Upham House honours service and sacrifice at ANZAC assembly
Posted on May 07, 2026
Upham House recently held its annual ANZAC Day assembly. Students gathered to honour and remember the resilience and sacrifice of those who have served, and continue to serve, New Zealand.
Students and staff were honoured to welcome special guests, including President of the Howick Returned Services Association Mr Barry Dreyer, Vice President of the Howick Returned Services Association Mr Dean Clisby, Principal Mr Hargreaves, and members of the Senior Leadership Team. The assembly featured speeches from the Upham House executive team and Mr Dreyer.
Upham House also acknowledged Ryan Lee (Hillary House) for his performance of the Last Post. Year 9 students Kim Htet, Kaesar Wu and Micayla Ylaiza Diongson presented a reading of In Flanders Fields by John McCrae.
The Upham House executive committee spoke about the significance of ANZAC Day. They reminded students that the assembly was ‘not just another house assembly, but a moment of remembrance’. Their message encouraged students to pause from their daily routines and reflect on the sacrifices made by others.
The committee also reflected on the young men and women who served at Gallipoli in 1915. They described the ANZACs as ‘more than soldiers, they were sons, brothers and friends’. Their speech highlighted the courage, resilience and sacrifice shown by those who served their country.
Students were encouraged to recognise that the freedoms enjoyed today came at great cost. The assembly reinforced the importance of gratitude, respect and service to others.
The school would like to thank Upham House for its fundraising efforts in support of the Howick Returned Services Association along with Mr van Heerden and Mrs Espinoza for their work in organising the assembly.
Lest We Forget.
