Last week we saw a very different sort of ANZAC Day commemoration.

For the first time, the school live streamed a service, we built a collage constructed of photos sent in remotely and many lit up the dawn by standing at the letterbox as a mark of respect.

It was fantastic to see such a wonderful response to the ANZAC Day project. To have so many students and families submit an image was simply wonderful and it shows how grateful we all are to our service men and women. Thank you to all who were involved.

Today, I would like share some stories of how our little community, like so many others, is connected to the ANZAC story. 

The Backhouse Family

Firstly, I would like to draw your attention to the image of Patrick (Year 12) and Charlie (Year 9) Boland. They submitted this image to be part of the collage, but what may have been missed is the small photo that Charlie is holding. This image shows their relatives, the women from the Backhouse family who hailed from the Killarney region in the Southern Downs. The women pictured are as follows:

Back Left to Right: Ellen “Nell” Backhouse (Army – Nurse, served in the Middle East), Betty Backhouse (Army - Nurse), Mary Backhouse (WRAAF – Secretary).
Front Left to Right: Margaret Backhouse (too young to enlist, just dressed for the photo), Kathleen “Kath” Backhouse (Army - Driver, served in North Qld and PNG).

Flight Lieutenant Jack Appleton

A student of both St Columba’s and St Mary’s, Jack Appleton graduated in 2004 and has since attended ADFA and completed studies a B Tech Aeronautical; B Engineering (1^st Class Honors).

Jack is still serving in the RAAF and has completed 4 tours of the Middle East as a Hercules pilot. He has also been involved in a number of humanitarian missions. Thank you for your service, Jack.   

Poem

Dib Morgan is a Queenslander from Condamine on the western Darling Downs. His poem 'Sir' is a vote of thanks to the men and women who have fought to defend the freedom that this country enjoys. Dib is determined to play his part in helping to preserve the ANZAC Spirit.

Sir - would it help if I shed a tear
I swear it’s the first time since this time last year
My spine is a tingle - my throat is all dry
As I stand to attention for all those who died

I watch the flag dancing half way down the pole
That damn bugle player sends chills to my soul
I feel the pride and the sorrow - there’s nothing the same
As standing to attention on ANZAC Day

So Sir - on behalf of the young and the free
Will you take a message when you finally do leave
To your mates that are lying from Tobruk to the Somme
The legend of your bravery will always live on

I’ve welcomed Olympians back to our shore
I’ve cheered baggy green caps and watched Wallabies score
But when I watch you marching (Sir) in that parade
I know these are the memories that never will fade

So Sir - on behalf of the young and the free
Will you take a message when you finally do leave
It’s the least we can do (Sir) to repay the debt
We’ll always remember you - Lest We Forget

Damian (Dib) Morgan 1998

Craig Cullen

Assistant Principal Middle Years