For the friends and classmates sitting around the chosen 36, it brought home how close war could come to affecting them.
Deputy rector and school Anzac service co-ordinator Richard Harvey said it was ‘‘a big honour’’ for the 36 year 10 boys chosen to represent the old boys in their annual service.
‘‘Part of it is, they have to research the particular person they are representing, and I think that brings it to life a little bit for them.
‘‘And during the service, when the old boys’ names are read, the [representing year 10 student] stands up, and that symbolism, I think, really shows the boys that it was a real thing all those years ago for their friends — that people lost their friends and brothers and family members.
‘‘It was a solemn occasion — quite poignant.’’
Mr Harvey said as students and staff left the school auditorium, it started raining and one of the boys commented on the symbolism of how solemn the occasion was.
The 36 boys placed 36 crosses on the school’s front lawn, and wreaths were laid at the school’s front gate.
The entrance is a memorial, which commemorates the former pupils who fought and died in World War 1.
It was opened in 1923 to mark the school’s Diamond Jubilee.
The Anzac service finished with the school bell tolling 36 times, to commemorate the fallen.
‘‘And then the sun came out afterwards, which is quite fitting,’’ Mr Harvey said.
