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ANZAC Day, observed on 25 April each year, commemorates the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) soldiers who fought in World War I. It has since expanded to honour all servicemen and women who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions. At Fintona, this day holds special meaning as students and staff come together to pay tribute to those who made immense sacrifices for our freedom.
ANZAC Day, observed on 25 April each year, commemorates the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) soldiers who fought in World War I. It has since expanded to honour all servicemen and women who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions. At Fintona, this day holds special meaning as students and staff come together to pay tribute to those who made immense sacrifices for our freedom.
This year’s ANZAC Day Assembly was organised by Mr James Sach, Learning Area Leader for Humanities. Senior students, Zoe, Vicky, Claire, Natalie, Isabella, Emily, Mathangi and Helene gave a presentation on the experiences of a number of Old Fintonians who served in either World War 1 or World War 2. The presentation provided the students with an opportunity to not only learn about the historical context of ANZAC Day but gain a deeper understanding of the impact of war on individuals and communities. Of the 31 known Old Fintonians who served in both wars, students explored the stories of the following four:
SISTER BERYL TUCKER
CLASS OF 1906
After graduating from Fintona in 1906, Beryl trained as a nurse and then moved to Tasmania. Beryl was 26 when she enlisted for overseas service in 1916, during World War I. Beryl was one of 49 nurses who left Melbourne for Bombay and she was posted to the Colaba War Hospital.
SISTER ELAINE MCPHAIL
CLASS OF 1924
Elaine started at Fintona in 1922 and was an academic student, achieving a perfect result in one of her 1922 exams (as listed in The Fintonian). Elaine signed up as a Nursing Sister in June 1940 and was assigned to the 4th Australian General Hospital in Puckapunyal. Whilst serving in Egypt, Elaine was involved in a tragic car accident resulting in fatal injuries near the city of Ismailia. She was buried in the Kantara British Military Cemetery in Egypt in 1941.
SISTER WINIFRED GLEADALL
CLASS OF 1924
Winifred was a classmate of Sister Elaine McPhail and also began at Fintona in 1922. She departed for the Middle East in September 1940 and served at various hospitals in the Middle East and Northern Africa. Her service concluded when she was demobilized on the grounds of marriage whilst serving in the Middle East. This requirement to resign upon marriage existed widely in Australia until 1966 when married women were finally permitted to keep their roles in public service jobs.
SERGEANT BERYL BEDGGOOD
CLASS OF 1940
During her time at Fintona, Beryl involved herself extensively in all aspects of school life. She was in Ower House and was a School Prefect. Beryl served Australia in a different capacity, as a Women’s Auxiliary Australian Airforce (the WAAAF) Meteorological Observer. In her desire to serve, Bedggood commented, ‘I wasn’t attracted to releasing a man for the services. I wanted to go into the services myself’.
Later in her life, Dame Beryl Beaurepaire (Bedggood) AC DBE maintained an active role in her former school and was Chair of the Fintona Board (1974 to 1987), and Chair of the Australian War Memorial Council (1985 to 1993) as well as holding many other notable positions of influence. Dame Beryl held a lifelong commitment to advancing the rights of women in Australia.
Commemorating ANZAC Day encourages gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy today. Students learn to appreciate the sacrifices made by previous generations. This gratitude extends beyond the classroom; it influences their interactions with others, their sense of community, and their commitment to making a positive impact in the world. ANZAC Day also fosters a sense of continuity between the past and the present. They honour the memory of those who fought for their country and recognise their responsibility to carry forward the values of courage, mateship, and service.
ANZAC Day at Fintona is more than an historical event; it is a living tribute to the spirit of sacrifice and resilience.
By acknowledging the past, students gain a deeper appreciation for the freedoms they enjoy and are inspired to contribute positively to their communities and the world at large. Fintona continues to shape resilient and humble young women who carry the ANZAC legacy forward.
