Safety event teaches local students importance of awareness

Last week, students in Grades 4-6 from St. Teresa of Avila School and Glendale Sciences and Technology School participated in a hands-on critical safety awareness event aimed at promoting safety habits among young learners. The awareness event, which was organized by the Parkland Regional Safety Committee, took place in the St. Teresa of Avila School parking lot.

During the event, students witnessed a simulated incident involving a distracted student and a vehicle collision. Local emergency services professionals responded to the 911 call, providing a real-time demonstration of their response and procedures. Following the incident, members of the Red Deer RCMP led a discussion on street safety, emphasizing the importance of staying alert and making safe choices.

In addition, students became familiar with a variety of personal protective equipment (PPE). Participants showcased both children and adult PPE, followed by a detailed discussion on the significance of wearing appropriate protective gear. This segment aimed to educate students on how proper PPE can prevent serious injuries and enhance personal safety.

The goal of the event was to instill in students the importance of making safety a habitual practice in their daily lives, whether at school, home, or during recreational activities. By engaging with local emergency services and learning about PPE, students gained valuable insights into maintaining their safety and the safety of others.

“Participating in this critical safety awareness event was an invaluable experience for our students. The mock incident provided a powerful, real-life demonstration of how quickly things can change when we aren’t paying attention,” said Sandre Bevan, Principal at Glendale Sciences and Technology School. “Through this hands-on learning, our students have a better understanding of the importance of street safety and the role personal protective equipment plays in keeping us safe. We are grateful to our local emergency services for showing our students how vital their work is and for helping reinforce the lessons of safety in a practical and engaging way.”

"This event offered our students an unforgettable, hands-on experience that truly brought the message of safety to life. Watching the simulation and interacting with local emergency services gave them a deeper understanding of the real-world consequences of distracted behavior and the importance of being alert at all times," said Dana Pikkert, Principal at St. Teresa of Avila School. "We are incredibly thankful to our local emergency services for partnering with us to provide this vital education.”