Canberra Centenary Commemorative Excursion

war memorial

On the 14 August 2015 Year 9 students and 11 teachers embarked on a journey with one purpose in mind, to pay our respects to the fallen heroes of the First World War.

We embarked at 7:30 am sharp, all rugged up in preparation for a cold Canberra day, but Canberra decided to honour our visit with glorious weather. The students were treated to a breakfast break at Suttons Forest before arriving at our destination. We met and greeted our guides who were all very knowledgeable and happy to explain the importance of the memorial as a reminder of the atrocities suffered by the ANZAC’s during this war.

The military memorabilia appealed to our students but they were engrossed with the dioramas, which showed the depth of the difficulties the diggers endured for our freedom. We had time to reflect in the Hall of Remembrance and said prayers beside the pool of reflection and eternal flame.

Our students behaved in a very respectful manner throughout the tours and were complimented on the behavior by gallery staff at the Australian War Memorial. We had time to explore the World War II memorial and the midget submarines and airplanes, in particular, fascinated the boys.

The most memorable part of the tours, were the personal stories of bravery and heroics which contributed so much to our concept of mateship as an Australian nation. Our students understood what is meant by the verse from John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends”.

Although the bus trip was long, the students remained in good humour and good spirits and they were well behaved on the buses. Our bus drivers spoke to the teachers to give them positive affirmative of our students. All teachers were complimentary of their respective groups. They were exceptional as ambassadors of St Agnes Catholic High School.