Students in grades 4 and 5 from Innisfail Middle School, John Wilson Elementary School and St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School took part in a safety demonstration in Innisfail today. The event, organized by the Parkland Regional Safety Committee, took place in the bus loop shared by the three schools.
During the demonstration, students watched a mock collision between a distracted scooter rider and a vehicle. Firefighters, paramedics and RCMP responded as they would to a real 911 call, demonstrating their response and procedures in real time. Organizers used the demonstration to reinforce how staying alert and making safe choices can prevent real collisions.
Students also got a close-up look at personal protective equipment (PPE) through a fashion show with student volunteer models. A discussion followed on why wearing the right gear matters, and how it can prevent serious injuries.
The event aimed to help students build safety habits they can carry into daily life, whether at school, at home or during recreational activities. Meeting local emergency services and learning about PPE gave students practical tools for keeping themselves and others safe.
At the mock incident, emergency services including fire, EMS, and RCMP responded as they would in real time.
"We are so excited to share this opportunity with our Grade 4 and 5 students on iCampus. As middle schoolers experience growing independence both in and outside of school, safety knowledge empowers them to assess risks and make critical, responsible decisions. Our goal is always to help our students build the confidence to navigate an increasingly complex world, and presentations such as the mock incident today are invaluable in helping develop those skills," Kirsten Strand, Principal of Innisfail Middle School, said.
"Interactive learning experiences like this mock incident turn essential safety lessons into real-world understanding. By observing the emergency responders in action, students gain a meaningful perspective on the potential impacts of distraction and the importance of street safety. This practical demonstration provides our students with the awareness and habits they need to help them make safe choices every day," Angela Warke, Principal of École John Wilson Elementary School, said.
"Giving our grade 4 and 5 students the chance to see emergency responders in action makes the concept of safety real and memorable," said Stefan Labrecque, Principal of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School. "Whether it's seeing the consequences of distraction firsthand or learning why proper protective gear matters, these practical demonstrations build habits that protect our kids every day. We are extremely grateful to the Parkland Regional Safety Committee and our local emergency services for bringing such an impactful learning experience right to our shared campus."
About Parkland Regional Safety Committee
The Parkland Regional Safety Committee (PRSC) shares the vision of the Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA); to promote health and safety. The ACSA's PRSC strives to make a difference in local industries, working with employers, workers, the Public and Catholic School Boards as well as youth in order to affect change and promote health and safety, not just in work but in our overall lives.
About Chinook's Edge School Division
Chinook's Edge is one of the largest school divisions in the province, serving over 11,000 students in 40 Central Alberta schools between Carstairs and Red Deer. Our schools are located in 13 communities that sprawl east and west from the Highway 2 corridor, conveniently providing Chinook's Edge staff and families with the best of both worlds: a friendly, healthy and affordable small-town lifestyle combined with the proximity to big city amenities, and to the Rocky Mountains.
About Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools
Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools serves over 9,600 students in 21 schools in Red Deer, Blackfalds, Sylvan Lake, Rocky Mountain House, Innisfail, and Olds. It also supports the learning of over 950 students in a Home Education Program. The Division is committed to serving children and parents with a complete offering of learning opportunities delivered within the context of Catholic teachings and within the means of the Division.
