Anzac spirit kept alive

While traditional Anzac Day services have been put on hold across the country, a small group of Albany Primary School students and teachers did their bit to keep the spirit alive in a ceremony on Thursday last week.

Making sure to keep their distance, the school’s 10 remaining students took a moment to pay their respects to honour the nation’s servicemen and women.

Students shared a prayer, The Ode and stood to attention while the Last Post played across the normally bustling courtyard.

Principal Cathy Willis said it was nice to maintain a small sense of tradition during such an uncertain time for the school community.

“It is a very important part of our national curriculum and a very important part about who we are as Australians,” Ms Willis said.

“All the kids are very respectful about Anzac Day and they know how important it is.”

Year 5 student William Schupp, 10, proudly raised the Australian flag in front of his peers.

“It felt pretty special to raise the flag. I didn’t really think I would be able to do it at first and I eventually gained my courage,” he said.

Before the ceremony, William shared a collection of medals with his classmates that had been passed down through the generations.

He said today was a special day to feel connected to his family history.

“I was pleased to be part of it but at the same time it was sad because I was remembering all of those who had fought in the wars including my great-grandfathers and my two uncles,” he said.

“It is important for everyone to remember because they sacrificed a lot for us.”