Each year, The Knox School community comes together to commemorate Anzac Day, honouring the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who have served our nation. This year’s ceremony, held on the Quad on Thursday 23 April, was a moving and respectful occasion, thoughtfully led by our Senior School Prefects. Through the sharing of readings and poems, they brought history vividly to life, deepening our collective understanding of the day’s significance.
Our School Captains, Danu Liyanage and Jackson Chandra, opened the assembly with a powerful reflection:
“Today we come together to commemorate the 110th anniversary of Anzac Day, a day that signifies not only a pivotal moment in our nation’s history but also the embodiment of the courage, sacrifice and indomitable spirit of Australian servicemen and women. This occasion offers us the opportunity to honour their legacy, reflect on their impact, and reaffirm our commitment to the values they fought to protect.
Anzac Day is not merely a day of remembrance; it is a day of reflection, gratitude and respect.”
The ceremony featured a stirring musical performance by the Wind Symphony and Concert Band, who presented The New Anzacs by Brian Hogg. Written to mark the 75th anniversary of the ANZACs, the piece captures the spirit and determination of ordinary men who served their country and extends to honour all who have served in conflicts since the Second World War.
Our Vice Captains, Amelia Carnell and Ron Weerasekara, delivered a thoughtful commemorative address, recounting the events of 25 April 1915, when Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed at Gallipoli. Their words highlighted both the historical significance of the campaign and the immense human cost, reminding us that more than 100,000 Australian service personnel have lost their lives in military operations. They also reflected on how Anzac Day has evolved into a time to honour all who have served, and to recognise enduring values such as loyalty, selflessness, and courage.
A particularly poignant moment was the wreath-laying by our Junior School Captains, Kanusha Kishantha and Thaman Sarna, followed by a solemn minute of silence and the raising of the flags. The community then joined in the Ode of Remembrance, followed by The Last Post, a period of silence, and the Rouse played by Oak Tysoe and Ron Weerasekara.
Our Junior School Captains also gave a heartfelt reading of In Flanders Fields, further enriching the ceremony with reflection and reverence.
The Wind Symphony and Concert Band concluded the service with a moving performance of Abide with Me (William H. Monk, arr. Jay Dawson), a piece widely associated with remembrance services around the world. Its message of steadfast presence through life’s trials and beyond provided a fitting close to the ceremony.
The Anzac Day service was a powerful reminder of the enduring values of courage, resilience, and mateship. Through moments like these, our students not only learn about history but also connect deeply with the legacy of those who served. It is through these shared experiences that the Anzac spirit continues to live on in our hearts and minds.
