MELBOURNE, November 2026 — Oakleigh Grammar Remembrance Day services brought students and staff to Saints Anargiri Church in Oakleigh on Wednesday 11 November for the annual service, the school said.
The commemoration provided an opportunity for the school community to reflect on the significance of the day.
Students and staff also honoured all who have served and sacrificed for peace and freedom. They paid tribute to those who gave their lives in service.
The Oakleigh Grammar Remembrance service began with the ceremonial entrance of a wreath. Aishwarya, a Year 6 student, and Luca, a Year 5 student, carried it.
Following the entrance, school chaplain and parish priest Father Stavros Kakavas led the Opening Prayer and Doxology.
Gia, a Year 10 student, then welcomed the school community. She highlighted the significance of Saints Anargiri Church, one of Australia’s few War Memorial Churches.
Dedication took place in 1973. It stands in memory of Australians and Greeks who gave their lives for freedom during World War II.
A Year 3 student delivered the Ode of Remembrance. Mr Adam Alfawwal explained the significance of the Ode, the Last Post, the minute of silence and the Rouse.
The school community then joined in the response, “We will remember them.”
Oakleigh Grammar Remembrance service
Students also offered reflections during the Oakleigh Grammar Remembrance service. They offered insight into the history and symbolism of Remembrance Day.
In particular, Year 9 students Kolthida and Nathaniel spoke about the day’s origins and the Armistice of 11 November 1918.
Mary, a Year 11 student, and Shirom, a Year 7 student, explained the symbolism of the red poppy. Additionally, Ellery and Zidaan, both in Year 4, read The Inquisitive Mind of a Child.
Principal Mark Robertson addressed the school community during the Oakleigh Grammar Remembrance service. He spoke about the importance of remembering those who served and sacrificed, the school said.
Robertson also spoke about ensuring their stories and contributions are recognised by future generations.
A special part of the Oakleigh Grammar Remembrance service was the reading of Remember Them. School Crossing Supervisor John Atkin wrote the poem specifically for the 2026 commemoration.
First Aid Officer Mrs Vicki Keith presented the poem. The verses reflected on the lasting impact of war on families.
They also dealt with the children who grew up without fathers lost during the years of 1939 to 1944.
Sunday memorial service
Finally, the Oakleigh Grammar Remembrance ceremony ended with the Australian National Anthem. Student representatives, Father Stavros and the Official Party then carried the wreath to the school’s ANZAC Memorial.
Greek City Times reported a wreath-laying at that memorial during its ANZAC Day assembly in April.
Oakleigh Grammar was also represented on Sunday 8 November at the Oakleigh and District War Memorial Service. The school’s 2027 Student Leaders stood alongside fellow schools and members of the community to pay their respects.
Through both services, students and staff honoured the courage, sacrifice and service of those who contributed to peace and freedom. The school said this ensures their memory lives on through future generations.
Photo gallery of the event
[envira-gallery id=”614042″]
All photos are copyrighted by Kostas Deves and Oakleigh Grammar