Lest We Forget - BCE students commemorate ANZAC Day

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Across Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) 146 schools, ANZAC Day is marked with respect, gratitude and a deep sense of pride. 

From dawn services to student-led liturgies, our staff, students and parent communities paused to reflect on the sacrifices of those who served and continue to serve our country.

©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Williams Primary School, Grovely (2025).

Students from St William’s Primary School, Grovely attended the ANZAC Day Commemoration Service for Students at ANZAC Square, Brisbane.

The service provided students with the opportunity to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who have fought and fallen for our country, as well as the dedication of the service men and women who continue to protect us today.

The event was also attended by The Governor of Queensland Jeannette Young, and The Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli, making the event an unforgettable experience for students.

©Brisbane Catholic Education, Holy Family Primary School, Indooroopilly (2025).

Senior primary students from Holy Family Primary School, Indooroopilly also attended the ANZAC Day Commemoration Service at ANZAC Square.​

Meanwhile, Prep to Year 4 students participated in a moving ANZAC Day Liturgy held at the school, which was made even more special by the presence of members of the Pipes & Drums National Servicemen’s Memorial Band.

©Brisbane Catholic Education, Holy Family Primary School, Indooroopilly (2025).

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©Brisbane Catholic Education, Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay (2025).

Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay students gathered to commemorate ANZAC Day with a special Liturgy.

Royal Australian Air Force serviceman Ben Reed from the Hervey Bay Returned to Services League Sub-branch also attended the Liturgy, where he spoke to students about the legacy of ANZAC Day.

He also shared how families of servicemen and women should be considered heroes for the personal and family sacrifices they make when their loved ones are deployed.

©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Columba's Primary School, Wilston (2025).

St Columba’s Primary School, Wilston are playing a special role in this year’s ANZAC Day commemorations in Vignacourt, France.

With more than 450 Australian soldiers—16 of them from Queensland—laid to rest at a Commonwealth Memorial site in Vignacourt, students have decorated 587 commemorative crosses. Taken to France by Year 5 teacher Michael Fiechtner, each cross was placed at the foot of an Australian soldier’s grave by local school children, in a moving gesture of remembrance and respect.

St Francis College staff member Paul McKeaten. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Francis College, Crestmead (2025).

St Francis College, Crestmead community have also come together in a solemn reflection as part of their ANZAC Day Ceremony.

The ceremony was also an opportunity to highlight staff member Paul McKeaten, who before stepping into the classroom, served 12 years in the Australian Army.

Since 2006, Paul has been shaping young minds, bringing history to life, and ensuring that the spirit and legacy of ANZAC Day is not only remembered, but deeply understood and respected by students.

We thank Paul for his service and for his continued service to the St Francis College community.

©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Ann's School, Redbank Plains (2025).

St Ann’s School, Redbank Plains saw their school captains and vice captains honour the ANZAC’s during the ANZAC Day Ceremony at ANZAC Square by laying a wreath.

The student's participation in this significant event of remembrance highlights the values of courage, sacrifice, and community spirit that St Ann’s School holds dear.

©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Ann's School, Redbank Plains (2025).

St Ann’s School also held a commemorative ANZAC Day prayer ceremony, providing students the time to remember those who served our country and reflect on their selfless sacrifices. 

St Ann’s School also thanks Private and parent Sean McArdle and Kelvin Brown Secretary of the Goodna Returned to Services Sub-branch who joined the commemorative ceremony.

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.

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