Around the School

Road Smarts Program Leaves Lasting Impact on Year 10 Students

From the 4 to 6 December, Year 10 students embarked on a transformative journey as they participated in the Road Smarts Program, an initiative aimed at promoting road safety and instilling valuable life skills. The program encompassed a diverse range of activities, bringing together local emergency services, law enforcement, industry professionals, and personal stories to create a comprehensive educational experience for the students.

Mock Accident and Rescue Demonstration

One of the program's highlights was the eye-opening mock accident scenario. Nathan Clark from NCC Mechanical generously donated a vehicle, which was then cut open by the local Fire and Rescue Crew. This demonstration vividly illustrated the dangers and complexities emergency responders face when extracting individuals from a wrecked vehicle, emphasising the importance of road safety and accident prevention.

Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Presentations

Students received valuable insights into road rules and regulations from both Victorian and NSW police officers. Ambulance Victoria played a crucial role, educating students on proper first aid techniques and how to stay safe when encountering an accident. Two locals, Mr. Roland Griffith and Noel Scott, shared their personal stories of surviving separate accidents, delivering a powerful message that left a lasting impact on the students.

Truck Safety, River Safety, Car Maintenance, and Knot Tying

The program also focused on road safety beyond traditional vehicles. The local trucking company, Graham Thompson Motors, played a vital role by lending a truck for students to explore. This insightful contribution, arranged by Alina Hawkins, highlighted the importance of understanding a truck driver's perspective on the road. Alina Hawkins, Chief Operating Officer for the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria, provided valuable insights from the trucking industry.

Students were given a lesson on basic car maintenance, learning essential skills such as changing a tire. Additionally, they received instruction on knot tying, emphasizing the importance of securing loads properly for safe transportation.

River safety was addressed by Laura Stahl, a Boating Education Officer from NSW Marine. Students learned about the differences in life jackets and practiced letting off flares, gaining essential knowledge for staying safe on the water.

Echuca Police Station Visit

As part of the program, students had the unique opportunity to visit the Echuca Police Station. This visit provided an insight into the workings of the police force and exposed students to the potential consequences of reckless driving, excess speeding, and major accidents.

Experiencing Impaired Judgment

Students gained firsthand experience of impaired judgment under the influence of alcohol through the use of 'beer goggles.' Negotiating an obstacle course with these goggles demonstrated the significant impact of alcohol on decision-making skills, creating a light-hearted yet impactful learning experience.

Defensive Driving and Practical Skills

Year 10 students and their parents had the opportunity to participate in a defensive driving day with Austdrive, an established driving program. This hands-on experience went beyond traditional learner training, providing realistic insights into the students' driving abilities and leaving them with life-long lessons.

Gift Bag from Transport NSW

Adding to the educational experience, each student received a thoughtful gift bag generously provided by Transport NSW. The bag included essential items such as a safety vest, L and P plates, stickers, and clever clips for quick and secure L and P plate attachment. This gesture not only equipped the students with practical tools for their future journeys but also underscored the commitment of Transport NSW to promoting road safety among the younger generation.

Carmen's Legacy Keynote and Graduation Gala

The program concluded with a Year 10 Graduation Gala at Rich River Golf Club. International keynote speaker Mr. John Maher shared his emotional and powerful journey through Carmen's Legacy, emphasizing the devastating impact of road trauma on families. The evening concluded with a celebratory gathering, marking the end of the program and the students' nearly completed year 10.

The students and I extend our sincere appreciation to individuals and organisations who contributed to the program's success. Special mention goes to Nathan Clark from NCC Mechanical, Graham Thompson Motors, Elders Rural Services, and the local Fire and Rescue Crew for their generous contributions.

A big shout-out goes to Elders Rural Services for facilitating the connection with Austdrive and subsidising the program, enhancing its reach and impact. The students also thank Victorian and NSW police officers, Ambulance Victoria, Alina Hawkins, Laura Stahl, and guest speakers for their informative presentations. Personal stories from Mr. Roland Griffith and Noel Scott emphasized responsible road behaviour.

Gratitude extends to Austdrive for an enriching defensive driving experience, providing valuable insights beyond traditional training. Lastly, the students express thanks to Mr. John Maher for sharing Carmen's Legacy, offering a profound perspective on the real-life consequences of unsafe driving.

Mrs Amy Lane

Cricket World Cup Day

Last Friday, the Year 6, 7 and 8 cricketers, led by their professional Year 12 coaches, headed down to Jack Eddy Oval to go head to head in a massive day of cricket. It was great to see all the year levels interacting and bonds being made between the cricketers and their coaches. Whilst all teams played excellently, two were undefeated. The final was between Zimbabwe and The UAE, the stakes were high and the coaches were very stressed, but overall Zimbabwe took the cup. Zimbabwe was also very excited to see their player Finn Murphy win best on ground!

Thank you to Mr McMahon for setting up the day and Mr Hall and Miss Mulcahy for helping with the day's running. Thank yous are also well deserved for all teachers who came down to supervise and the Year 12 coaches who didn't know the rules - well done to all the students who participated!

Primary and Secondary Christmas Chapel Services

On Wednesday 6 December, our primary and secondary students participated in two Christmas Chapel Services. These services incorporated the story of The Magi in the Christmas story and had vocal performances by the Kindergartens, Year 1 students, Ivy Cladingboel, Stella Smith, Evie and Lyla Basset and Josephine Colacino on the snare drum. Our Year 6 and Year 12 leaders assisted in leading the participation of the School throughout each chapel. Thank you to Rev’ Phil for his assistance with our chapel services this semester.