Honouring the ANZAC Spirit: De La Salle Catholic College’s Meaningful Contribution to ANZAC Day

9 Apr

Cronulla RSL and the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the staff and students of De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah for their valued contribution and support of the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch ANZAC Day Ceremony in 2025.

Year 12 construction students from De La Salle Catholic College & Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College Burraneer created a series of beautiful white crosses that will feature as an integral part of the ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Cronulla. The concept provided a meaningful way for students to both give back to their community and learn about the significance of ANZAC Day.

These crosses will play a special role in the Books in Lieu of Wreaths program — a meaningful initiative that invites individuals, and community groups to donate a children’s book in honour of our veterans, rather than purchasing a traditional wreath to lay during the ceremony.

The donated books are then gifted to local schools, creating a lasting legacy of learning, reflection, and connection for future generations — while also preserving the spirit of ANZAC within our community. Last year, the program saw 45 books donated to local schools, through local Cronulla Book Shop ‘The Best Little Bookshop In Town’.

Cronulla RSL & Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch are incredibly grateful to the De La Salle Catholic College community for their creativity, compassion, and commitment to remembrance. Their involvement and commitment to honouring the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families is deeply appreciated and exemplifies the spirit of remembrance within our community.

As a special gift to commemorate this ANZAC Day, the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch proudly presented the school with a treasured Sands of Gallipoli medallion collection. Encased within these medallions is authentic sand carefully collected from the beaches of Gallipoli — a powerful and lasting connection to the very place where the ANZAC spirit was born. Gallipoli was a defining chapter in Australia’s story — a place where courage, mateship, sacrifice, and resilience shaped the nation’s character.

A special moment was shared during the presentation, with Matt Coady — a proud De La Salle Catholic College Old Boy was part of the very first class at the school when it opened its doors in 1958. Fittingly, this year marks another significant milestone for the College, with the current Year 12 students being the very first cohort to complete their HSC at De La Salle Catholic College, Caringbah. A wonderful full-circle moment, celebrating both the history and future of the school community.

The Aussie tradition of extraordinary service and looking out for your mates started in the Boer War. It was enhanced at Gallipoli and shines brightly today. Helping your mate is not restricted to any one campaign. Indeed, it is a trait that seems to flow in the veins of our friends at De La Salle Catholic College, Caringbah, who are willing to help our community in what ever way they can. Students recently participated in Cronulla RSLs War Animal Day Ceremony and the Engadine RSL’s Care Packages Program.

If you are intersted in participating in the Books of Lieu Program, visit https://www.cronullarslcommunity.com.au/booksinlieu. Donations close 14th April.