A Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) teacher has taken out one of the Premier’s 2023 Anzac Prizes.
Saint Mary’s College Assistant Principal Secondary Alexandra Cashin was a ‘shoe- in’ for the role of teacher chaperone, chosen for her impressive application and interview for the all-expenses paid two-week trip which will see her attend the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Villers-bretonneux in France.
With the fellow winners, Alexandra is set to visit some of Australia’s most important and historical war sites in Europe, including sites in London, France, and Belgium.
Alexandra says the ANZAC spirit is deeply rooted in her family history and she’s excited and honoured to be chosen and to be taking eight students from an array of Queensland schools on the educational trip of a lifetime.
“Both of my great-grandfathers were Anzacs, so I feel incredibly honoured and lucky to be chosen for this prize,” she said.
“It’s an opportunity for me to go back and see some of my family's history and experience the Anzac tradition first-hand.
“It’s important as teachers that we continue Anzac traditions and become Ambassadors for the Anzac legacy.
“This trip will provide me with a deep understanding of the Anzac history and spirit, which I can than pass onto my students.”
Principal of St Mary’s Catholic College Carmel O’Brien said, “It’s a fantastic opportunity for one of the members of our school community to experience the history and spirit of the Anzacs.
“We are so thrilled for Alexandra, she is a most worthy recipient of this honour.”
The winners of the Premier’s Anzac Prize will be accompanied by Assistant Minister for Veterans Bart Mellish throughout the trip.
The 2023 Premier’s Anzac Prize is awarded by the Queensland Government in partnership with RSL Queensland.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn;
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them.