Cadets from James Ruse Agricultural High School form an honour guard at the Anzac Remembrance Service in Parramatta.
The new NSW Education office in Parramatta hosted its first Anzac Day Remembrance Service last Thursday, 18 April.
The service was held in association with the Teachers’ sub-Branch of the NSW Returned Services League and reflects the Department’s tradition of conducting an Anzac Day Service at its former State office in Bridge Street, Sydney.
Last Thursday’s service was led by Crestwood High School student, Emily Foufas-Noakes, as Master of Ceremonies, and featured the NSW Public Schools Junior Singers.
The James Ruse Agricultural High School Cadet Unit provided a guard of honour.
Albie Woodhouse from Newtown High School of the Performing Arts sounded The Last Post.
President of the Teachers’ sub-Branch of the RSL, Patrick Medway gave the official welcome and Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, Mark Scott delivered the keynote address.
Mr Scott spoke of the importance of relocating the Department’s Anzac memorials to the new William Wilkins Gallery in Parramatta and shared a letter from teacher Les Wharton who embarked for World War I with his brother in 1914.
“It is an honour and a sacred duty the Department has as keeper of the memorials in our new building at Parramatta,” Mr Scott said.
“It is a sacred duty to move them safely to our new home in Parramatta where we can reflect and remember the sacrifice every day we work in this building.”
He said there were currently four departmental World War I memorials, four World War II memorials and a Roll of Honour recognising those who served in the Vietnam War and other post-World War II operations.
He said a Book of Remembrance recorded the names of soldier-teachers who served in World War I and World War II.
