Police engage with students

By Bree Harding

May 12, 2025

A police car entered the St Mel’s Primary School grounds with its lights flashing on Friday afternoon.

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Not long after, its siren rang loudly across the yard as students shrieked.

But it’s not what you might think.

The shrieks were of delight as one of the school’s Prep students had been chosen to flick the switch that turned it on.

Sergeant Matt Walker shows the students some equipment while First Constable David Cline and Constable Emma Rogers look on. Photo by Bree Harding

Three members from Shepparton police had come to the school to chat about community safety with the young learners, show them the equipment they carry in their 10kg-heavy Kevlar-constructed vests and let them sit inside their marked police vehicle.

While the first-year school students learn about who the helpers in the community are, teaching staff have organised visits by various emergency services personnel this term, with firefighters also expected to visit in the coming weeks.

Constable Emma Rogers, Sergeant Matt Walker and First Constable David Cline helped the Prep students understand the role of police in the community. Photo by Bree Harding

Shepparton Sergeant Matt Walker led the discussion, while a couple of junior members — Constable Emma Rogers and First Constable David Cline — also fielded questions from the inquisitive kids.

St Mel's Primary School Prep students had lots of questions for the police officers. Photo by Bree Harding

They talked about the importance of wearing helmets while biking, calling the police for help and not opening the door to strangers.

St Mel's Foundation students got to sit inside the police car that Constable Emma Rogers (left), Sergeant Matt Walker (centre) and First Constable David Cline brought to show them. Photo by Bree Harding

Police showed and explained the use of their tasers, body-worn cameras and pepper spray, with Sgt Walker emphasising that the most important tool in their kit is something that all 27 of the Prep students also had.

“If you’re in a schoolyard and somebody’s yelling at you, you’ve got to try and talk it out,” Sgt Walker said.

“Communication is our best tool, because a lot of the time people want to fight us, or be really angry, but we can usually talk them out of it, so we don’t generally have to use this stuff (gesturing to his vest).

“That’s really important that you understand that you don’t need to resort to violence.”