SFX pauses to honour service and sacrifice at ANZAC Day ceremony

St Francis Xavier College gathered today for a moving ANZAC Day ceremony, pausing as a community to honour the courage, service and sacrifice of all Australians and New Zealanders who have served in war, conflict, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

Led with dignity by our student leaders, the ceremony reflected the deep respect SFX students continue to show for the Anzac legacy. Their readings, prayers and presence helped create a solemn and meaningful occasion for students and staff.

This year’s commemoration held particular significance as Australia marks 110 years since the Battle of Pozières, fought during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. In less than seven weeks of fighting around Pozières and Mouquet Farm, three Australian divisions suffered around 23,000 casualties, including approximately 6,800 killed or dying of wounds, making it one of the most devastating chapters in Australia’s First World War history.  

The College was honoured to welcome Colonel Helen Mammino as guest speaker.

Colonel Mammino joined the Australian Army in 1999 and has built an exceptional career in Army Aviation, including service as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot and leadership across complex aviation operations. Her operational service has included deployments to Timor and Afghanistan, where she supported Australian and coalition forces.

During her service in Afghanistan, Colonel Mammino was awarded the United States Bronze Star Medal, recognising her outstanding contribution. In 2022, she was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding achievement as Commanding Officer of the 6th Aviation Regiment.  

Today, Colonel Mammino continues to play a significant leadership role in Army Aviation, including work connected to the introduction of Australia’s next generation of helicopter capability, including Apache and Black Hawk aircraft.  

Her address encouraged students to reflect not only on the sacrifices of the past, but also on the values that continue to shape service today — courage, humility, resilience, leadership and commitment to something greater than oneself.

Principal Sandra Darley said the ceremony was a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance.

“ANZAC Day asks us to pause, to remember and to give thanks,” she said. “Today our students showed great respect for those who have served, those who continue to serve, and the families who carry the cost of that service.”

As the Last Post echoed across the College, the SFX community stood together in silence, remembering all who have given so much in service of our nation.

Lest we forget.