Bombing of Darwin honoured
On Wednesday, 19 February, we had the opportunity to represent HRS at the 83rd anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. Representing HRS were fellow leaders from Senior, Middle and Junior Schools. It was an honour to be selected to represent Haileybury Rendall School at the commemoration. The Bombing of Darwin is significant, not only up here in the land we call home, but throughout Australia, underlining the lasting impacts of World War II on our country and our people. At 9:58 am, on 19 February 1942, Japanese forces first bombed Darwin. The bombs killed 235 people, and injured hundreds more - the first ever attack by foreign forces on Australian soil. 680 bombs rained down over Darwin that day – more than Pearl Harbor. While the Bombing of Darwin is a major part of Australia’s wartime experience, marking a truly horrifying time in human history, it is also a story of resilience, determination, and sacrifice of the Australian people.
We saw a live re-enactment of what exactly happened when the bombs were dropped on Darwin. As the emergency siren rang through the air, a few brave military personnel ran to take their positions behind cannons and began to fire at the imaginary fighter jets that carried Japanese soldiers. Some other military men grabbed their guns and began to fire relentlessly. They were also shouting words like – GET OVER THERE, GO!
We were provided with ear plugs to block out the loud sounds as the cannons roared for over three minutes. The re-enactment was amazing, and the acting was spot on. It was heartbreaking to think about the pain and suffering that the people of Darwin had to face in 1942.
Our Social Justice Prefects, Peta and Oliver, laid a wreath at the WWII memorial as part of the service.
Overall, the excursion was a good opportunity for leaders across the whole school to come together and get to know each other, as well as honour an important Australian legacy.
Dhruva and Stephanie
School Prefects
Guess who's back!?
The HRS Symphony Orchestra is back for another exciting year! Now in its second year, our orchestra continues to grow as a dynamic ensemble where students not only develop their musical skills but also gain valuable leadership experience.
Beyond learning and performing symphony orchestra repertoire, students take on important leadership roles. From section leaders guiding their instrument groups to assistant orchestra managers, librarians, and stage managers, our musicians are stepping up to support and shape the ensemble. Congratulations to the students who have successfully earned these positions!
With rehearsals in full swing, we are preparing for an exciting lineup of performances in Term 2. Stay tuned for updates and concert announcements—we can’t wait to share our music with the HRS community!
Wan-Ling Chang
Music Teacher
