Remembrance Day

This Monday 11th November, Strathfield Girls held a whole school assembly to commemorate Remembrance Day.

This is a time where we pause to remember those who have died in war, in honour of the anniversary of the armistice which ended World War I. Our assembly focused on the relevance of Remembrance Day today and we are deeply appreciative that that three of our staff were willing to provide heartfelt personal reflections of what Remembrance Day means to them by sharing stories of family members who served.

We heard about the inspiring experiences of Ms Fairweather’s Mother’s great Uncle Jack Morris, who paid the ultimate sacrifice serving in WWI as an infantryman in France. Ms Fry’s great grandmother Elenor 'Ann' Perry who as a WWI nurse in Egypt, Gallipoli, Lemnos, France and India. Ms Wade’s grandfather who Charles John Parkes who served in World War II and her grandmother, Vera Irene Kirby who was served in the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force.

The History Faculty would like to thank those students and staff who helped make it possible. This included Talia Hincal, our School Captain, as the master of ceremonies, Vika Lawler delivered the Acknowledgement of Country, and Vice-Captain Beyza Acar and Sena Turkoz who gave a speech explaining the significance of Remembrance Day. Australian Airforce Cadets Aanya Chaudhuri and Navy Cadet Charlotte Lam performed the traditional commemoration of lowering and raising the Australian flag as well as laying of a wreath on behalf of the school. Amy Lee took the wonderful photographs throughout the ceremony.

Akshara Rajeshprabu accompanied by the wonderful Mr Lau performed a beautiful rendition of Abide With Me, a hymn that holds deep significance for Remembrance Day because of its themes of hope, solace, and enduring faith amid hardship and loss. Its lyrics, which emphasise staying strong in the face of darkness and seeking divine companionship, are especially poignant when remembering those who have died in service to their country. "Abide with Me" became popular during World War I and has remained a key part of Remembrance Day ceremonies in Britain and other Commonwealth countries.

We would also like to thank our student body for their excellent engagement during the assembly as we commemorate Remembrance Day as a school community.