History Club Commemorating Remembrance Day

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 the guns fell silent and the Great War was finally over. Today in Australia this day is a National Day called Remembrance Day. The poppy was the first wildflower to bloom in the Western Front and has come to symbolise hope and regrowth after the devastation of war. By wearing and displaying red poppies, Australians acknowledge the cost of war and express gratitude for the people who have worked and are working for peace and acknowledge the freedoms we enjoy today.

The Santa Sabina community commemoration was led by the History Club as poppies were placed by History students on the College lawn. Monterey Tam, Calliope Stewart and Emily Wong from Year 10 have accepted the positions of 2025 History Club Ambassadors and led the laying of the poppies. These poppies were made by History students during their History classes. At 11:00am Remi Apostolopoulos, in her role as History Club Ambassador and College Captain, led a one minute of silence across Santa Sabina classes. This tradition ensures that the lessons of history are not forgotten.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Student Reflections

I felt immersed by the experience of placing handcrafted poppies on the grass around the Santa Sabina grounds. It aided me in understanding why we celebrate Remembrance Day, and the lasting impacts of those who served in the military for Australia. The poppies were seen by students and teachers, acting as a reminder of Australia’s history.
Monterey Tam
Year 10

Coming into school in the morning to place poppies on the grass was a wonderful experience that reminded us of the importance and significance of Remembrance Day. The poppies cultivated conversations between students at school, and reinforced the power of history in honouring lives of Australia’s past. Overall, the History Club found this experience to be an immensely valuable way of exploring the lasting impacts of Australian Soldiers and the First World War.
Calliope Stewart
Year 10

Being able to place poppies around the Santa Sabina grounds with the History Club was an enriching experience to commemorate Remembrance day. The poppies were handmade by History students, and served as a reminder for our duty to honour all the Australian armed forces and the importance of their service and commitment for the world we have today.
Emily Wong
Year 10