School commemorates Anzac Day
Dannevirke South School chose its final term assembly to recognise Anzac Day which this year falls in the school holidays.
Student councillors ran the ceremony and other students contributed while guests gave the event a special flavour.
After a welcome and a karakia from Donna Mason, Major Craig Dalgleish of Linton Army base presented his address explaining the origin and significance of Anzac Day.
He explained the Gallipoli event, saying the Anzac experience changed New Zealand for ever.
“Never again did New Zealand allow another nation to lead it into war, nor lead its troops in battle.”
He said it brought New Zealanders closer together with women taking on roles previously done by men and Maori and European fighting together overseas.
He asked the students to remember those who served and to be grateful for their sacrifices.
A moving rendition of Beautiful Soldier accompanied by pictures of war events set the tone for Mya McCutcheon and Keira Hetariki to read an Anzac poem they wrote. Tyler Walsh read Lest We Forget and students representing each school team placed wreaths.
The school joined with Tama Ngatai-Ruaporo to sing the NZ Soldier Song followed by The Ode before the Last Post rang out. Steve Wallace played Reveille as the NZ Flag was lowered. Singing of the National Anthem closed the assembly and children were encouraged to join the public at the Dawn or 9am Services on Anzac Day.