Honouring the Sacrifice: Our First Combined ANZAC Day Service on Shore Road

For the first time, the Boys’ School, Girls’ School and Preschool gathered together on Saint Kentigern’s Shore Road campus for an ANZAC Day service to commemorate the brave soldiers who lost their lives at Gallipoli during World War I. The event brought together all three schools on campus and special guests such as foundation student Mr Peter Nelson, Executive Trustee Dr Kevin Morris, and Trust Board member Mr Hayden Wong.

As students found their places on the field behind rows of small white crosses, the stirring sound of bagpipes filled the air. The official party was welcomed, and Chaplain Rev. Reuben Hardie called all in attendance to worship. Boys’ School Principal Mr Peter Cassie and Girls’ School Principal Ms Juliet Small each shared a thought on the meaning of ANZAC Day, reminding the students and staff of the importance of honouring those who gave their lives for our freedom.

The history of ANZAC Day was woven throughout the service, with Boys’ School Head Boy Ben Roberton sharing a moving poem and Girls’ School Head Girl Amelia Hardie reading a scripture passage. A combined performance by the Girls’ School and Boys’ School Kapa Haka groups was also profoundly moving, as they honoured the memory of our ANZAC soldiers through a traditional Māori song.

The laying of four wreaths for each House was a particularly poignant moment. The principals, accompanied by their respective head students as well as Dr Morris, Mr Wong, and a representative student from the preschool, followed bagpiper Liam Jarvis in laying the wreaths at the foot of the Saint Kentigern cross. This simple act was significant, representing the school’s respect and gratitude towards those who sacrificed for our country.

Rev. Isaac Williams led the schools in an ANZAC prayer, and Girls’ School Deputy Head Girl Sophia Evans read a poem. Boys’ School Deputy Head Boy Campbell Williams led the Prayer of Saint Kentigern, followed by a combined choir performance of ‘Sons of Gallipoli’. The music lilted through the crisp air, reminding us of our deep connection to this important day in our nation’s history.

Nearing the conclusion of the service, Rev. Hardie’s benediction prompted one minute of silence during which students and staff reflected on the bravery and sacrifice of the ANZAC soldiers. Two of our younger students then recounted the well-known ‘Ode of Remembrance’, a reminder that the ANZAC legacy remains deeply ingrained in our national identity even generations removed from this fateful day.

To conclude, Austin Watson and Kara Scouller performed the Last Post. The service was a beautiful culmination of history, community, and remembrance, and we hope it will inspire future generations to continue honouring the legacy of our ANZAC soldiers.