Students from Pakenham Secondary College were recognised for setting an example of maturity and compassion after they helped an injured student from another school.
On Friday afternoon, 13 February, a group of students—Jen, River, Faith, Shaylee, Lanikai, Jayden, and Emma—helped a student from another school who fell from a scooter and sustained a dislocated wrist, which appeared visibly deformed and was clearly very painful.
Occurring at the end of the day, just outside the school gates, where many passers-by might have hesitated, these students did not. They immediately stepped in to help, showing strong leadership and remaining calm in what was clearly a distressing situation.
Recognising the seriousness of the injury, the students helped the boy contact a parent and carefully guided the parent to their exact location. Thinking quickly and resourcefully, they improvised a brace using the student’s laptop and its straps to help stabilise the injured wrist and prevent further movement.
Throughout the incident, they showed sound judgement and maturity. Before offering any pain relief, they contacted the student’s parent to seek permission and ensure it was safe to administer Panadol. They then stayed with the student, providing reassurance until additional help arrived.
Parents and bystanders who witnessed the incident spoke very highly of the way the students conducted themselves. They were described as calm and respectful throughout.
In recognition of their actions, Jen, River, Faith, Shaylee, Lanikai, Jayden, and Emma each received a Community Spirit Award from school Principal, Mr Aaron Smith, for “remaining calm under pressure and demonstrating exceptional leadership, initiative, and compassion while assisting an injured student in the community.”
Their actions reflect the College SOAR Values, particularly Social and Personal Responsibility. Pakenham Secondary are incredibly proud of the care, initiative, and common sense they showed. They said the students represented the school’s community in the best possible way.
