More than 800 students from most of Monash's schools attended Tuesday's service, which was hosted by the Rotary Club of Monash.

Club president Tom Flintoff said the service, a joint effort with Waverley RSL, aimed to promote a message of "service above self" in the Monash school community.

"Anzac Day is one day of the year when Australians put aside their cultural and political differences and focus on the hard-won cohesive society we enjoy.

"We take time to reflect on the sacrifices of our young men and women who over the best part of a century have put themselves in harm's way to ensure our peace, security and independence."

Colonel John Coulson spoke about his military service.