Media
Following the solemn observance of ANZAC Day, St John the Evangelist Catholic High School and St Michael's Catholic Primary School, Nowra, held powerful assemblies to honour the courage, sacrifice, and mateship of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs), and all who have served and continue to serve our nations.
The theme 'agape' (the selfless love that one has in service of others), was intricately woven throughout.
The schools were honoured to welcome many Defence parents and numerous uniformed Defence personnel to these important occasions. With a combined enrolment of 150 students whose parents are currently serving in the Defence Force, these commemorations hold particular significance for both school communities, providing authentic opportunities for students, parents, carers, and staff to share their voice and feel empowered.
St Michael's Catholic Primary School, Nowra
Guided by the example of Jesus, who taught that every person is inherently valuable and created in the image of God, both school communities, in partnership with the Australian Defence Force (ADF), have proactively identified and removed barriers to create a stronger sense of belonging for the families who are often displaced to serve our nation.
A key element of this proactive approach is the unique support offered to both schools by Julie Lawrence, their Defence School Mentor. Through the Defence School Mentor Program (DSMP), delivered in partnership with educational institutions, Julie plays a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of children from ADF families. This program effectively connects these students with their school community and strengthens the schools' capacity to address the challenges of military life, fostering a greater sense of belonging.
James Eirth, Acting Principal of St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra, addressed the students, emphasising the importance of 'agape' and being of service to others.
“Agape, those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we can have what we have today. While the respect we show here and now is very important and fitting, it is the ongoing respect and commemoration that we need to show when we leave this hall that will truly make a difference,” he said.
“How are you going to live out agape? How are you going to use your talents and ability to serve others without the want or needs of the awards or the acclamation?”
The post-ANZAC Day assemblies featured a distinguished march by tri-service cadets accompanied by their drums. The schools were honoured to welcome many Defence parents and numerous uniformed Defence personnel to these important occasions.
The commemorations included the poignant sounds of bagpiper, veteran Kim Von Prott, and the bugle played by 90-year-old veteran Peter Williams. The St John the Evangelist school band performed the ANZAC version of 'We Are Australian', led by St John the Evangelist School Captain, Chloe Daniel, whose family are members of the Defence Force.
St John the Evangelist took the opportunity to recognise significant achievements within their school community:
Former St John’s 2024 Vice-Captain, Bridget Fairs, who is now proudly serving in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), delivered a powerful ANZAC Day address, telling students that people the same age as them were the first to put on this uniform when they served at Gallipoli 110 years ago. “The wearing of our nation’s uniform was the ultimate personal sacrifice. These wars were the harvest of our tallest poppies. They bought our freedom with their lives,” she said.
Lucy Balcales, St John’s Year 9 student, achieved first place in the 2025 RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Art Competition (Secondary School Division). Her outstanding artwork was recognised at the All Schools ANZAC Commemoration on Thursday, 3 April 2025, where she received her award from Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales.
“The celebration of ANZAC Day with the school and broader communities of St John's and St Michael's is significant for both remembrance and commemoration,” Mr Eirth said.
“It serves not only as a continued remembrance of the sacrifices of those who came before, but also as a strong reminder of the enduring values that we hold dear as a school community – values that we aim to instil in our young people daily. Both schools have always been strong Defence communities with long connections to Albatross."
Guests who attended the events included: Fiona Phillips MP – Federal Member for Gilmore; Nigel Porter – Navy Catholic Chaplain, HMAS Creswell; and Father Joseph Pothenparampil – Parish Priest of Nowra.
