWI battlefields, learning more about that conflict and observing firsthand the conditions that our forces endured. Learning of Sir John Monash and the contribution of the AIF to the eventual outcome of the war was a powerful experience and one which made me very proud to be an Australian. Even today, our country is held in high regard for what our soldiers achieved during that conflict. There are many tombstones there to demonstrate the cost of the conflict and they represent many families that were affected by the war. There are many other battles and conflicts where the impact on our nation was profound, from Gallipoli to the Middle East and the Pacific.

ANZAC Day is not a glorification of war but a recognition of the sacrifice made by many for the benefit of us all. It echoes the sacrifice of Jesus, the foundation of the Christian faith, in giving up his life for the good of others, to allow relationship with God. We are reminded in John 15: 13, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

Tamworth has no ANZAC Day march or open public ceremony this Sunday due to the impact of COVID-19. The Dawn Service is open but limited to the first 1000 attendees. Sadly, students from our school will not participate as usual in a traditional Tamworth march. (Please check your local centre as different towns have different arrangements and Calrossy students are encouraged to be involved, where possible.) Details can be found via: https://www.rslnsw.org.au/commemoration/anzac-day-2021/local-dawn-service-march-and-commemoration-services/ (Put in your local postcode or check your town radio or media)

Instead of the local march, our Secondary School Captains Kirrilly Filla and Matt Holmes are encouraging Tamworth Calrossy students to get involved in the tradition which commenced last year, Light Up the Dawn. Details of this, in which individuals, families, neighbours and friends acknowledge ANZAC Day at 6 am can be found on the following sites:

https://lightupthedawn.com.au/

https://www.rslnsw.org.au/commemoration/anzac-day-2021/

Similar to last year, our Captains will share with the School community how we might get involved and support commemoration and observance of ANZAC Day together, despite the restrictions in place due to the pandemic. I invite all families to join in as appropriate on Sunday, 25th April 2021. Please send your photos from ANZAC Day to marketing@calrossy.nsw.edu.au and we will put a school gallery together to share.

Welcome Back

It has been good to start Term 2 as we get quickly into routine. I offer special welcome to new students and their families as well as Mrs Elle Rixon and Mr Will Longfield, as they join our staff team.

The Junior School students have returned to fresh new furniture and carpets and lots of work has been undertaken on seeding and top-dressing the Goldsworthy Oval, thanks to the P & F, Michael Wilson and Russell Ison.

Best wishes for a positive and successful Term 2 to our whole school community.

David Smith

Principal of Calrossy Anglican School

Church Notices