Symbols and practices are important elements of a nation’s culture. The recent reaction to the vandalism of commemorative memorials in Canberra demonstrates the powerful reactions they can illicit.
Official Portraits of The King and Queen
On 15 July, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with the Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, announced that the official Australian portraits of The King and Queen have now been released and can be downloaded from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.
Alternatively, schools are able to contact the electorate office for your local Federal MP and request a printed copy of the portraits.
Australian Flag
Similarly, if schools would like to receive an Australian flag, you are also able to request one from your Federal MP.
For schools with flags, you should be aware of the formal requirements about their use, to make sure that you are flying your flag[s] correctly. Details regarding the correct protocols for flying the Australian and other flags can be found here. If you’d like reminders regarding special events to be aware of you can also subscribe to the Commonwealth Flag Network.
Australian National Anthem
In relation to the National Anthem you can find information regarding the updated lyrics, composition and protocols for use here.
Some Christian schools also sing an additional verse as 'our Christian response' -
With Christ our head and cornerstone, we'll build our nation's might;
Whose way and truth and light alone, can guide our path aright;
Our lives a sacrifice of love, reflect our master's care;
With faces turned to heav'n above, Advance Australia Fair;
In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair.
Of course, this is just one of the many additional and/or alternative verses and is not part of the Australian National Anthem. Where this verse is used it should be in addition to the two verses of the National Anthem and not a replacement for the second verse.
In this situation is would be most appropriate to introduce the segment in the event as being "the Australian National Anthem and our Christian response" or similar, making clear that the additional verse is not claimed to be part of the Australian National Anthem itself.