Narrabri Public School students’ inspiring Anzac remembrance

Narrabri Public School students paid an inspiring remembrance to Anzac Day at their special commemorative assembly last Friday, April 12.

Cultural ambassador Angel Stanford delivered the official acknowledgment to country and recited ‘The Best on Earth’ By Joanna Fuchs, a poem that embodies the experience of Anzac veterans and the importance of sharing this history with future generations.

It was NPS teacher librarian Miss Lisa Gauci who worked with school leaders to practice and present their Anzac assembly script as well as develop their public speaking for the event.

Miss Gauci found Ms Nicole Gallagher after contacting the Narrabri RSL and thought that her story tied in perfectly with this year’s Anzac theme; Discover the stories of veterans in your local community.

“It was amazing to invite someone so accomplished to speak to the students, and it tied in so perfectly with this year’s theme.”

Ms Gallagher is the first woman president of the RSL sub-branch and visited students as this year’s guest speaker for the memorial.

Ms Gallagher spoke about her experience as one of the first women to join a navy ship as part of the Royal Australian Navy in 1992 from which she retired as lieutenant and being the first woman in her branch to have a baby and return to work after having children.

“I am honoured to stand before you today and share my experiences with you,” started Ms Gallagher.

“I was the first girl to have a baby and go back to sea in my category.

“This was very hard, but I had a point to prove that women can be mothers and serve at sea.

“I feel I paved the way for mums of today that have to go to sea and more understanding and support is given back.”

The school choir, led by Ms Sharon Stoltenberg, sang the national anthem beautifully and were joined by the rest of the school and parents who attended the assembly.

“It was wonderful to see our Year 6 leaders up there representing our school with pride and giving it their all,” said Miss Gauci.

The last troops left Anzac Cove on December 20, 1915, with a total of 8709 Australians and 2721 New Zealanders dying during the campaign.

“On Anzac Day, however, we not only reflect on that memorable night, but we also remember the many battles fought and the soldiers that fell over the five years of the First World War,” said Archie Clifford.

“We too continue to recognise the many wars that have been fought since World War One. On the 11th of January 2023, we commemorated the 50th anniversary of Governor-General Sir Paul Hasluck proclaiming an end to Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.”

More than 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam, more than 3000 soldiers were wounded and 523 gave their lives in what was the longest conflict of the 21st century involving Australians.

Students honoured Anzac formalities, including one minute’s silence which followed the Last Post, and the laying of the rosemary and laurel wreath.

School leaders explained the inclusion of the symbolic poppy flower, which were prevalent on the battlefields of the Western Front.

Before the official lowering of the flag to half-mast, student leaders reflected on the international symbol to signify remembrance for fallen soldiers, as everyone faced the flags in a mark of respect.

After observing one minute’s silence, Reveille played with the raising of the flag back to full mast, and to signify the waking of a new day. Student leaders thanked attendees for joining their Anzac Day assembly and commended the reverence shown for the occasion and our nation’s soldiers.

After thanking the community, members were invited to join the school on Thursday, April 25, to march from the school, past the War Memorial, finishing at the RSL for the formal commemorative servic

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