Twenty members of the History Club, parent Lucette Zapirain and myself were invited to Ingleburn RSL. This year’s Remembrance Day service was particularly special as the RSL unveiled a special bas relief in honour of Sr Cynthia Haultain, a World War II nurse from Ingleburn who was killed aboard the Centaur. Mrs Zapirain was able to borrow a real World War II nurse's uniform from the EM Lane Museum at Concord Hospital that Layla B wore for the day. Mr Peter McFarlane of Ingleburn RSL launched a book about Sr Haultain and we have collaborated with him over the past year. Tess M of Year 8 even appears on the cover of the book.

The RSL requested our History Club students to come dressed in their nurse uniforms which covered the span from World War I to most recent. Emily M and Eve M from Year 7 read out the opening prayers of the service and Tess M gave the address. Tess paid tribute to Sr Haultain as well as Abbey C’s ancestor, Paddy Bugden VC and her own great great uncle, William Lyttle King. Lillian M (wearing Elwyn Spencer’s uniform from Vietnam) and Fatima A (dressed in V.A.D. uniform) both presented the wreath on behalf of the College.

After the formalities, the bas relief was unveiled and Olivia L, Layla E and Chelsea P read out a special poem about the Centaur to the audience. One of the highlights of the day was to meet the family of Sr Haultain who were very appreciative of the efforts to which our students had gone.

Lest We Forget

Fran Musico Rullo - HSIE Teacher