Welcome back to Term 2. It has been wonderful to see everyone back and ready for a term focused on learning and participation in the wide range of community events we have on offer.

As you drive into the College grounds our first garden features the three flagpoles supporting the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags. Due to their exposure to the elements of sun, wind and rain, our flags were looking a little worn. On Thursday morning Ruby Harrington, Samuel Bath and Tanesha Dennis representing the leadership roles of College Captain, Vice Captain and Indigenous Captain participated in a simple ceremony to replace the existing flags with new, fresh ones. These flags were then lowered to half-mast to coincide with our ANZAC Day assembly.

Thank you to the staff and students who were able to attend the ANZAC Day ceremonies held across the region at the end of the holidays. It was wonderful to have the college represented on this very significant day to remember the contribution made by the men and women of our local communities.

Last Thursday was a special day. We were able to gather together for the first time, in person, to hold a full assembly. The focus of the assembly was ANZAC Day. Mrs Erin Smith and the Yr 11 Modern History students had prepared a very thoughtful and moving presentation which helped us all to focus on the meaning of ANZAC Day.

Mr David Deacon from Tomakin RSL was our guest speaker. In his address, Mr Deacon shared an extract from the diary of PTE John Goates, a member of a Machine Gun Section, dated 28 April 1915 – 107 years to the day. The assembly was asked to reflect on the meaning of the ANZAC Spirit and how this can be lived out in our everyday, contemporary lives. Below is an extract from his address that focuses on the words purpose, responsibility and compassion which are all values we can easily relate to at Carroll College and the life and role model of Jesus himself.

We often hear the words ANZAC spirit. - What does this mean? - Did PTE Goate have the ANZAC Spirit? I believe the ANZAC Spirit stands for a number of qualities which all of us can use in our everyday lives. The ANZAC spirit represents a sense of purpose and direction. The original ANZAC's knew what they had to do - they knew of the dangers and the difficulties, but they got down and did not let those difficulties stop them from obeying their orders. The soldiers on the ground stayed until their leaders decided it was time to withdraw. You can apply this to your everyday life. You know what work you have to do at school and what jobs your parents have set you to do at home. No matter what difficulties you think are in the way - think of the ANZAC's and others who have followed in their footsteps then push the difficulties to one side and accomplish your task.

Secondly, the ANZAC spirit represents an acceptance of responsibility. Take responsibility for everything you do. It is easy to say 'I did that' or 'that's my work' when everything goes right. We all know that sometimes things do go wrong. Sometimes you do something which is against the wishes of your parents and teachers. Remember the ANZAC spirit and take responsibility for what you are doing.

The ANZAC spirit also includes a sense of compassion. This has been summed up in the Australian experience as mateship. This means to watch out for your mate, help him or her at all times. Mateship is a pillar of the Anzac legend.

So these three very simple words, Purpose, Responsibility and Compassion, are what we mean when we talk about the ANZAC spirit. You should apply these not only while you are at school, but whatever you do in your lives. If you do this, you will be keeping the faith with those original ANZAC’s who put the word ANZAC into our language and you will be helping to make sure that the ANZAC spirit is always part of life in Australia.

Excerpt from the address given by Mrs David Deacon 28 April 2022