Darwin High honours the Anzac Legacy
Darwin High School has a longstanding tradition of commemorating Anzac Day with a commemorative Assembly by its senior students. This year on Wednesday 24 April, all 1300 students and staff, gathered with invited guests to reflect on the Legacy of the Anzac.
The assembly recognised the dawn of the legend: The Anzac Spirit, born on 25 April 1915 and reaffirmed by eight months of fighting in Gallipoli during the First World War. Over a hundred years on, there are no longer any living survivors of the Gallipoli campaign but the services and rituals of the Anzac have survived and the legend of the Anzac lives on.
Some of our student cadets formed a Catafalque party and provided an Honour Guard. Year 11 student, John Cubillo shared a Welcome to Country, which was followed by Max Higgins and the Darwin High School Band performing the Australian National Anthem. In a first for the service, Year 11 student Rhein Paleso’o sang the New Zealand National Anthem, accompanied by his father and sister.
Year 12 compere and SRC member, Samuel Roussos spoke to his peers about not to celebrating or glorifying war, but rather remembering those who have served our country during conflict and crisis. He encouraged them to salute not only the spirit of the Anzacs but, in paying tribute to them, take the opportunity to uphold their finest qualities of courage, endurance and mateship.
Brigadier Michael Ashleigh, Commander of Headquarters Australian Army Cadets, visiting Darwin from Canberra, delivered a poignant Commemorative Address, encouraging the students to carry on the spirit of the Anzacs and continue their legacy for peace. Distinguished guests and representatives from SIEU, Year 10, 11 and 12 laid wreaths as a symbol of remembrance for those lost while serving, accompanied by the haunting sound of the didgeridoo, played by Alfie May. Mr May dedicated his performance to his brother Trooper Willie Allen, a famous Darwin sportsman, who was lost whilst serving.
Year 12 compere and SRC member, Alanah Hardy delivered the Ode of Remembrance and Year 10 Assistant Principal, Mr Northcote performed the Last Post from the Mezzanine.
Following the assembly, invited guests were treated to a special morning tea catered by Mrs Redwood's Stage 2 Integrated Learning - Catering class. Everyone agreed the food was delicious! Special mention to our SIEU students who welcomed guests and assisted them during the event.
Photo credit to our talented photography students Maddy Barling and Sam Thompson.
Thank you to all the staff and students whose hard work and dedication ensured the event was a success.
