The Australian and New Zealand communities recently honoured ANZAC Day on the 25th April. It was a day of solemn gratitude and reflection towards those who gave their lives for the good of our country in war. The GSCC community came together on Friday and reflected on this special occasion.
Our Year 7 students were given the opportunity to watch the ceremony in the College Hall, whilst Grades 8 -12 watched it over a special livestream in their Pastoral Care classrooms. During the ceremony, the College’s Year 12 leaders led students and staff through the ceremony. In the Principal's address, Mr Corcoran highlighted a number of moving stories that stemmed from the war.
One of the stories involved Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean in World War II, where he joined the Australian Army when he was just 17. Mr Corcoran explained how Teddy Sheean, who was just an ordinary sailor, lost his life in order to save his crew mates aboard the HMAS Armidale. Mr Corcoran explained that it was Sheehan's bravery and service that shone here, and he asked our students if Sheehan's bravery was similar to our College's pillars of Love, Justice, Mercy and Compassion.
It was clear to see the amount of respect shown by the students during the Ode, the minute's silence and the Principal's address. Students and staff who were either in the hall or watching the livestream all commented on how moved they felt during the ceremony.
Overall, the ANZAC Day reflection was clearly a calm and reverent ceremony that honoured those who fought for the good of our country.
'They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn,
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning
We will remember them'
Lest we forget.
Written by Elizabeth G and Oriana P with edits from Monika M, Gabriela G and Angelina E