Victoria Cross recipient, Keith Payne VC AM and his wife veteran Florence Payne were our special invited guests at this year’s ANZAC Service held at the college. We also welcomed high level military and community representatives to join us for this event.
They were greeted at the front of the college by our student leaders, WGWLHA volunteer Derek Rea in WW1 Navy Uniform and students in replica WW1 Nurse uniforms, beside a WW1 Bell Tent façade. Our college foyer was adorned with a display dedicated to the 1023 Western Australian servicemen who died as a result of their service in the WW1 Gallipoli campaign. Each of their names and service numbers were hand written on symbolic identity discs (made by D&T), suspended from the ceiling with red ribbon as a touching tribute to their sacrifice.
Guests and parents were welcomed into the college Military History Museum prior to the service, to view the displays, original artefacts and memorabilia. Handmade poppy brooches and commemorative programs were presented to our guests when they joined the college community in the gymnasium.
We were honoured to welcome Captain Ainsley Morthorpe, Commanding officer of HMAS Stirling; Afghanistan veteran Brooke Carmichael and Navy Chaplain Lynette Emery to share with us their thoughts on ANZAC Day. To give a student perspective Ashlin Crawford and Lily Eastwell spoke about their fathers who both serve in the Royal Australian Navy. School Captains Ethan Lamont and Madelyn Ball, did an excellent job at the role of Master of Ceremonies throughout the service.
Wonderful musical performances were presented by former student Malia Bennett (piano by Phil Waddy), Secret Harbour Primary school choir (conducted by Katherine Anson), Lilian Brown, Malesela Pakinga and Dezarae Terepo (guitar by Rob Thorpe).
Morning tea was hosted by the Year 12 Food Science & Technology and Year 9 Food Extension students in the upstairs staffroom following the service. Here a magnificent portrait of Keith Payne VC AM was gifted to him by local artist, Melissa Bassett. The day before our service, Navy Chefs from HMAS Stirling visited the college to assist with the preparations for the ANZAC Morning Tea. Working together with our catering students they produced over 750 pieces of food.
That afternoon 10th Light Horse Historian, Phil Sullivan shared his passion, knowledge and extensive collection of imagery and artefacts with multiple HASS classes. Thanks go to Paul Papalia CSC, MLA for sponsoring his visit to our college.
Year 12 students interviewed Keith Payne VC AM on his service history. A highlights version of the interview will be shared on social media shortly and the full interview will be displayed in our Military History Museum as part of a dedication display in his honour.
The following day, our Defence School Mentor Claire Hunt facilitated a tour of HMAS Stirling for our special guest Keith Payne VC AM and his wife with Captain Ainsley Morthorpe. Also in attendance was Navy Community Engagement Officer CPO Toni Ralph, Vietnam Veteran Mick Ryan and cadet Regan Dale.
We would like to acknowledge the wonderful job that our cadets did on the day, including the many hours of after school rehearsals in preparation for the event. There were many staff, students and volunteers who participated in the preparations for this event and we appreciate everyone’s contribution.
Lest We Forget