While the fun activities were a big part of the college's annual Defence Force Day, it was also an opportunity to celebrate the commitment shown by its defence families, like year five student Ben Gillard and his dad Corporal Shane Gillard.

"Yeah, my dad is in the army, he's a musician. He gets to go on massive deployments to France and stuff. He does the bugle calls and it sounds like a lot of fun," Ben said.

Following in his father's footsteps is an option Ben might considered, but in the meantime he was enjoying the chance to learn more about life in the defence force.

"We have been doing teamwork stuff and a obstacle course. It was pretty hard. We jumped over hurdles, went over and under these poles and climb over stuff," he said.

"I am looking forward to the drills and going back to the obstacle course."

Corporal Gillard said it was a "very special and important" day for his family of five.

In attendance were representatives of the army, airforce and navy, who organised many of the activities for the day. Corporal Gillard said seeing the "smiles on the kids faces" is always the highlight.

"Some of these kids have parents on long-term deployment and so to have a presence here and help with a day like this means a great deal to us," he said.

Corporal Gillard said the annual event also shone a light on the diverse workplace in the defence force and satisfied the students' curiosity about life in the military.

Head of Middle School Heather Mansley said the long-running event is about recognising the commitment and sacrifices of the community's defence families.

She said it is always a special moment to see the immense pride of those students' faces whose parents arrive in their uniforms.