Although it does seem a while back, I would like to acknowledge the outstanding ANZAC Remembrance Service we held on the last day of term. The 2019 Forest Crescent Anzac Service, 12th April, got underway with the Head Boy, Nathan, and Head Girl, Nadia, leading the service (held at this time due to Anzac Day falling on the school holidays). Miss Sandhu together with School Councillors Nathan and Nadia coordinated a very smooth service that helped us reflect on the meaning of ANZAC Day. Year 6 Student Councillors, Amy and Misha recited the poem, “ANZAC DAY”, by D Hunter, a veteran of Shaggy Ridge with the 2/12 Battalion in World War 2.

I saw a kid marchin’ with medals on his chest.
He marched alongside Diggers marching six abreast.
He knew that it was ANZAC Day – he walked along with pride.
He did his best to keep in step with the Diggers by his side.

And when the march was over the kid was rather tired.
A Digger said “Whose medals, son?” to which the kid replied:
“They belong to daddy, but he did not come back.
He died up in New Guinea on a lonely jungle track”.

The kid looked rather sad then and a tear came to his eye.
The Digger said “Don’t cry my son and I will tell you why.
Your daddy marched with us today – all the blooming way.
We Diggers know that he was there – it’s like that on ANZAC Day”.

The kid looked rather puzzled and didn’t understand,
But the Digger went on talking and started to wave his hand.
“For this great land we live in, there’s a price we have to pay
For we all love fun and merriment in this country where we live.
The price was that some soldier his precious life must give.

For you to go to school my lad and worship God at will,
Someone had to pay the price so the Diggers paid the bill.
Your daddy died for us my son – for all things good and true.
I wonder if you understand the things I’ve said to you”.

The kid looked up at the Digger – just for a little while
And with a changed expression, said, with a lovely smile:
“I know my dad marched here today – this is ANZAC Day.
I know he did. I know he did, all the bloomin’ way”

D.Hunter (A veteran of Shaggy Ridge with the 2/12 Battalion in WW2)

ANZAC Day is not all about history. Even though Australia is not at war, many Australians are currently serving in wars and peacekeeping operations overseas. ANZAC Day is a particularly important date to Australians with friends or family members in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). On ANZAC Day, many families think of their mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers or sisters who are in war zones or on peacekeeping missions overseas. We today take the time to reflect and thank all these people who help make our lives safe.

The choir, with Ms Britten, also performed to a very high standard, with the sixty-two student strong choir singing, singing “Message of Hope” with great solo performances by Lily and Michaela as soloists and all students were extremely well mannered and respectful of the occasion. Our invited guests from the RSL, Mr Holmes and Mr Johnstone were extremely appreciative of the service and the opportunity to be present, with Mr Stuart Holmes addressing the service on behalf of the Gosnells RSL. I know that many community members attended services on ANZAC Day to pay their respects to honour those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live as we do today in the Forest Crescent School Community. Mr Andrew Holmes (Principal)

Anzac Day Gallery 2019

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