LEST WE FORGET: Orange Public School captains Zac Collins and Eliza Owens carry a wreath. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0424opsanzac1
SOME Australian academics have dismissed Anzac Day as irrelevant, however the spirit is certainly thriving in Orange schools.
Orange Public School principal Toni MacDonald said students at the school were passionately interested in the history of their forebears and she would be devastated if Anzac Day was not commemorated.
“These are the future leaders of our nation and it is so important they carry on these traditions,” she said.
“The children learn in school why these events in history were so integral and are evidently interested in their history.”
Student Representative Council (SRC) member Liesel Haberecht said Anzac Day ceremonies were very important and marked a time to think about the sacrifice of others.
“It is to remember people who fought wars to save our country,” she said.
“I feel proud to be part of people who were so brave to fight a war.”
SRC member Samuel Newcombe said he felt strongly about the Anzac tradition.
“I feel sad remembering all the people who died in the war but I know it's really important not to forget them,” he said.
The children were extremely reverent at their Anzac ceremony while the Last Post played. All students bowed their heads and observed one minute’s silence.
Mrs MacDonald said the reverence shown by the children was testament to their commitment to the Anzac tradition.
“They understand the whole nature of the day and it is shown by their respect and interest in the ceremony,” she said.