Amidst a feeling of anticipation and drama by our students due to a late arrival, Flight Lieutenant Tim Costley and his crew landed their RNZAF Iroquois Helicopter on our school field in a cloud of dust before entertaining and educating them for an hour. The crew had a fabulous rapport with our students and were great public relations ambassadors for the RNZAF.

Our Year 7&8 students spent some time with crew members in a question and answer session about the air force careers, the importance of ongoing learning, and their work in New Zealand and other countries.

The crew lifted off after a 10 – 1 countdown by the children and then flew off to Wanaka to participate in the Wings Over Wanaka Air show after providing your children with an exciting, motivating and positive experience!

Karen Phillips’ Year 3&4 children enjoying the occasion

HELICOPTER STORIES FROM FIVE YEAR OLDS

At a Grandparents Morning for the New Entrant classes, the children told some stories to their grandparents about the helicopter visit. Here are a couple of examples:

The Day The Helicopter Came To Visit

The grass blew in my eyes when the helicopter came down. Our hats nearly blew off and there was a lot of noise. A man waved to me as I was going through it. I saw a man with a uniform on; I think he was the pilot.

Tylah, Room 10

When it took off it was really dusty and the grass was going everywhere. I climbed through the helicopter. I was inside when it took off and I was outside when it landed. It was kind of dark green. I saw the rotor blade. When it took off it went straight up.

Jesse, Room 10

The helicopter lands in a cloud of dust!