Narrabri Public School marks Anzac Day with moving tribute

Narrabri Public School marked Anzac Day with a moving ceremony at the end of term one.

Young leaders led the school in a moving service that honoured the memory of those who fought in the First World War and all conflicts since.

The school’s leaders spoke with reverence, confidently applying skills from the lessons they have been receiving with Ms Lisa Gauci on public speaking.

Narrabri Public School prepares for this assembly with history lessons taught in the weeks preceding the ceremony; through first-hand accounts and picture books that help students value the importance of the occasion.

The service opened with a historical reflection on the events leading up to the fated Gallipoli campaign.

Local historian and Narrabri RSL sub-branch member Mr Richard Barry OAM spoke with the students as a returned soldier from the Vietnam War.

He spoke of the experience of women; reflecting on historic accounts from the First World War to his own personal experiences in Vietnam.

School captains Lincoln Bourke and Ashlyn Saunders.

Mr Barry spoke to a captivated audience, and you could hear a pin drop as he shared the plight of a soldier and the impact of war.

Mr Barry was followed by a heartfelt recitation of the poem ‘Not a Hero’ by Clyde Hamilton, delivered by Reuben Weekes, with not a dry eye left at the end.

During the earlier historical presentation, students, staff and guests were intermittently entertained by Catherine Gerdnoi playing The Merry Peasant on the flute, and a moving performance of Ian Jefferson’s song Always Remember delivered by Ms Sharon Stoltenberg and the choir, which showcased the impact felt by those who returned from the war.

The formalities of the occasion were undertaken with great ceremony and as the Last Post ended and the one minute silence commenced, the only audible sound was the resounding chime of the town clock carried on the wind; calling out the 11th hour.

Reville saw the raising of flags to full mast and Chloe Cameron led the school on her clarinet in the singing of the Australian National Anthem concluding proceedings.

Attending guests commended the leaders and all students on the respect displayed for the occasion. Students will march with the community from Narrabri Public School to the RSL for this year’s Anzac Day ceremony.