Santa swaps sleigh for helicopter to visit our school
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On Monday our children were treated to some festive magic!
Father Christmas teamed up with the Royal Airforce (RAF) to visit St Michael’s and spread some Christmas cheer.
Just after 9:30am, the children watched wide-eyed as two crew from the Rotary Wing Test and Evaluation Squadron landed the A109 helicopter on one of the school’s playgrounds. Santa, recognisable by his iconic red and white outfit, waved at the children who had come out to the playground to wait for his arrival, who could be heard cheering and clapping his entrance.
While Father Christmas wasn’t able to stay for long, as he had many other children to visit before Christmas, RAF crew and support staff were able to stay until early afternoon, before flying the helicopter back to MOD Boscombe Down.
Every child, from Nursery to Year 6, had the opportunity to sit in the helicopter, learn about its inner workings and ask questions to the pilots and support team.
One of the Year 1 children commented: “I can’t believe Santa came to see us when it’s so close to Christmas! It was nice of him to let the reindeer have a day off.”
A reception child added: “It was so much fun! I really liked sitting in the helicopter and seeing all the buttons.”
The ‘flying visit’ was organised by RAF Squadron Leaders and St Michael’s school parents, Garry McKay and Liam Glasby, and Deputy Headteacher Mrs Webb, who said: “Our whole school community has been feeling extra festive since our special visit on Monday, which brought joy to everyone at St Michael’s. I know each child had a fantastic time in the helicopter and were fascinated to learn more about how it worked, while also checking the reindeer were having a good rest before December 25th.
“With so many of our children coming from military families, it was extra special to have the armed forces involved and we are incredibly grateful that they were able to help Father Christmas stop by before we break up for the term.”
Squadron Leader Garry McKary, added: “It was great getting to meet all of the children, their energy and excitement was infectious. They all had such fantastic questions and we were surprised to learn that at least one child claimed to be able to fly a helicopter already. The curriculum really has changed since we were in school!”
