Anzac Day Commemorations

Each year, Our Lady of Dolours School commemorates ANZAC Day with a special service at the school and this year was no different, with students paying homage to the sacrifices made by the men and women in our Defence forces.

Principal, Mrs Tricia Howard, explained that the school has a long and mutually supportive relationship with the Australian Defence Forces (ADF).

“Our Lady of Dolours has many Defence families within the school community, and we are very proud of the close ties we maintain with the ADF,” she said.

“We are very fortunate to have a Defence School Mentor (DSM) on staff at O.L.D. to provide specialised support to the children and families of ADF members, particularly when they are arriving at or leaving the school on a posting, or when a parent is absent from home”, said Mrs Howard.

“Our DSM, Mrs Kerri Wilson, does a wonderful job of supporting our Defence students and she always ensures that our commemoration of important dates in the Defence calendar is meaningful to everyone in the school community.”

The ANZAC Day service was held in Our Lady of Dolours’ Memorial Garden and attended by staff, students, and families. A number of special guests also took part in the service, including Councillor Andrew Wines, Gaythorne RSL Director Mr Ryan Shaw, and Defence personnel from Enoggera Barracks. The School Choir performed, and O.L.D. student, Penelope, delivered a beautiful rendition of the New Zealand National Anthem.

“The annual ANZAC tribute at O.L.D. is an important part of our school year”, said DSM, Kerri Wilson.

“Our students always attend the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Gaythorne RSL and are proud to march with our servicemen and women in the parade, but it is really special to have our own memorial service at the school, presented by our Defence students.”

“For many of our students, the ANZAC history is the history of their own families”, said Mrs Wilson. “It is the perfect way to acknowledge our mums and dads on active service, as well as recognising the sacrifices their families make. Lest We Forget.”