All 1400 staff and students at Good News Lutheran College stood at the school’s poppy garden to remember the lives lost in war.
The college’s ANZAC day event included speeches from students, performances of the Australian and New Zealand national anthem and a moment of silence.
Deputy principal Richard Baird said the commemorations were an important way to retell the story of “what went before us”.
“The moment of silence and just how powerful it is to reflect and think of others because we’re so busy at times, concerned about ourselves,” Mr Baird said.
The poppy garden was designed by a former student, who has since graduated from the college.
“It was an opportunity that the college students had as part of their classes in design, and that was one of the designs that came up,” College Pastor Peter Janetzki said.
Mr Janetzki said that poppy’s are a mark of respect for those who made “the ultimate sacrifice” for this country during times of war.
“Poppy’s are used normally actually for remembrance day, but it’s also become increasingly something which is used on ANZAC day as well,” he said.
Year eight student Mehak delivered a speech on the day.
“On Anzac day we recognise the men and women who gave their lives…we recognise their courage and loyalty and mateship,” she said in the speech.
Mr Janetski said Mehak’s remarks spoke of the links between religious and modern sacrifice.
“People who sacrificed in times of war, and Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice, and the life that we have because of both,” he said.
