History Club – Community Commemoration of Anzac Day

The purpose of Anzac Day Commemoration Services is for communities to gather together in an act of remembrance for those who have given all for their country and for others. This year History students from the History Club represented Santa Sabina College at two important community commemorations: the RSL and Schools Remember Anzac Commemoration Service and the Anzac Day Dawn Commemoration at Burwood Park.

Clementine Ray, Lisa Geddes, Gabby Curro, Gabrielle Karakatsanis, Calliope Stewart, Violet Crowe, Annelies Notelaers, Georgia Catalano, Eve Ardagna, Emily Wong, Evie Little, Abigail Middleton and Emmagen Matheson from Year 10 History Club were selected to represent Santa Sabina College at the RSL and Schools Remember Anzac Commemoration Service at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney. These students demonstrated leadership and deep respect at this inter-school Anzac Commemoration Service run by the RSL.

A very big congratulations to Calliope Stewart from Year 10 who was selected by Burwood Council and the RSL Sub-Branch to participate in the Anzac Dawn Service held at Burwood Park on 25 April. Calliope read the poem ‘My Boy Jack’. The College Captains Molly Hoogland and Lucy Gee laid a wreath on behalf of the College during this community service.

The formal Commemoration Service was observed by our school community through the College Assembly and included the Ode, The Last Post, one minute of silence for the fallen and Rouse played by Carmel Mayo from Year 12. The students who designed and led the Commemoration included Anna-Maria Sulukojian, Remi Apostolopoulos, Kate Pitman-Fernandez, Tiffany Dao, Caitlin Brennan, Claire Carroll, Lily Vincent, Mia Papavramidis from Year 11 and from Year 10 Emily Wong and Calliope Stewart. Thank you to the Director of Music, Amy Richardson, the College musicians and Santa Sabina College Chamber Choir for the heartfelt musical expression that set the reflective tone of the College Commemoration.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Student Reflections

Participating in the Burwood Dawn Service Commemoration on Anzac Day at Burwood Park was an immersive experience of which I am grateful. I had the opportunity to be part of the Commemoration and recite the poem ‘My Boy Jack’. Through this experience I gained insight into the strong sense of community and solidarity within the local area as reflected by the huge number of people from the Burwood community who attended. The service also provided insight into the experiences of those who have served for Australia, and our current Year 10 History unit on WWI allowed me to appreciate the significance of the occasion.
Calliope Stewart
Year 10

Year 10 members of the History Club had the honour to represent Santa Sabina College at the Anzac Remembrance at an inter-schools Commemoration in the city. The most important part of the Commemoration was The Last Post and the laying of wreaths by NSW politicians including the NSW Premier Chris Minns. The service concluded with a live orchestrated playing and the singing of both New Zealand (also sung in Māori) and Australian national anthems.
Gabrielle Karakatsanis
Year 10

On Thursday 4 April we had the privilege to represent Santa Sabina College in attending the Anzac Day Ceremony at Hyde Park along with a wide range of other schools. It was an amazing experience that allowed us to learn more about the part that the defence people in the Australian Military have done for our country in times of conflict and stress. As part of the Commemoration we heard from various members of the army which assisted us in learning more about what has been done for our country, helping us to appreciate this service.
Eve Ardagna
Year 10

Reading the reflective poem at the College Anzac Commemoration was a captivating way to describe the hardships faced and express the opinions of those who fought in the war. The Last Post and the minute of silence allowed for a moment of reflection and allowed me to ponder the nature of war in our society today.
Caitlin Brennan
Year 11

To commemorate the recent Anzac Day, the History Club was given the opportunity to speak on behalf of the event at Assembly. We recounted the experiences and events of those who fought for our country, heard a rendition of Flanders Fields by the Chamber Choir, heard The Last Post performed by Carmel Mayo and brought forth significant artefacts of symbolism; our flag, a poppy wreath and a slouch hat. The collective minute of silence allowed us to reflect on our nation’s past, the atrocities of war, and how we can strive for peace in our future.
Lily Vincent
Year 11

From the History Club Ambassadors:

The most honoured day in Australia is Anzac Day, when we pay tribute to all those who have given their lives, suffered wounds, and are currently serving to protect our nation and way of life. It is a day that truly embodies everything that makes an Australian. We, along with the History Club, commemorated the Anzacs through a Commemoration Service held during the College Assembly. It is important to remember the brave soldiers that fought for our rights and freedoms. Lest we forget.

Anna-Maria Sulukojian and Remi Apostolopoulos
Year 11