Prayer For Our State Presented to The Governor at Kingsway’s 2007 ANZAC Service

ANZAC Service 27 April 2007

The heroes who fought for our freedom will surely never be forgotten. Young and old alike turned up to pay tribute to our Anzacs at the annual ANZAC Service at Kingsway Christian College, which is a long-standing tradition. Uniformed cadets greeted all guests and seated them.

Master of Ceremonies, Deputy Principal Rob Stirling called everyone to be upstanding as His Excellency Dr Ken Michael AC walked in with co-hosts Jeanette Giroud, Principal of Kingsway Christian College and Board Chair Stephen Brown. The Vice-Regal Salute was then played to officially welcome our Head of State. Mr Stirling then welcomed the many other distinguished guests which included: Ron Privilege, President of Wanneroo-Joondalup RSL, Rob Frenchan, Treasurer and Douglas Bain; Brian Prangnell, State Secretary National Servicemen's Association of Australia; Dianne Guise MLA, Member for Wanneroo; Councillor Rudi Steffens from the City of Wanneroo; Pedro Cruz, Principal of Emmanuel Christian College and residents from Warwick Village and Brightwater Care.

The Primary Choir directed by Mrs Sharon Davis led the assembly in the National Anthem which was followed by a prayer from College Chaplain Debra Kerbey. Next the Governor was introduced as guest speaker. His Excellency said “We should learn the lessons of courage, freedom, unity, commitment and pride from the Anzacs as this will help us to position ourselves much better for the future.”

The Governor remarked that it’s important to leave the right legacies behind as the Anzacs did and said we should honour the memory and vision of those men and women who fought for our freedom. He commented that he had looked at Kingsway’s mission statement and applauded it, singling out the part that said, ‘We at Kingsway Christian College commit ourselves to providing a College that enables our students to make a difference in our world, by giving our children a sense of greater purpose in life.’ Even the younger students hung on his every word and were still and quiet during the service.

Principal Jeanette Giroud officially thanked His Excellency and presented him with gifts. She then called Year 12 student leader Caleb Kelso-Marsh forward to present the Governor with a Prayer For Our State. On 22 February, Caleb was one of the fortunate student leaders who met Prime Minister John Howard when the school presented the PM with a Prayer For Our Nation. The presentation of prayers  is consistent with the school’s strong Christian ethos.

Next Alison Nicoli read from Psalm 57 and Mrs Sharon Davis led the assembly to The Great Southland. The appropriately named poem, ‘A Tribute to ANZAC Day’ was read by Caitlin Choveaux. Stephen Brown then gave an address. He observed “As Australians look at Gallipoli we see the values of mateship, courage, strength and sacrifice that we hold dear.” He said that although Australians love winners, we also love the battlers; those that persevere under adversity and survive against the odds. He continued, “We appreciate the sacrifice that the Aussie’s made on our behalf and as Christians we recognise the sacrifice that Jesus made for us all.”

The formalities of the laying of wreaths was next with the Governor laying the first wreath, followed by distinguished guests and finally students Caleb Kelso-Marsh and Danae Okulicz .

The cadets formed a guard of honour with two standing each side of the flag and conducted a flag ceremony according to tradition, whilst talented music student William Vasiu played the last Post and Rouse on the trumpet, with images of war heroes scrolling slowly across a large screen. Student Leader Helen Southwood read Ode to the Fallen. The emotion in the room at this point of the service was palpable, with several saying after that they had goose bumps all over. Another highlight was gifted music student Hank Oerlemans playing a piano solo of ‘Waltzing Matilda.’

Stephen Brown closed the service in prayer then all were upstanding for the official departure of the Governor, who left to rapturous applause. He actually only travelled a few metres to the staff room, where he was awaited by Home Economics students who donned their white chef outfits with tall white hats for the occasion. They had prepared a delicious morning tea which was enjoyed by all the parents, guests and invited students who joined in shortly afterwards.

Many guests came proudly displaying their military medals and it was plain to see how much the service meant to them. It was very touching to see young students talking with WW2 veterans and listening keenly to their stories. The war veterans said how much they enjoyed reminiscing with the children and guests.

His Excellency remarked that he was thrilled to receive the ‘Prayer for Our State’ and said that he would cherish it. He spoke to many staff, students and guests with great warmth and sincerity. The cadets formed a guard of honour upon the departure of the Governor, who took the time to shake their hands and speak to each one of them.

Principal, Jeanette Giroud said “We are truly honoured to have His Excellency with us as our special guest speaker. It was a marvellous experience for the many of us that met him. He is clearly a very warm and sincere person with a heart for people.” An exact replica of the ‘Prayer For Our State’ will be displayed in the foyer at Kingsway Christian College next to the ‘Prayer for Our Nation’ which was presented to the Prime Minister in February 2007.