From our Principal

Welcome Back to Term 2

Welcome back to Term 2.  I hope all families were able to enjoy some quality time with each other to rest and recuperate.

Next week Australians will pause to commemorate ANZAC day.  This has become a very significant day for Australians and as a school we support and encourage students to reflect on the significance of the day and to understand why it has become so important.

The immediate response to any question about ANZAC day is the historical event of the battle on what we now know as ANZAC cove on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey on the 25th April 1915.  This was the battle during World War 1 that was the catalyst for the recognition of a national identity of Australians and New Zealanders as people of commitment, courage and endurance in the face of extraordinary adversity. 

Today it is important that we do not only think of this battle but reflect on several other issues raised through our commemoration of ANZAC day.  The first is of course to acknowledge the suffering and service of those who have lost their lives during war and the subsequent loss endured by their families and friends, in the service and protection of our country.  The second is to consider the society we now enjoy as a result of this and subsequent wars; we live in relative peace, in a democratic nation where all citizens enjoy equal rights.

The third point of reflection is for our students to consider how they will continue to honour the sacrifice of past generations.  How will they ensure the rights of all citizens are respected?  They may never be asked to go to war, hopefully, but will they repeat the commitment, courage and endurance of previous generations to protect the society they enjoy now and continue to work to make their vision of a peaceful Australia or world a reality?

As a school we will have an ANZAC day service on Tuesday 24th April.  I would also like to invite and encourage all our families to attend local ANZAC day events.  Each year Moama Anglican Grammar students march in ANZAC parades and lay wreaths in their communities. It would be wonderful to see a strong contingent of students again this year. 

Carmel Spry

Principal