College Community Pauses And Reflects
On Wednesday 11th of November, 2020, Yarrabilba State Secondary College commemorated Remembrance Day. Due to COVID 19, the College was unable to come together to commemorate ANZAC Day in 2020 so it was important to the College community to be able to pause and reflect on the services and sacrifices of those who have fought for our country in times of conflict. Staff and students wore red poppies, a tradition inspired by the fields of poppies that grew where many WWI battles were fought. Some wore purple poppies as a memorial tribute to the service and sacrifice of animals in war times. Poppies seeds were donated by the YSSC P and C for planting in time for future commemorative events. At 9.00am, YSSC held a parade led by student leaders.
After a short speech on the significance of Remembrance Day, YSSC Principal, Mrs Belinda Tregea lit a peace candle as a sign of gratitude for the peace we enjoy in Australia today. Student leaders delivered Remembrance Day poems and recited The Ode. The assembly watched the music video “I Was Only 19” by band Redgum which depicted incredibly moving scenes of young people in war time. The College assembly paused for a minute silence after the playing of the Last Post.
Following the parade, students, staff and special guest, Councillor Laurie Koranski moved to the front of school where student leaders, Brock Beynon-Steinfeld, Dustin McGuire and Summer Wilkes raised the four flags to half-mast. Wreaths were laid under the flags to honour and remember those who have died in war and to acknowledge the sacrifices made by Australian men and women currently serving in the armed services.
At 11.00am, the College paused for a minute’s silence.
By Dustin McGuire (YSSC Year 7 Student)