From the Acting Head of Senior School

The echoes of history are best heard when one is standing still.

Churchie’s Anzac Day Ceremony, always a deeply earnest experience, is the embodiment of this statement.

Bearing witness to the gathering of a diverse, intergenerational community including current students, Old Boys, families and friends, as they unite to honour those who have served, is extremely humbling. Moreover, as the two minutes of silence are observed, the connection and memory of the 119 Old Boys and staff who gave their lives are forever apparent—they will not be forgotten.

The Churchie tenet of service is personified by the conduct of the Tri-Service Cadets at the ceremony. Presenting themselves immaculately in front of the entire community, the School is proud of our three cadet corps and the manner in which they uphold the legacy they represent. In addition, I acknowledge the exceptional music provided by the Morris Wind Symphony and Senior Voices.

Within this spirit, Year 12 will honour those 119 lost servicemembers by placing a flag in memory of a named Old Boy, many of whom were not much older than our Seniors are now when they died. Also, representatives from the Churchie community will lay wreaths at the base of the war memorial on behalf of their organisations.

The School has been exploring the history of the Anzac Day tradition and the values it represents. Ensuring that all students can attach meaning to Anzac Day is a key responsibility of Churchie. This year, cohorts were played ‘Benedictus’ from The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins before exploring the greater meaning. In addition, house tutor groups engaged in activities exploring the Anzac history and legacy.

Reviewing Officer Lieutenant-Commander Andrew Petrie will address the service this year. After five years as a Churchie Navy Cadet, Lieutenant-Commander Andrew Petrie joined the Royal Australian Navy from Brisbane through the Royal Australian Naval College in 2000. Graduating from the Australian Defence Force Academy in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Management and Japanese Language, he spent his early navy years in Western Australia in support of the Collins Class Submarines and the Anzac Class Frigates.

I express my thanks to all students, musicians and to Tri-Service Cadets Coordinator Craig Howe OAM and all staff involved in the production of the Anzac Day Ceremony.

Dr Alex Krzensk
Acting Head of Senior School