Students complete SES training

Students from Brisbane Water Secondary College Woy Woy Campus have completed the State Emergency Service cadet program in term two this year.

The 19 students trained with SES staff every Tuesday afternoon for 10 weeks and attended a two day camp at Port Hacking.

Students were then eligible to join the SES as a cadet-volunteer to become involved with training, rescue, operation and in community education-media.

While most volunteer community activity happens when areas are affected by floods, storms and other emergencies, there are numerous other roles that an SES volunteer can do when not operational, according to supervising teacher Ms Val Frances.

"There is a regular commitment to training and updating skills as well as practising those already gained.

"The forging of friendships and community relationships is also considered important."

Student Jay Lang said: "It was a great experience that showed me more about being part of a team that works and taught me more about being a leader."

Callum O'Donnell described the experience as 'brilliant and unique", while Rebecca Hooper said she made new friends and learned many new things.

Ms Frances said the event was a memorable experience in the life of a teacher.

"The entire program was professionally organised and operated.

"SES staff were highly skilled, genuine, friendly and patient at all times and appeared to enjoy themselves as much as the students.

"The camp was an absolute pleasure to attend and was enhanced by sharing the experience with such friendly staff and students from Pennant Hills High School.

"Our students were challenged by the tasks and operated with intelligence, team work and determination at all times.

"It was a proud moment to see their insightful feedback to SES staff on all aspects of the SES training and camp," said Ms Frances.

Email, 20 Aug 2012

Valerie Frances, Brisbane Water Secondary College