PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
ANZAC Day
What a privilege it was for me to be able to be with our students on ANZAC Day this year. After 2020 and the cancellation of all services, Sunday 25 April 2021 was an occasion to remember. The weather was magnificent as we awaited the organising staff on Morgan Street. Speaking with the students, we discussed how important this day was in the history of Australia (always the History teacher) and how 2021 had extra significance. We were assigned to march with the RAAF and in this we were led by JJ (he was adamant that this was the name he wanted me to use), a Vietnam veteran (pictured marching just behind Isaac Bloor who was honoured to carry the RAAF flag). JJ and I spoke at length about the importance of the student involvement on ANZAC Day and just how pleased he was that students were willing to honour the men and women of our Armed Forces.
Year 9 Prefects Baci Menhennett, Maggie Hawke, Caitlin Cumberlege, Isaac Bloor, Vinudi Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage, Sienna Hillam and Imogen Metcalf represented The Riverina Anglican College in the march and were superb in their engagement with the importance of the event and in their interactions with the veterans. They spoke with respect and genuine interest to the returned soldiers and were determined to march in such a way as to honour their service – which they did. College Captains Holly Wilson and George Kirolus took part in the wreath laying ceremony and also represented the College with distinction during the 11am service.
As I walked along the street I was heartened to see so many of our families out and supporting this wonderful community event. These are important traditions in the culture of Australia and participation in them creates lifelong memories, as it has for me. Each year there are fewer and fewer veterans like JJ there to march and as such, it is up to all of us to honour them and remember them each year.
Lest we forget.
11th Annual ANZAC Writing Competition
I recently received communication from Deputy Prime Minister - Mr Michael McCormack regarding this prestigious competition and I am excited to announce that Year 9 student, Karin Rezkalla (Browning House), was the winner of the South division – Secondary schools first prize. In his correspondence, Mr McCormack wrote that …” everyone who took part should be proud of their work and those whose wrote winner and highly commended entries should be especially happy with themselves, with each of them set to receive a book prize for their efforts.”
Congratulations Karin!
The Y - NSW Youth Parliament Program
I am pleased and proud to announce that Year 11 student Layla Wilson (Willsher House), has been selected to attend The Y - NSW Youth Parliament program as a Youth MP for the Wagga Wagga electorate. The Y - NSW Youth Parliament is an empowerment and advocacy program that provides a platform for young people to have their voices heard through legislative debate and decision making. Aimed at young people in Years 10, 11 and 12 or equivalent age throughout the state, the Y NSW Youth Parliament highlights the power of young people speaking on issues that are important to them.
The Youth Parliament program provides a fantastic platform for youth to have their voices heard on a wide range of issues, through legislative debate and decision making. Through the program, students will have the opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking, research, debating and public speaking. I congratulate Layla on being selected to attend as the Wagga Wagga Youth MP and look forward to speaking with her after the program to hear about her experience.
Congratulations Layla!
Paul Humble | Principal