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St Marks Lone Pines hero

St Mark’s Anglican Community School

The Living Legacy of
St Mark's Lone Pines:
A Tribute to Sacrifice and Resilience

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Fifteen years ago, a profound gesture of remembrance and honour took root at St Mark's, marking a connection to history that continues to inspire generations.

Two pine trees, germinated from cones of the legendary Lone Pine tree in Gallipoli, Turkey, were planted with great reverence by Mrs Peta Sinclair, the School's PA to the Principal, and her husband. This act, carried out alongside Year 7 students, symbolised not just the growth of trees but also the growth of understanding, respect, and commemoration within the school community.

The significance of these trees traces back to the Battle of Lone Pine, a harrowing chapter in Australia's military history. This battle, fought over four intense days, witnessed extraordinary bravery amidst the chaos of war. It resulted in over 2300 casualties, and six Victoria Cross medals were awarded. The Lone Pine tree became a symbol of courage and resilience, standing tall amidst the devastation.

It is understood that after the capture of the Lone Pine ridge in Gallipoli, an Australian Soldier who had taken part in the attack in which his brother was killed found a cone on one of the branches used by the Turks as overhead cover for their trenches, and sent it to his mother. From seeds shed by it, she raised the tree, which she presented to be planted in the War Memorial grounds in honour of her own and others' sons who fell at Lone Pine. This tree still stands proudly to this day on the grounds of the War Memorial in Canberra. The Yarralumla Nursery began collecting and propagating seeds from that particular tree in the late 1940s.

In 2009, St Mark's received two one-metre-tall saplings from Mr and Mrs Sinclair, who had received them as a gift and had the idea of using them for Bonsai. However, the historical significance was not wasted, and the Sinclairs embraced this living link, recognising these trees needed a more poignant planting where they could be remembered and honoured. The inaugural planting ceremony, held by the Year 7 students and staff next to the newly established Floreat Building, marked the beginning of a profound tradition. Little did they know then, as they planted those small trees, the towering strength and enduring significance these pines would come to represent.

Each year, as ANZAC Day approaches, the story of Gallipoli and the Battle of Lone Pine resonates throughout St Mark's. Students immerse themselves in tales of bravery and sacrifice, learning about the soldier who brought back a pinecone and the legacy it birthed. In a touching tradition, the Year 5 students collect pinecones from beneath these mature pines, holding tangible pieces of history in their hands.

Earlier this year, as part of our Anzac Day commemorations, the Year 5s took home these symbolic pinecones, carrying with them not just a piece of the past but a responsibility to honour it. They shared these stories with their families, planting seeds of remembrance and gratitude in their own backyards.

The St Mark's Lone Pines stand as more than just trees; they are living memorials, embodying the spirit of resilience, courage, and the enduring legacy of those who fought for the freedoms we cherish.

St Marks Lone Pines 3
St Marks Lone Pines 2
St Marks Lone Pines 1
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St Mark's Anglican Community School

Established in 1986, St Mark’s is a thriving, well-regarded Anglican educational school and community in Perth’s northern coastal corridor.

St Marks School students buildings

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