ANZAC Girl
Today the College paid their respects to those who have served our country in times of conflict and war. We took time to remember and honour the sacrifices they made in our country’s name.
During the service Abbey Sullivan and Ruby Klass from the Year 11 ATAR Modern History class read the moving story Anzac Girl by Kate Simpson. This beautifully illustrated book tells the true story of courageous Alice Ross-King, a nurse who served in WWII. Through heartfelt and moving letters and diary entries, we learn that Alice’s fiancé Harry Moffitt has been killed in battle in Fleurbaix, France. Despite this tragic news Alice continues to tend to and care for wounded soldiers for three more years, heartbroken but heroic.
During today’s ceremony, staff member Clare Harrington laid a wreath on behalf of staff. Clare’s grandmother has her very own ‘Alice and Harry’ story. Ms Harrington’s Grandmother Catherine Hayes, fondly known as Doll, was engaged to her fiancé Leslie Hill who also fought and died in Fleurbaix, just four short weeks before Harry Moffitt. Doll received postcards from her love after he had passed sent from the French battlefields.
The connection between Alice’s story and the family history of one of our own teachers was moving and poignant.
2021 marks the 100 year anniversary of the establishment of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It was also very fitting, therefore, to have students Matilda Le Ray (Year 12), Niamh Le Ray (Year 9), Sarah Heydon (Year 7) and Hannah Heydon (Year 7), of the Australian Air Force Cadets, participate in uniform.
Hopefully, many students will be inspired to attend ANZAC services in their communities this weekend.
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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
