STUDENTS at Moruya Primary School were treated to a visit by the Westpac Life Saver rescue helicopter on 21st July.
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The visit was part of the Westpac Life Saver rescue helicopter Schools Program, which is designed to teach primary students about not-for-profit emergency services and their role in the community.
After a blustery landing, students were invited to ask the helicopter crew questions about their role and the impressive machinery they use.
Students took a closer look at the helicopter, with a lucky few able to sit in the cockpit or help demonstrate the helicopter’s winch system.
Westpac Life Saver rescue helicopter air crew officer John Costin said the program would reach many students throughout Australia.
“The program incorporates 100 schools,” he said
“We’re going to end up visiting about 50,000 kids.”
Mr Costin was also thankful for Westpac’s role in the program.
“The program is kindly funded by Westpac, and they’ve provided the school with resources such as DVDs for the program,” he said.
“It’s good to get kids aware of charity based services in their area.”
Moruya Public School principal Peter Johnson was quick to praise the goals of the program and hoped it would teach his students some valuable lessons.
“It creates awareness for the kids and lets them know which people help us, and how we can help them,” Mr Johnson said.
“Children need to learn at a young age about who they can turn to for help.”
As well as an educational opportunity, Mr Johnson said it was great fun for the students too.
“What a wonderful thing to happen, to have the helicopter land at our school and stimulate learning,” he said.
Mr Johnson expected there would be a few students with an eye on a future career after the helicopter’s dramatic entry.
“Lots of the kids want to be pilots now,” he exclaimed.