Seymour College hosted a special assembly to honour the Anzacs on Thursday, April 24.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Seymour College multicultural captain Kaleera Jones-Walden delivered a touching moment at the school’s Anzac assembly on Tuesday, April 24.
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Ms Jones-Walden had an opportunity to deliver the Welcome to Country before reading a song written by her great-uncle, Indigenous singer-songwriter Dave Arden.
The assembly was arranged by defence school mentor Kelly Quigg, who also welcomed the school’s defence families to enjoy a morning tea.
During the assembly there was an opportunity for students from all years to lay a wreath at a small cenotaph, as a poignant way of showing respect to the Anzacs.
Students from all year levels laid wreaths to honour the Anzacs during a special assembly on Thursday, April 24.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Guest speaker at the assembly was former serviceman, and current Mitchell Shire mayor, John Dougall.
“Anzac Day is a national day of significance,” Cr Dougall said.
“It's a day where we remember how much sacrifice and how much contribution and service many Australian soldiers, sailors and airmen have made to Australia’s freedoms.
“That was a long time ago, but of course, it’s important to engage with the schools and younger people because they’re our link to the future.
“So if we can help to explain days of national importance to younger people, we hope that they can remember and carry that tradition into the future.”
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall spoke about his time in the armed forces at Seymour College’s Anzac assembly on Thursday, April 24.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
As a former serving member, Cr Dougall’s invitation held special significance.
“It’s a great pleasure to be invited to come here and address Seymour College,” he said.
“And days like this are a great opportunity for the community to come together
“Seymour has a bit of a storied history when it comes to its relationship with service and with the military, so, it’s great to be here.”
College principal Debbie Oliver said she was pleased with the way the school leaders hosted the assembly.
Seymour College multicultural captain Kaleera Jones-Walden read a song written by her great uncle, Indigenous singer-songwriter Dave Arden, at the school’s Anzac assembly.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“We’re an inclusive school, we’ve got our primary and our secondary leaders here today,” she said.
“I really like how everyone’s a part of it, from the children laying the wreaths to the captains leading the assembly.”
Ms Oliver said Anzac Day was especially significant for the college due to its ties with the Puckapunyal Australian Army training facility and base.
“It’s an important part of our school and our history,” she said.
“I was an ex-student from here myself and I remember many of the defence families that have come through our school over a long, long time.”
Before the assembly concluded, the college’s primary choir led the school in the national anthem.
Freedom Cold by Dave Arden, read at the Seymour College Anzac Assembly by his great neice, Kaleera Jones-Walden.
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