Santa Sabina College Remembrance Day commemorations

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is when the guns fell silent in World War I and is now a national Australian day of Remembrance. At Santa Sabina College students studying History led the Remembrance Day Commemoration.

The College community on Monday 10 November during Homeroom engaged with a presentation which explained why the poppy is significant and why we remember through the act of one minute of silence. It is hoped that this gave more meaning to the College Remembrance Commemoration the next day. Calliope Stewart (College Captain) led the school’s observance by reading the Ode and overseeing the one minute of silence at 11:00am on 11 November. The whole College was involved in this Remembrance Commemoration.

On Tuesday 11 November before school the History Club Ambassadors and members wanted to create a College symbol of Remembrance and led planting of poppies outside our historic buildings. Year 7 HSIE students in their timetabled Tuesday lesson were invited to contribute to this field of poppies by also planting a poppy. Some students decided to plant a poppy to remember a relative who had served in the World Wars.

The 2026 History Club Ambassadors represented Santa Sabina College at a community Remembrance Day Commemoration jointly organised by The Burwood RSL Sub Branch and Burwood Council at the Memorial Arch within Burwood Park on 11 November at 11:00am. Alannah Quinn was invited to contribute to the service by reading a poem to remember fallen soldiers. This was very special for Alannah as both her mother and grandmother attended this service to remember Alannah’s grandfather who had served as a soldier in the Australian military during World War II. Mira Nguyen and Allegra Musca participated in the Wreath Laying Ceremony on behalf of Santa Sabina College at the memorial. The girls who attended this community event were moved by the commemoration and reflected on the meaning of remembering for future generations.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Student Reflections

The Burwood Park Remembrance Day Commemoration, led by the Burwood RSL sub-branch, was an honourable experience to be a part of as a student and also granddaughter of a World War II veteran. Mayor Faker’s memorable address, the bagpipes and bugle contributed to a moving service and I was honoured to recite ‘In Flanders Fields’, a poignant poem written by John McCrae. This poem has become famous to symbolise the sacrifice of the fallen and how imperative it is to remember the soldiers who fought for our freedom. The poem is a call to action to honour their bravery. Overall, I was inspired to be a part of the next generation who remembers this important part of our history.
Alannah Quinn
Year 10 History Club Ambassador

The Remembrance Day Commemoration was held at Burwood Park and it was an honour to represent Santa Sabina in acknowledgment to those who served. It was a very moving tribute to unity across the world.
Lily-Rose Sulukojian
Year 10

I was extremely honoured to be involved in the Remembrance Day Service at Burwood Park. I was given the opportunity to place a wreath alongside members of the Burwood Council to commemorate the service and sacrifice for those who served in armed forces. The Last Post evoked solemnity and historical connection. It was very moving.
Mira Nguyen
Year 10 History Club Ambassador

The Remembrance Day Commemoration organised by Burwood Council was a wonderful event to attend to recognise the bravery and sacrifice of both past and present servicemen and women. It was an honour to represent Santa Sabina College in placing a wreath alongside Mayor Faker and members of the Burwood RSL Sub-Branch.
Allegra Musca
Year 10 History Club Ambassador

Contributing to the Commemoration Service was a memorable experience to recognise and honour all those who fought for the country with strength and courage. The service fostered a sense of unity and commemoration for all generations.
Olivia Zaknich
Year 10