Year 5 Visits
Over the course of three days in December 2014, John Therry hosted visits of approximately 300 year five students from three surrounding primary schools. The activities the students were involved in throughout the day included making rocky-road in our hospitality facilities and making a toy car in wood work. At first, the students were shy but we were able to see their personalities appear when we enjoyed friendly, yet competitive, games of volleyball during break times. The students enjoyed a sausage sizzle lunch along with the rocky-road that they made. They then learn't about gases and chemical reactions in a science lesson. They observed what happens when a balloon with gas inside it is held above a flame.
At the end of the day, the students were involved in a history class which expanded the student's knowledge and understanding of the ANZACS . They learn't the symbols and icons associated with the ANZACS and what they meant. Some of the symbols that were discussed included the Rising Sun, the Slouch Hat, poppy flowers and rosemary. The students also learn't the importance of the ANZACS and why we commemorate Anzac day. After the student's history lesson, they used their knowledge of symbols in our Anzac artworks in which the students were invited to place poppy flowers. The day had a positive outcome with the children's knowledge of the ANZACS being expanded and overall, the students enjoyed their high school experience. It was a valuable learning experience for our John Therry team as we had the opportunity to expand our own understanding of the ANZACS and to ensure continuity of the commemoration of the Anzac legend and traditions for generations to come. |
ANZAC Biscuit Sales
During week 1 in term 2, the year 10 gifted and talented team produced ANZAC biscuits and ANZAC cheesecakes to sell at our stall during lunch and recess to raise money for RSL Life care. With many people buying the products and donating to our charity boxes, we raised a total of $200. We did this with the help of our food technology teachers and facilities who generously gave up their time to assist us in making of the cheesecakes. Our team leader, Miss Doyle, helped us by making the ANZAC biscuits and ensuring the stall ran smoothly. Our stall was very successful and allowed us to raise money for a good cause. Each student of the gifted and talented year 10 team contributed to helping in this stall, through their time to sell and make the biscuits. |
ANZAC Day March
On Anzac Day, John Therry participated in the local Anzac Day March down Queens Street, Campbelltown. Overall the day was a great success with attendance, and the positive, yet reverent attitude that each person there demonstrated. We
would like to thank Mr Martyn, Miss Neilson, Miss Doyle and all other
teachers who were involved with the Anzac day march both in organisation
and attendance on the day. We would also like to thank everyone who participated in the march and everyone who came to witness the amazing spectacle. We were honoured to be a part of the event and to have the privilege to pay tribute to our fallen ANZAC's.
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100th Anniversary Sculpture
Inspiration: The team were looking for something that our school can use as remembrance for the 100th year anniversary of ANZAC. We were looking to do something different from everything else we have done before. A few members of the team put their heads together to come up with an idea of a Sculpture that utilised our skills in woodwork. After a quick discussion with our obliging teachers, we began designing the sculpture and finding supplies to make it. It was a long process to design, build and finish but we worked collaboratively to finish it in time for our Anzac Assembly on Friday April 24th. The sculpture was used during the setting of the sacred place in the school liturgy. This set the tone for the rest of the Anzac formalities.
Time: It took our group roughly 10 hours to complete the sculpture. Materials: We used a range of tools and materials, including hard wood, soft treated pine, a drop saw, clamps, PVA glue, lacquer and a router. Teachers: We thank Mr Suarez and Mr Gavin who supervised and gave us experienced opinions while we were building the sculpture. |
ANZAC Day Assembly
On Friday the 24th of April John Therry Catholic High School reverently hosted the Annual Anzac Day Assembly. We started off with the Acknowledgement of country also noting that some of indigenous servicemen didn't receive the recognition they deserved. A description of their current situation, stating that they had no rights, endured poor living conditions and were not allowed to enlist in the war effort. School captains Evita Dias and Gordon Lobo spoke of Gallipoli from the view points of the Australians and the Turks. Then the Liturgy began and we played "The band played Waltzing Matilda". As the song was playing the Year 10 G&T (Gifted and Talented) students respectfully laid out the sacred space, furnishing it with such items:
- Marist Candle - John Therry Candle - Year 10 G&T Artwork - Indigenous Artwork - Woodwork Sculpture (100 years) - Sandals - Slouch Hat A Prayer for Remembrance of the ANZAC Centenary was followed by The prayers of the Faithful which were read by; Rhys Maulguet, Daniella Poetsch, Georgia McGarrity, Hayden Mifsud and the reading was finished by Oliver Rando. Evita then Addressed the Catafalque Party and the Raising of the Flag. The Catafalque Party marched up to the stage and took up their positions. Welcomed up by Gordon our guest speaker Mr. John Brattoni from the Ingleburn RSL Sub Branch gave his speech. Georgia McGarrity then read out the poem 'Not a Hero' by Clyde Hamilton which carried with it an honoring feeling of respect. Evita Dias then proceeded with the normal Ceremony of Remembrance which involved the Laying of the Wreath, performed by Daniella Poetsch and Trae Takiari, then followed by the Ode. Afterwards a minute of Silence took place with reflective and respectful reverence. The Rouse took place, and was finished by Joshua Lipovic, humbly saying " lest we forget". The National Anthem was then played, followed by a Roll of Honour containing the names of the relatives of John Therry students/staff that served in Wars/Conflicts. The Assembly was then concluded, closed by Vice Principal Mr. Simon Abernathy. |
Campbelltown Commemorates Event
As part of the Anzac Centenary, Campbelltown Council held an event inviting schools from the local area to participate in a special event called Campbelltown Commemorates. Schools were invited to participate in a joint choral performance of an original composition. The song, “Here You Lie”, was partly inspired by words that can be found on the ANZAC memorial in Gallipoli. This song was composed specifically for this event, with the idea that schools across the country would perform it at events scheduled as part of ANZAC commemorations.
The event began with a short commemorative service, including the choral performance. John Therry students joined representatives from other schools in our area on stage, and performed as a mass choir. The day was concluded with the school being presented with a significant commemorative award, presented by the Mayor. It was a sombre and heartfelt afterwards, students were invited to explore interactive displays and stalls commemorating more than 100 years of service by our servicemen and women. Thank you to the students involved for representing John Therry on the day. |
ANZAC Artwork
The inspiration stemmed from the Anzac legend and to create a relationship between iconic imagery and symbolism, which then lead into the incorporation of the map which conveys the battles in a geographical sense. So the wider public can have a connection with the imagery and the meaning of the work, the shadows on the hill represents that the soldiers have fallen somewhere far from home a long time ago but their legend and spirit continues to live on with us. The inspiration for the artwork was to represent the soldiers falling on the battlefields through the degradation of tone. This was to symbolise that "they blossomed into our memories to live on, across generations" which then lead on to the tracks which symbolises the battleground at which they had fallen whilst fighting for our country. "Fallen so far, and now given back to us, shadow and memory are still with us".
Some of the symbols shown in our artwork are the poppies, which symbolise the fallen soldiers from the battle at Flanders field. "Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row, that mark our place, and in the sky, the larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard among the guns". To create and innovate our artwork we had to go through an extensive amount of preparation as we had also given out similar artworks to Our Lady Help of Christians, St. Johns and St. Thomas More to show our community and the level of commemoration and respect John Therry shows to the ANZAC's. The materials used to create the artwork were: canvas’, paint brushes, red dye, coffee filters, black pins, various colours of acrylic paints and hot glue guns. In the end all the preparation and hard work had paid off. It is currently available to be viewed and acknowledged in the William. E. Murray Hall foyer at John Therry Catholic High School as it is frequented by every person in the John Therry community and it is a secure place that it will not be damaged or mistreated by people or weather. |