The ANZAC spirit is well and truly alive in the public schools of NSW, with ceremonies and tributes held in halls and playgrounds across the state.

Two schools from very different parts of NSW come together for ANZAC Day

Collarenebri Central School welcomed students from Granville Boys High for ANZAC Day commemorations, marked by a moving performance by Granville’s renowned bagpipe band.

Collarenebri Central Relieving Principal Fiona Donnelly said Granville’s bagpipe band played a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace that moved everyone in the audience.

“Members of the community said they could hear the bagpipes ringing out across town,” she said.

Principal of Granville Boys High School Noel Dixon said it was a fantastic experience for students.

“They were able to learn about the Aboriginal soldiers from Collarenebri who served Australia and see the way they’re commemorated by their community,” he said.

Students from both schools will be joined by the local community on ANZAC Day, as well as Aboriginal Elders, to pay their respects at a dawn service, followed by a march down the Main Street, again accompanied by the bagpipe band.

ANZAC poppies bridging the generations at Collector Public School

Handcrafting each petal and adorning them with handwritten messages, dozens of paper poppies created by Collector Public School’s youngest students are on display - each one a thanks to those who served to protect the freedoms we enjoy today, bridging the gap between generations.

Relieving Principal Chris Lawrie said the students were proud to commemorate ANZAC Day with heartfelt creativity and gratitude.

“As part of this special activity, students learned about the significance of ANZAC Day and reflected on the enduring values of courage, sacrifice, and unity. Their thoughtful tributes are a reminder of the importance of remembering and honouring all who have served,” he said.

Veterans’ mural at Barrenjoey High school recognised for preserving local history

Barrenjoey High School’s Veterans Mural will feature in an ANZAC Day ceremony at the Avalon RSL Sub-Branch, where a copy will be displayed. The mural, displayed outside the school hall, was designed to honour all veterans across every theatre of war, including women, Indigenous servicemen and women, and peacekeepers.

Principal Brett Blaker said the school had a long and proud connection with the Avalon RSL Sub-Branch.

“It has given our students a sense of immense pride and has left our school with a tribute that will educate and inspire for years to come,” he said.

Irrawang High School’s drum corps getting ready for the big day

For any drum corps, it’s quite an honour to lead the march at an ANZAC Day Service, but that honour takes on a whole new meaning in a community that’s home to 2000 Defence families at the Williamtown RAAF Base at Port Stephens, north of Newcastle.

So, it’s understandable members of Irrawang High School’s Senior Drum Corps were keen to practice at school this week, give the highly respected Corps will lead not one but two commemoration services tomorrow.

The Senior Drum Corps will proudly mark time for the Medowie Dawn Service march before leading marchers to Raymond Terrace’s ANZAC Park.

Floral wreaths prepared by the students of Salt Ash Public School

At Salt Ash Public on Worimi Country, a beautiful and meaningful ANZAC tradition has blossomed into its second year. Students were chosen to make the floral wreaths laid by each class and special guests at the school’s ANZAC Day Assembly, as well as one for school leaders to lay at the community service in Tilligerry at Port Stephens.

Long-serving school volunteer, great-grandmother and former florist Evelyn Sansom showed students how to arrange the greenery and flowers just like a professional, while also helping them appreciate the importance of the day.

“I love teaching the children what it all means, going around and asking what they know. I show them the ribbon, the ‘Lest We Forget’ and help them to understand,” Mrs Sansom said.

Binda Public School Principal gallops back in time to honour ANZAC legacy

When she is not at school in her role as principal of Binda Public School in southern NSW, Diane Hickey is on a horse making sure our military history remains alive.

She is part of The Australian Light Horse Society, participating in ceremonies and community events dressed in authentic First World War military uniform to honour the bravery of soldiers. Her great-grandfather served with the Second NSW Mounted Rifles and re-enlisted in with the Third Light Horse regiment, and her grandfather also served in the Second World War.

“As an educator and descendant of servicemen, I believe it is vital to honour the courage and sacrifice of past generations. Through these activities, we help our students and communities understand the importance of ANZAC Day and the enduring legacy of our armed forces,” Ms Hickey said.

Kangaroo Valley Public students take home a special ANZAC Day memento

The students of Kangaroo Valley public had an ANZAC Day ceremony to remember – a speech from a Captain in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and a keepsake to mark the event.

Captain Tony Aldred presented each student with a special 2026 $2 ANZAC Day coin to take home from the Mint in Canberra.

The presentation was followed by an ANZAC Day assembly to remember those who have served to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

Gratitude expressed through music at Eastwood Public School

Eastwood Public School’s students and staff created a beautiful setting for their ANZAC Day commemorations, putting the best of their musical talents on show. Three students studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music performed an original piece written by a classmate, while the school’s choir, the Eastwood Singers, performed a song written by a teacher.

Principal Michael Kammerer said the guest speakers included Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.

“The Deputy Prime Minister retold his grandfather’s experience landing in Gallipoli and emphasised that, even though this was a generation ago for him, it is still fairly recent in our country’s history. He brought to life the values of the war and spoke about camaraderie and courage,” Mr Kammerer said.

“For our students, it’s not about having to face the danger of war, but it’s about having the courage to continue in the face of fear or failure.”

Special visitor thrills Wirreanda students

ANZAC Day is deeply meaningful at Wirreanda Public School.

Twenty-two per cent of the school’s students come from families where at least one parent is currently serving.

Among the special guests at the school’s ceremony today was Air Force veteran Ian Fletcher with Twix, his assistance dog provided by the Defence Community Dog Program.

Students were also invited to pin photos of family members who are serving, or have served, to a board of honour.

Defence mentor helps smooth the path for students

Within close proximity to Holsworthy Army Barracks, there are four schools in Sydney’s south-west that have a particularly special relationship with our Defence forces and ANZAC Day.

Wattle Grove Public School, Hammondville Public School and Holsworthy public and high schools have significant numbers of students whose parents are Defence personnel.

Principal of Wattle Grove Public School Vicky Valensise said all the schools have a Defence force mentor to help make their student life smoother given their parents’ commitments.

“The school mentor is pivotal and supporting our students, especially if parents are being posted or we get students throughout the year. It’s important that these students feel comfortable and we have school and community right behind them,” she said.

Griffith schools honour the fallen

Both primary and high schools in Griffith came together to remember and honour the community’s fallen veterans. Students carefully located and placed flowers on the graves of ANZACs on Thursday, which had each been marked with a cross earlier in the week.

Griffith High School teacher Caprice Skinner said the tradition and remembrance ceremony, which began in 2010, has become an important act of remembrance for local schools.

“A ceremony like this helps our students connect deeply with history and the personal stories that shape our community,” Ms Skinner said. 

“It’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before us and teaches our students to honour and remember these heroes in a meaningful way.”

Students from Hanwood Public School, Beelbangera Public School, Yoogali Public School, Griffith East Public School, Griffith North Public School, Griffith Public School and Wade High School were also involved in the ceremony.

The Anzac lessons of kindness, love and peace

Year 5 school leaders at Oakhill Drive Public School led a simple, yet poignant, commemoration of ANZAC Day on Thursday when they laid a wreath and flowers around flagpoles.

Some of the school’s classes spent time making the wreaths and all students wore poppies on their school uniforms.

Deputy Principal, Nic Rogencamp, said special guest, Rees John, President (Commemoration) of The Castle Hill and District RSL, spoke to students about his experience in service.

“He showed the students that the qualities of Anzacs can be used in our school community, such as respect, responsibility, integrity, mateship and courage,” Mr Rogencamp said.