Battle of the Bands

ANZAC Day 2020 certainly looked different Nationwide this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The College embraced many of the elements of a traditional ANZAC Day, but in a much different format. The College held a small wreath laying ceremony with our just our Principal, Defence Mentor and our College Captain laying a wreath at the entrance of the College. This was both special and significant given the circumstances this year with our Senior Cadet representative raising the flags to half-mast to honour the fallen. Whilst students and school representatives couldn’t attend a Dawn Service this year or march along The Strand, the College community welcomed the 'Light Up The Dawn' service. Students and their families stepped onto to their driveways at dawn to observe a minute’s silence, holding a candle and reflecting, remembering, and honouring those who fought for the freedom of our country. What we witnessed this year was heartfelt and moving. Students and their families felt a real sense of connection as we were together in spirit. This year, we also saw the introduction of a new creative competition – The Spirit of the ANZAC Award. Students were asked to reflect on the spirit of the ANZAC history through creative writing, art or music. We had a number of amazing entries with the winner being announced on ANZAC Day. Ben Hatchard of Year 8 produced a deeply moving painting that we proudly displayed outside the College over the ANZAC weekend. He received a plaque and voucher as the winning entry. Lest We Forget. Carolyne Drummond | Defence School Mentor