Berwick Lodge Primary School student Moira Allen sang a version of Mariah Carey’s Hero, with principal Henry Grossek standing by her side, during the school’s tribute ceremony for Sandra Paige Iredale last Friday. 30195
By Kelly Yates
STUDENTS at a Berwick school released colourful balloons in honour of fellow student Sandra Paige Iredale.
The Grade 6 student died after being involved in a collision with a Ford utility at the intersection of Grant Close and Parkhill Drive in Berwick at about 5.35pm on 23 April.
The school community sobbed as the funeral cortege drove through the school gates and onto the basketball court after the funeral service at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Berwick.
Friends of the 11-year-old spoke of their loved one while hugging Sandra’s parents Scott and Anna Iredale, and her brother Matthew.
Grade 6 student Moira Allen sang a version of Mariah Carey’s Hero.
Amid the tears, there were smiles and words of reassurance from her parents, with Mrs Iredale saying to principal Henry Grossek that the ceremony at the school meant so much to them.
Mr Grossek said that it was the wish of Sandra’s parents that the school hold the tribute ceremony.
“Attendance was voluntary,” he said.
Friends of the Grade 6 student wrote notes to the Iredale family, with one friend saying no one could ever replace Sandra.
“What is clear is that everyone misses you,” the letter read.
“Everyone promises never to forget you. We wish we could take back what happened, but we can’t.”
The couple described their daughter, who was set to celebrate her 12th birthday tomorrow (Friday), as being a passionate, kind and caring girl.
Sandra was a keen AFL fan, following in her father’s footsteps by supporting the Geelong Cats.
