Darwin High honours the ANZACS
By teacher Judy Boland
Australia has a long tradition of honouring and remembering its wartime history and the service of our men and women during those times.
This year our Anzac Assembly featured a special tribute to the Aboriginal men of the Northern Territory who served with distinction during World War I, and yet were often overlooked when they returned home.
Pictured above: Alfie May
Research to date, indicates that eleven Aboriginal men from the NT managed to serve, despite restrictions against Aboriginal enlistment. Some lost their lives and some were decorated and returned home.
We were pleased to welcome about thirty relatives at our Assembly, many of whom were former students of Darwin High School.
A brief biography of each soldier was read, and a candle placed on the Catafalque. While representatives from Years 10, 11, 12 and the SIEU laid wreaths, Mr Alfie May (pictured below) played the Didgeridoo, the haunting sounds ringing through the rafters of the Pavilion.
Mr May is a relative of Trooper Willie Allen, who was a famous Darwin sportsman.
The Assembly was attended by Her Honour the Administrator, the Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AM (pictured below with Jill Hazeldine, Acting Principal), Alderman Simon Niblock representing the Lord Mayor, Defence Force Chiefs, representatives from Ex-Service organisations and a group from Pearl Supported Care.
After the Assembly, all adjourned to the Tank to enjoy a delicious morning tea provided by students from Stage 2 Integrated Learning – Catering class.
Later in the day, Aroha Aisake did the Readings at the Kapyong commemoration which was held at the Cenotaph.
Next day at the Dawn Service, Michael Neill and Kiara Hind laid a wreath on behalf of the Darwin High School community, then later assisted Drew Holloway and Aroha Aisake to distribute poppies to 6000 odd attendees.
By student reporter Misa Mcdonald
Observed on 25 April each year, ANZAC Day is held to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought at Gallipoli throughout World War I. Darwin High School is renowned for its annual ANZAC Assembly, and on 23 April 2018, we held our annual ANZAC DayAssembly to commemoratepast and present Australian and New Zealand veterans. The laying of a wreath, and the poppy flowers created a peaceful environment as students held a moment of silence for the fallen. In addition to this, a beautiful dawn service was held early in the morning and we would like to thank the staff, members of the Student Representative Council and the numerous retired and currently-serving soldiers that came along and contributed to the ceremony.
