May 1, 2012
Students from Saint Mary’s Catholic College in Kingaroy turned out in force to help mark Anzac Day at a number of events across the South Burnett region.
Staff and students took part in commemorations in Kingaroy, Wondai, Murgon, Cherbourg, Nanango and Yarraman.
“I am very proud that over one-third of our Saint Mary’s students turned out to march in the various parades,” College Principal Mr Michael Nayler said.
“I am especially proud that some of our champion equestrian team led the Anzac Day march in Kingaroy. Some of these students had great-grandparents who were Light Horseman in World War 1.”
This is the first year that the equestrian team has joined the Kingaroy march. The team included some State champion equestrians.
St Mary’s College also celebrated its own Anzac Day service joined by Lieutenant Shane Daley, Mr Barry Haydon (an ex-serviceman and grandfather of students) and local parish priest Fr John Hong.
During the moving ceremony in the college’s Maryknoll Centre, Mr Neil Hutton, the college’s Campus Minister, shared a poignant letter from an uncle in World War 1 telling his family of the tragic death of his brother.
Lt Daley also spoke with great passion about the origin of the Anzac legend.
The St Mary’s community then marched to a simple drum beat from the college’s Maryknoll Centre to its Benedictine square for a flag ceremony.
Ex-serviceman, Mr Barry Haydon led the college in the Ode, and Fr Hong led the prayer for our past and present servicemen and women.
Mr Nayler said that the students’ behaviour and respect throughout the ceremony was exemplary.
(Photos: St Mary’s Catholic College)
