On Friday, May 3rd, we gathered for our annual ANZAC commemoration assembly, led by our head students, Noah and Naya.

This was an opportunity for us to honour Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women who have served and continue to serve our country during times of conflict, past and present. 

Royal Marine Captain Mark Ginnever was our guest speaker. He served eight years from 1993 to 2001 in the United Kingdom and trained in mountain, arctic, jungle and desert warfare. During this time, he had two operational tours in West Africa, one with the United Nations. In 2006, he moved to New Zealand with his four children, all of whom attended Heaton. Mark’s son, Max, is currently in room 16.

Mark's words of wisdom and insight into the significance of ANZAC Day were meaningful and inspirational for us all. He shared that Gallipoli is one of the Royal Marines' battle honours, and this particular group was the first ashore and last to leave the Gallipoli Peninsula. We learned that one proud member of the Royal Marines was Lance Corporal Parker, who received a Victoria Cross for his heroics, teamwork and commitment during extreme adversity. Despite all odds, he crossed about three rugby fields under heavy artillery gunfire to provide important communication, medical supplies, and water to support his troops wounded in nearby trenches. 

Other highlights included the moving performance of over 150 Kapa Haka students performing the beautiful waiata Pō Atarau, also known in English as 'Now is the hour'. 

The Heaton Strings Group, consisting of Sophie, Fletcher, Leo and Tiffiny, performed ‘Feeling Good ’ by P Gilabert, conducted by Ms Olivier. This song was written to express a particular kind of euphoria: that which comes with liberation from oppression.

Our Choir and Voices Squad beautifully sang the Peace Song by Dorothy Buchanan, conducted by Mrs Jacobs and accompanied by Tiffany on piano, Aaron on flute and Mia and Lily singing. This song focuses on peace, love, joy and hope; it celebrates who we are and all we believe in.

Our Heaton Drama Club, coached by Miss Walsh during term 1, added a special touch of magic, bringing Clyde Hamilton's poem 'Not a Hero' to life. The poem honours those who risked their lives during World War I. 

Elissa R2 powerfully read The Ode, the fourth stanza of the poem ‘For the Fallen’, written by the English poet and writer Laurence Binyon in 1914, in the early days of World War 1. Following this, 30 seconds of silence provided a quiet moment to reflect on all we had learned and the people who had bravely sacrificed their lives. 

A special thanks for your generous poppy donations. They will be passed onto the RSA to help improve the health and well-being outcomes for New Zealand's veterans of all ages.