As the first school term came to a close students at Parkview Public School to time out to reflect on the significant sacrifices made by thousands of men and women.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The school’s annual Anzac Observance held additional significant this year with all four school leaders conducting the service being the direct descendants of former servicemen who returned from various theatre’s of war.
Principal Travis Irvin commended the way his students carried out the ceremony.
School Captain Madeline Irvin, who recited the 'Ode to the Fallen', is the granddaughter of 4RAR Vietnam Veteran Gordon Irvin who saw active service in 1968-69.
Fellow School Captain Cody Browne is the great grandson of Jack Baxter who was a member of the 2nd/13 Field Ambulance who served in World War 2 from 1939-1945 including stints in Borneo and in Darwin during the Japanese bombings.
Vice Captains Molly Gilmour and Jaxon Ryan provided a detailed history for the gathered students of the original ANZAC battles at Gallipoli for the large crowd in attendance.
Molly's Great Grandfather Neil Gilmour saw active service in World War 2 in Egypt and Indonesia while both of Jaxon's great grandfather's were engaged in World War 2 as well.
Jack Rice was a navigator in the RAAF over Europe whilst Reginald Skewes saw active service in the Army in the jungles of Papua New Guinea.
The service served as an educational experience for students, with explanations as to the significance of the Last Post and Reveille incorporated into the observance. Year 6 students Eligh Watson and Nicholas Croucamp also played significant roles, acting as flag bearers throughout the ceremony.
Students are strongly encouraged to join fellow Leetonians at the Leeton RSL Sub-Branch ANZAC Day March and Observance on Tuesday, 25th April.
Children are requested to wear full summer school uniform and to assemble outside the Courthouse from 9.30am in preparation for a 10am commencement to proceedings.