Anzac Assembly 2025
Old Sydneians, boys, masters and other guests gathered in the John Vallance Hall on Friday 2 May to participate in Grammar’s Anzac Assembly.
Pictured: James Stoita (VI)
The School continued its tradition of honouring the Anzacs, particularly those Old Sydneians that served, with this year’s Anzac assembly. The assembly was held on Friday 2 May in the John Vallance Hall.
The entire School community was present to welcome visiting Old Sydneians and guest speaker Lieutenant Colonel Colin Shadbolt (OS 1986). As a Grammar pupil, LTCOL Shadbolt reached the rank of Sergeant in the School Cadet Corps, helping to lead a specialist Rifle Shooting group within the Corps. Today he is the Staff Officer responsible for Land Mobility and Support Platforms, within the Force Modernisation cell of the 2nd Australian Division.
Pictured: Shuichi Madina (IV) playing The Last Post
The assembly consisted of a performance of Bardic Air by Zephyr Winds, under the baton of Dr Robert Busan and moving readings of John Schumann’s I was only 19 and Alan Gould’s Australian War Cemetery, Pozières, performed by James Stoita (VI) and Ms Kymberly Govers, Master of the Lower School. Although written after the Vietnam War and First World War respectively, these readings were linked by themes of sacrifice and untimely loss. This thematic thread was picked up again by LTCOL Shadbolt in his personal and articulate address, outlining the enormous sacrifices that are made in times of war, both historically and in the modern day.
Pictured: Dr Richard Malpass with Lieutenant Colonel Colin Shadbolt (OS 1986)
In his final Anzac assembly as Headmaster, Dr Richard Malpass read the customary Ode of Remembrance. Following this reading, The Last Post was performed on the bugle by Shuichi Madina (IV), followed by a traditional minute of silence for reflection.
Following the assembly, a luncheon was held for Old Sydneians and their guests in Big School. History master Dr Matthew Glozier presented his research on Old Sydneians in the Second World War, highlighting the impact the war had on the Grammar community.
Dr Madeline Bowers and Mr Steve Gonski
Sydney Grammar School
College Street, Darlinghurst
NSW 2010 Australia
Phone: (02) 9332 5800
Edgecliff Preparatory School
Alma Street, Paddington
NSW 2021 Australia
Phone: (02) 9366 0100
St Ives Preparatory School
Ayres Rd, St Ives
NSW 2075 Australia
Phone: (02) 8302 5200
