Excitement and pride filled the air as Year 6 students from St Mary MacKillop Primary School in Bannockburn visited RAAF Base Point Cook and the RAAF Museum to enjoy a CT-4A heritage aircraft flying display by 100 Squadron.
The visit last month marked the culmination of a journey of community engagement with the ADF that began eight months earlier.
Officer in Charge of the RAAF Museum Wing Commander Michelle McPhail welcomed the students, who explored the heritage of the Air Force with a treasure hunt through the museum and gained insight into modern-day service and operations.
The students assembled care packages for ADF personnel deployed on Operation Aslan in South Sudan in December 2024. The visit brought their efforts to life.
Those packages, filled with letters, handmade artwork and treats, made their way to grateful deployed ADF members, Navy Lieutenant Rabeca Appelkamp and Army Captain Delphine Astier.
Lieutenant Appelkamp and Captain Astier were in South Sudan during Operation Aslan and responded with heartfelt letters to the students.
In their responses they said: "Your care, creativity and compassion reached us across thousands of kilometres," and, "It reminded us why we do what we do."
'I wanted these kids to know that even the smallest act of kindness can travel halfway around the world and lift the spirits of those who serve.'
Commanding Officer 21 Squadron Wing Commander Nikki Clements commended the students' efforts during the visit.
"The thoughtfulness, creativity and generosity shown by the students made a real difference to our deployed personnel," Wing Commander Clements said.
"It was fantastic to meet with them today, to thank them personally and let them know how much their efforts mean to us."
Inverleigh and District RSL representative Murray Pearson, a retired Major of the Australian Army, facilitated the activity.
"I wanted these kids to know that even the smallest act of kindness can travel halfway around the world and lift the spirits of those who serve," Mr Pearson said.
"What they have done here, it is more than a gesture. It's a reminder that community, compassion and connection are what truly sustain our Defence family."
The school has proudly displayed a certificate of thanks in its foyer to mark the occasion and ongoing partnership.
"This has been such a powerful learning journey for our students," Year 5/6 teacher Narelle Nixon said.
"They now see how their small gestures had a global impact - and that their voices and actions matter."
