On Monday 24 April 2023, PBC students, staff and community honoured the ANZAC tradition in a moving ceremony, which commenced with Mr Mark Simpson playing the bagpipes as he led our entourage of special guests onto the stage arena.

Our special guests included The Hon Karen Andrews MP, Mr Michael Hart MP, Cr Gail O’Neill, Mr Michael Humphreys President of the Currumbin RSL, Acting Senior Sgt Megan Beer and Mrs Kaylee Campradt, our P&C President.  We were also privileged to have veterans, war widows, and representatives from the Lions, Rotary and Legacy Clubs.

PBC’s cadets started the parade, forming an honour guard, for the proceedings.

Our Year 12 leaders compered beautifully, educating our students on the meaning of ANZAC Day as a time to remember the anguish of war, to build bridges and to recognise the character of the soldiers, nurses, personnel and their families, who displayed great character and courage in the face of adversity.

The PBC orchestra, conducted by Mrs Kayla Latter and Mr Justin Hart, performed a moving piece called “Simple Song”, leading into laying of wreaths by special guests, staff and students.

PBC thanks Mr Michael Humphreys for speaking to the students about the strength of character, bravery and fortitude required by those who have and continue to serve.  Special thanks is also extended to Sergeant Jordan, travelling from Melbourne, to speak to the students about his career serving, along with the challenges of returning to society after many tours overseas.  Robert’s speech was honest, revealing the difficulties of service still felt by Australian soldiers today.

Student musician, Griffin Light-Law, performed the Last Post and Reveille, supported by a Piping Lament by Mr Simpson.  Thank you to Rubi Nasorowale and Jaide Parks for their anthem renditions.

The success of PBC’s ANZAC Ceremony is a result of the dedication of large cast of staff and students. Thank you to all those people for their commitment, especially our Administrative Officer Lyn Bortolin.

PBC was proud to be represented by our School Captains, Keeley Parker and Sean Lunney at the Currumbin Dawn Service on ANZAC Day. Both Keeley and Sean were chosen to speak on behalf of their generation, reflecting on the legacy of our ANZACs and the responsibility the youth of today hold in ensuring their legacy continues to live on.

Televised nationally on Sunrise, Keeley and Sean spoke with grace and dignity and we are privileged to have them represent our school.

Special thanks to DP Mr Mitch Kennedy and our School Captains, Keeley Parker and Sean Lunney, for their heartfelt speech at the Dawn Ceremony at Elephant Rock.  It was also wonderful to see all the  staff and students who represented PBC at the mid-morning Currumbin march.

The ANZAC spirit continues to inspire shape who we are as a PBC community.