Drysdale Primary School staff and students have participated in commemorations of ANZAC Day across the community.
On the Tuesday before, Stella and Alex accompanied Mrs Denmead to the Geelong Schools’ 84th Annual ANZAC Service of Commemoration in the Peace Memorial Foyer, Johnstone Park, Geelong. The service began with a march on the Banner and Catafalque Party. Colonel Paul Rosenberger made a speech about what ANZAC is then all of the primary schools laid their floral tributes. The President of the Geelong RSL sub-branch read the Ode “For the Fallen.” The entire gathering repeated after the MC: “We will remember them” then commenced the one minute silence. The service was completed with the Lord ’s Prayer and the Australian National Anthem. Stella and Alex laid a wreath on behalf of Drysdale Primary School.
For the first time we also had four Year 4 students head to the Drysdale Grove Aged Care facility to participate in their ANZAC Day service. In the past we have taken our Year 6 leaders, but due to the swimming lessons, we turned to Grace, Megan, Owen and Guy to fill their spots. Any concerns about nervousness quickly vanished when they stood up to address the service and recited their passages with confidence.
The service was hosted by Pam Davis and Grace, Guy, Megan and Owen presented two readings. The first was a poem by J Albert & Son titled “A Brown Slouch Hat” and the second was “I Am Not a Badge of Honour” by Paul Hunter.
The students impressed all the residents, staff and visitors with their confident presenting skills. They were also called upon to share ANZAC biscuits with the residents.
“I really enjoyed visiting Drysdale Grove because we got to hand out the ANZAC biscuits to the elderly people.” Guy (Year 4)
“I liked speaking confidently about ANZACs to the residents of Drysdale Grove.”
Megan (Year 4)“Being chosen to go to Drysdale Grove was an honour because the Year 6s usually go and this year was the first time the Year 4s have ever represented the school on ANZAC Day.”
Grace (Year 4)“It was nice to represent the school out in the Drysdale community and I would love the chance to do it again soon”
Owen (Year 4)