Schools honour Remembrance Day

Primary and secondary schools across the Diocese of Sale held a number of Remembrance Day ceremonies to honour the brave men and women who have selflessly served our country.

St Therese’s Primary School, Cranbourne North

St Therese’s Mini Vinnies Leadership Team led a Remembrance Day liturgy where staff and students sang, prayed and watched educational videos about the importance of the day and the significance of the poppy.

The Mini Vinnies Team laid a wreath and raised the Australian flag from half mast after observing a minute’s silence. The school also held a number of themed classroom learning activities throughout the day.

Nagle College, Bairnsdale

At 11am on 11 November, the Nagle College community remembered the service men and women who have given their lives in wars, conflicts and peace-giving operations.

Since the school is still adhering to COVID-19 restrictions, a pre-recorded video was played across the college, with staff and students all observing a minute of silence at the end of the presentation. The video featured special guest and WWII veteran, Mr Bruce Crowle, who served in the Royal Australian Navy as a Signalman on the HMAS Australia.

Outdoors, a dozen students held an intimate service which featured the international symbol of sacrifice and loss, the poppy.

St Peter’s College, Cranbourne and Clyde North

Staff and students at both of St Peter’s College campuses gathered on the morning of 11 November to pray for all of those who gave their life in service to the armed forces. The school community took some time to reflect on the true cost of conflict – the loss of lives – as they observed a minute of silence and asked for God’s blessing for fallen personnel who gave their lives so we could live in peace.

St Thomas the Apostle Primary School, Cranbourne

St Thomas the Apostle Primary School was excited to commemorate Remembrance Day by coming together as a school community. Staff and students adorned their flagpole courtyard with red poppies, balloons and streamers and held a ceremony that included readings and prayers. Two Foundation students then carried the wreath to the foot of the school’s flagpole while the choir sang the National Anthem.

St Francis Xavier College, Berwick

To commemorate Remembrance Day, student leaders at the Berwick campus of St Francis Xavier College held a poignant service, which was led by Head of Campus, Jason Hibberd and Campus Captains, Deon Bobby and Modita Rath.

Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, Leongatha

On 11 November, the community at Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College came to a halt, as staff and students watched a pre-recorded video which was broadcast across the campus.

Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School, Cowes

The community at Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School commemorated Remembrance Day with a ceremony and laying of the poppies. Students made the poppies themselves and laid them at the base of the school’s flag poles. The highlight of the event was the fly over by the Roulettes which took place at 11am.