Students were reminded to make smart decisions during a crash course in health and exercise, CPR, one punch can kill, drinking, cyber safety and the dangers of driving as part of their preparations for life after school. Spinifex State College deputy principal Chris Pocock said this program had been running for at least four years.

“It is all about smart decisions and the consequences on those decisions,” he said. 

“We try to be confronting, shockingly so.

“Some scare tactics can work but it can also make the kids aware that it is real.” 

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services showed students the importance of driving safely, presenting them with shocking images of what could happen if they were in an accident. 

In confronting scenes, they demonstrated what is required to remove someone from a damaged car with the jaws of life. 

First class firefighter Karlene Rooney said the focus was to make students aware of the consequences of drink-driving, texting or talking while driving and the importance of planning ahead. 

“Don’t drink and drive, don’t speed,” she said. 

“You have to think about who is affected by the car accident, from  family, friends, the responders, the person identifying your body in the morgue and the little old lady that sees it.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services station officer Steve Bigham pushed the importance to think before driving. 

“Think about your own safety and the safety of your mates,” he said. 

Mount Isa Police presented a billboard for school leavers to make smarter choices with partying, violence, speeding and the real images of a fatality.  

Mount Isa Police Sergeant and District Crime Organiser Cath Purcell said it was an exciting time for school leavers, but their next steps will impact the rest of their lives. 

“Leaving school is an exciting time of life for school leavers but there are choices and consequences,” she said. “Have fun but think about the impact it will have on your family, community and the rest of your life.”   Students also received a refresher in CPR and healthy lifestyle and budgeting.  

Sports and education teacher Kelly Kuhz said it was important for students to know CPR to be prepared to deal with an accident. 

“Our aim for kids is for them to understand the importance of CPR so they are able to help in an emergency,” she said. 

School chaplain Morgan Slykerman said being mindful of making the right choices when it came to health, well-being and life in general were important for graduates leaving school.