Westpac rescue helicopter lands at SVACS
What an amazing opportunity and experience for the students and staff in the Primary school, when we had the privilege of having the WESTPAC Rescue Helicopter land on Tuesday, 5 April. A select few schools from around Australia, who completed the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service’s schools programme, were selected to receive a visit from the local helicopter base. Swan Valley Anglican Community School were privileged to be one of twelve schools to receive a visit.
Students in Years 3 to 6 participated in the comprehensive programme throughout Semester 2, 2015. The programme introduced the students to the non-for-profit rescue service. A range of activities and lessons were completed, which included measuring the landing pad, participating in rescue dramas and sketching the helicopter. The students in the Life Skills group created a display of all the students work and then a submission was put together with a range of students work and photos.
Students eagerly awaited the arrival of the helicopter crew and then at 1:30pm the helicopter was spotted in the air as students cheered and waved in the landing. The crew which consisted of a pilot and two rescue crewman spoke to the students and answered a range of questions. All the students then had the opportunity to view the helicopter, ask the crew more questions and have their photographs taken. Shortly after 2:30pm the helicopter left the school grounds as students once again cheered to farewell the crew.
It was a sensational afternoon and an event which will be talked about for a long time to come.
Miss Tracey McAllister
Head of Department Junior School