St Mary MacKillop College held two ANZAC ceremonies on Wednesday 27 April, with each campus devoting an hour to remember the sacrifice and contribution of all who have served in war and peacekeeping operations.

The ceremonies included prayer, video clips, words from the Principal, the Ode, the Last Post, the Rouse, and an occasional address by Brigadier Bob Brown. The students paused to reflect with remarkable respect, engagement, and reverence.

The prayer focus for both ceremonies featured the College’s War Memorial, which was donated by the Class of 2008. The Memorial is designed in the shape of a cross, a traditional symbol of sacrifice, hope, and salvation. The three woods incorporated into the design are French birch, local Australian redwood, and Turkish oak, representing local Australians and the two major theatres of the Great War in which they served.

MacKillop also took part in the Dawn Service on ANZAC Day in Cooma, with Principal Michael Lee and 21 MacKillop students joining our friends from St Patrick’s school in the ANZAC Day March.

Congratulations to the students who led our ceremonies and to those who participated with considerable dignity and respect. Lest we forget.