A special thank you to all our students and families who commemorated ANZAC Day with our community yesterday.
I would especially like to thank Group Captain April-Leigh Rose for speaking to our community today. Group Captain April Rose became the Registrar of Military Justice (RMJ) on 1st November 2021. She joined the Royal Australian Air Force in July 2002 after several years in private practice and at the Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania. She is an Arts, Law graduate of the University of Tasmania, and holds a Masters of Military Law (with merit) from the ANU.
Group Captain Rose has enjoyed postings to 41WG, 92WG, Headquarters Air Command, Air Combat Group, Surveillance and Response Group, Office Director Military Prosecutions, Head Quarters Joint Operations Command and as the Staff Officer Legal Air Force Headquarters. She has deployed three times; Operation Accordion, Operation Catalyst, Slipper (both in the Middle East) and Operation Anode in the Solomon Islands.
Group Captain Rose is married to Dan, also an Air Force Officer, and they have two daughters, and an RSPCA rescue cat who rules the house. She takes great pride in her daughters both being Air Force Cadets.
In her spare time Group Captain Rose enjoys learning French, cooking, reading, trying to keep fit, practicing yoga, gardening and striving to continue her lifelong love of the beach.
Group Captain Rose considers it an honour to be the Registrar of Military Justice and very much enjoys her role managing and administering Superior Tribunal Proceedings with her outstanding team at the Office of the Judge Advocate General. She appreciates all opportunities to mentor junior practitioners, broaden the knowledge of ADF members regarding disciplinary proceedings and play her role in the continual cultural improvement, and maintenance of good order and discipline, of the ADF.
She reminded us all about the purpose of Anzac Ceremonies – we make precious time to remember, learn and think to a more peaceful future. She pointed out the unity that comes from suffering and facing challenges like the Gallipolli campaign, together.
Thank you April for sharing your personal story – the sliding doors of a life filled with experience, love, family and an exceptional career founded upon principles of justice, fairness, compassion and hope. You showed us what it means to be without hope and pointed out some ways we can all build habits that are more hope filled:
- Avoid “doom scrolling
- Focus on the positive ways people respond to horrific events
- Be a compassionate and wise source of hope for others
- Look to love, friendship and duty and
- Develop a sense of perspective
Thank you for reminding us about the actions of those in the past. WE can be inspired by members of our ADF and the Anzacs, learn from them and work together for a more peaceful and hope filled future.
Thank you to all staff and students for your respectful, prayerful and gracious participation in today’s Anzac Ceremony. A special thank you to all of our guests, Merici College Defence families, the Catafalque Party and our musicians for attending. As always, thank you to Mrs Friend, Ms Spiller, Ms Lloyd, Mr Cannell and his team, the Merici Vocal Group, student and staff AV experts and Canteen staff for making possible this special commemorative gathering.
Anna Masters,
Principal
Full image gallery here.
