This week, our College community engaged in two significant events to commemorate ANZAC Day, reflecting our collective commitment to honouring our national history and the brave individuals who have served. On Tuesday, 23 April, the entire school gathered for a special ANZAC Day Service held on campus. This event was not just a ceremony but a profound opportunity for students, staff, and the community to engage in a moment of reflection and gratitude, remembering the bravery and sacrifices of those who served our country.

The commemoration continued as many from our school community, including student leaders and College staff, participated in community ANZAC Day services on Thursday, 25 April. Events at Helensvale and Upper Coomera saw our students leading within the wider community, paying respects, and further understanding the historical significance of this day. Such involvement exemplifies the values we cherish as an educational institution—respect, remembrance and community engagement.

At our College Service, Year 6 student, Rohan, read the well-known poem In Flanders Fields by John McCrae. This was a special moment of reflection for the College and the powerful words of John McCrae are published below.

In Flanders Fields
By John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Lest We Forget!

JACOB ELMS | HEAD OF SECONDARY SCHOOL