SWIMMING WITH WANGEE PARK SCHOOL

The Canterbury Aquatic Swim Survival Program has recently been completed by over 500 children in year four from nine schools within the Canterbury Bankstown Area.

One school that thoroughly enjoyed the experience was Wangee Park School.

28 students from Wangee Park School had the opportunity to participate in the program while adding a bit of fun into their normal school day.

What sets this school apart from others that have participated in the program is that the students have a severe or moderate intellectual disability, physical disability or autism.

“The aquatic life skills program was a great opportunity for our students at Wangee Park School. Students were able to gain confidence and skills in the water, whilst also having a great time in an environment that is unfamiliar to many of them; the students who use wheelchairs for their mobility. We greatly appreciate the opportunity provided for our school and hope to visit again in the future!” said Catherine Bolitho, Secondary Two Teacher at Wangee Park School.

The program has taught important life skills to all students that participated.

“Canterbury League Club has provided an opportunity for students who might not necessarily be able to participate in a swim survival program,” said George Coorey, Chairman of Canterbury League Club.

“As a Club, we have worked together with Royal Life Saving, Roselands Aquatic Centre, Wangee Park School and Canterbury Bankstown Council to ensure that each student in the program was accommodated. We specifically adjusted the program for Wangee Park to ensure that each session had enough instructors, wheelchair access both on the bus and at the pool and that the delivery of the program was both educational, entertaining and safe for the students.”

In just a few short weeks, the ClubsNSW Clubs and Community Awards winners will be announced, and the Canterbury Aquatic Swim Survival Program is a finalist in the Education Category.

The program is now in its second year and has proven to be a success with schools eagerly enquiring about the 2019 program and asking how they can be put on the list as they don’t want to miss out.