School unveils sacred and reflective remembrance garden

By Wendy Shaw

A revamped remembrance garden at Larmenier Catholic School at St Leonards provided a sacred and reflective space for the commemoration of Remembrance Day this year.

Principal Niccola Pearce explained how it came about.

“We already had a small remembrance space there, as we have a Lone Pine which is a descendant of the original Lone Pine,” she said.

“However, we wanted to develop and enhance the space to include a Rotary Peace Pole, new signage, new landscaping and garden spaces, seating, and flagpoles for the National, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders flags.”

The development has been hailed a great success and Ms Pearce said the area would be a focal point, not just for Remembrance Day but also for Anzac Day, for learning about the history of the Anzacs, and for other reflection days.

“Our remembrance garden is being created as a sacred and reflective space where students, staff, and the wider community can honour the service and sacrifice of those who fought for peace,” she added.

“The garden fosters respect, gratitude, and understanding of our shared history, while also offering a tranquil environment that promotes reflection, connection and encourages hope for a peaceful future.”

Photo: Larmenier grade 6 students, with teacher Ray Smith, in the school’s revamped remembrance garden. Photo supplied (Larmenier).