Over the past month, our College has been privileged to participate in a number of ANZAC commemorations, both at the College and in the Community, giving us opportunities to reflect on the values of courage, sacrifice and service that continue to shape our identity as a nation and as a community.

On Tuesday 8 April, students from our Senior Concert Band and Senior Choir proudly supported the Penrith RSL Schools ANZAC Service at the Penrith Paceway, joining around 2,000 students from local schools. Our musicians provided outstanding accompaniment, performing several hymns and both the Australian and New Zealand National Anthems. A particularly moving moment was delivered by Year 11 student Seini Taumalolo, who sang the New Zealand National Anthem in Māori, before being joined by the choir in English. We are also grateful to Mr David Jenkins for the traditional bugle calls, and we thank RAAF 345 Squadron – Penrith, and 323 Squadron – City of Blue Mountains for their valued contribution to the service.

Seini also represented the College with pride at the Emu Plains ANZAC Day Service, where she again performed the New Zealand National Anthem and laid a wreath on behalf of the College. Along with this, students from the RAAF Cadet Squadron 345 and 323 participated in ANZAC services throughout the wider community, representing the College with honour.

This week, we gathered as a College for our own ANZAC Service which provided a time of reflection and remembrance. We were honoured to welcome Captain Steven Wakeford, an Army Chaplain, who spoke powerfully about the ANZACs willingness to lay down their lives for one another—linking this to the ultimate act of sacrifice made by Jesus Christ. His message reminded us of the importance of service, courage and love in our own lives, and the legacy we carry forward.

I am proud of the way our students, staff and families embraced these services, and many others throughout the community, with such sincerity and respect. Your participation across these events speaks to the strong sense of community we share at Penrith Anglican College.

Lest we forget.