Anzac Day

St Thomas More's Anzac Day Liturgy was held on the last day of Term 1. The focus of the liturgy was to commemorate past and present veterans. The liturgy was run by Year 4 with Anzac Bear, Trooper Jones. Thank you very much to all who were able to attend. A special thank you to Air Commodore Richard Keir who prepared and delivered the Reflection. He spoke about the veterans of his own family: his grandfather, a veteran of the First World War; and his great uncle, a veteran of the Second World War. Richard elaborated on the tragic experience of his great uncle who was amongst the 15 000 Australians captured as Prisoners of War by the Japanese in Singapore. He was one of the POW workforce on the Thai-Burma Railway and died in captivity. His family were unaware of his death until much later. Richard spoke about the Anzac Spirit and values we can learn from and endeavour to practise: sense of purpose, responsibility and mateship. Thank you also to Lieutenant Commander Shaun Nelson who read the Peace Prayer and Jaki Kane who led the choir in beautifully singing ‘We Will Remember’ written by Russell Tredinnick.

Our school were fortunate to have a Catafalque Party from Australia’s Federation Guard and Bugler from the Band of the Royal Military College Duntroon at the liturgy. Guests at the liturgy were the Catholic Bishop to the Australian Defence Force, Bishop Max Davis, and Principal Chaplain RAAF, Monsignor Peter O’Keefe. Parish Priest, Fr Joshua Scott, gave the final blessing.

National Anzac Day Mass

The National ANZAC Day Mass held at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Manuka, brought people together to pray for those who gave their lives in war. Well done to the D’Arcy Family who undertook the special role of presenting the gifts for the Offertory of the Mass with great respect.

Battle for Coral Sea Commemorative Ceremony

St Thomas More’s Primary School has been invited to attend the Battle for the Coral Sea Commemorative Service at the Australian-American Memorial at Russell Offices on Friday 10 May at 11am. This year our School Captains and Sports Captains will represent our school. Permission Notes will be distributed by the end of this week.

It is the 77th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea. This battle holds great historical significance as a turning point of the course of the Second World War (1939-45) in our region and for the development of Australia’s relationship with the USA. The Australian-American Memorial is “The Eagle” on the column at Russell Offices. This prominent monument was opened in 1954 by Queen Elizabeth. It was funded by the Australian public to pay tribute to USA service personnel who died fighting alongside Australian troops in the Pacific during the Second World War, and recognises our on-going close relationship with the USA.

Defence Community Organisation (DCO) Canberra E-News April/May/June Highlights

What  Mother’s Day Morning Tea

When  Thursday, 9 May 2019, 10am-noon

Where  Soldier On, Robert Poate Centre, 80 Bellenden St, GUNGAHLIN

Info For ADF Families in honour of all Defence Mums. Hosted by DCO Canberra and Soldier On. Register by 6 May 2019 9am via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/an-adf-families-event-mothers-day-morning-tea-canberra-tickets-59748306794?aff=efbeventtix&fbclid=IwAR37-2nhVfGrDQS2OkquTbRJtWdMr1fozweakFoxagnsfR04QoUfNGn70Ek or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/366996734027084/

What  ADF Rugby Union Championships and Community Day

When  Saturday, 18 May 2019, 9am-5pm

Where  Gungahlin Enclosed Oval (entry Warwick St), GUNGAHLIN

Info Free event. Gold coin donation at gate. Many activities for the whole family throughout the day.

Defence Families of Australia

Defence Families Australia (DFA) want to hear from ADF families about the issues they are facing. In August each year, DFA meet with Defence policymakers in Canberra including CDF, Service Chiefs and the Minister for Defence Personnel and so they are now reviewing what's happening in the local Defence Communities. DFA plan to advocate for the programs that most benefit families and the issues that most affect families.          Emma Steil is the Canberra Region DFA Delegate so if you have feedback, contact her via email at act.sthnsw@dfa.org.au or 0419 333 101.

Feel welcome to visit or contact me on 6249 8869 or send an email to sonja.mingay@cg.catholic.edu.au .

Sonja Mingay DSM
Work hours: Mon-Wed 9am-3pm, Thu 9-11am