College receives State Anzac award

A local high school has received a Statewide award for a powerful re-enactment of a historic wartime event in Broome.

St Mary’s College was presented with an Anzac Day School Award last month for its performance at the 75th anniversary commemoration of the 75th air raid at Bedford Park earlier this year, taking out the secondary school prize.

The award-winning performance involved 102 arts students from Year 6 to 12, with another 65 aiding in props and preparation.

Teachers Michael Lake and Vicki Thompson were the leading staff members involved in producing the display.

In a statement released by the Anzac awards judges, St Mary’s was praised for its presentation which showed “excellent evidence of the students’ learning, involvement and enjoyment of participating in this commemorative service”.

The judges described the performance as “beautiful and outstanding”.

“It was a moving interpretation and powerful narrative development development through physical and vocal expression,” the statement read.

Principal Michael Pepper congratulated the school on its accomplishment.

“It is a great honour for our college community to have won the WA secondary school category,” he said. “We are proud of the achievements of the staff and students involved.”

Mr Lake said the reflective rendition helped to develop students’ knowledge of the event.

“It was our privilege and pleasure to present the reflective performance on the day. It was an excellent learning experience for all our students,” he said.

This was the first time St Mary’s had won the award, after finishing runner-up last year.