Transport

• Who do I contact regarding school bus transportation and where would our bus stop be?
• How far can I expect my child to walk to the bus stop?
• Can my child stay inside the house until the bus arrives at the bus stop each morning?
• We are moving to a new address, who do we contact for bus information?
• Can my child ride another bus home with a friend?
• I want to add or change a bus stop, what do I need to do?
• Can my child bring luggage other than a school bag?
• School bus safety facts
• Bus transportation facts
• The Bus Driver
• Safety tips for Parents
• Responsibilities and Expectations of Students

Q. Who do I contact regarding school bus transportation and where would our bus stop be?

A. Once your child's school assignment has been determined, contact your school.

Q. How far can I expect my child to walk to the bus stop?

A. Students may be required to walk 1.6 KM on a public road to their bus stop, however under normal circumstances the walking distance is as follows:

• Pre-kindergarten: 0.3 KM
• Kindergarten: 0.3 KM
• Elementary: 0.6 KM
• Secondary: 0.8 KM

Q. Can my child stay inside the house until the bus arrives at the bus stop each morning?

A. While we empathize with parents who wish to keep their child in the comfort and safety of their home until the school bus arrives, particularly when the weather is nasty, it is important that children be at the bus stop before the bus arrives .Waiting for students may make the bus late for school, which will adversely impact student learning. Please have your child at the bus stop at least 5 minutes prior to the school bus arrival time.

Q. We are moving to a new address, who do we contact for bus information?

A. Contact your school and they will inform you.

Q. Can my child ride another bus home with a friend?

A. The a.m. boarding point will be the same five (5) days a week. The p.m. alighting point will be the same five (5) days a week.

Q. I want to add or change a bus stop, what do I need to do?

A. To add a bus stop or change a bus stop, you will need to contact your school where your child attends.

Q. Can my child bring luggage other than a school bag?

A. Article 519.8 of the highway safety code stipulates that students traveling on a school bus only carry hand luggage that will fit on their laps. Luggage dimension should not exceed (23x40x55 cm or 9x16x22 inches)

Oversized objects that will be refused:

• Hockey sticks and equipment;
• Tennis and other rackets;
• Oversized musical instruments;
• Ski equipment, toboggans;
• Skateboards, snowboards;
• Large school and home projects, etc.

Note: all oversized objects must be delivered to school by another means of transportation. See brochure

School Bus Safety Facts

• The size and bright yellow colour of buses make them easily visible.
• School buses have many safety features designed to protect passengers from impact:
  • the floor is raised;
  • the window glass is shatter-proof; and
  • there are strengthened reinforcements along the sides of the bus.
• School buses are designed to keep students compartmentalized, which means they have seats with high backs positioned close together, filled with energy-absorbing material, and anchored to the floor.
• All buses built since 1980 meet safety standards developed by the Canadian Standards Association and set by Transport Canada.
• There is a high penalty (six demerit points and a substantial fine) for motorists who fail to stop for a school bus when required by law.
• School bus drivers receive special training and licensing, rigorous examinations and must maintain a good driving record.
• School buses stop at all railway crossings.

Bus transportation facts

Please review the following rules and responsibilities with your child(ren). Please remind them of the importance of good behaviour and safe conduct while riding the bus.

1. At your bus stop be properly dressed for the weather, be on time and wait in a safe place.
2. Stay out of the "danger zone". If you drop something under or near the bus, tell the driver.
3. Don't push or shove and make sure to use the handrail when getting on or off the bus.
4. Take your seat right away and after boarding, stay seated until you leave the bus.
5. Don't open the window without the bus driver's permission.
6. Don't throw things inside the bus or out the window.
7. Always speak softly and listen to the bus driver.
8. Walk straight to the shoulder of the road or sidewalk. If you must cross the street, count out 8 to 10 steps along the curb and wait for the driver's signal. Look both ways before you cross the street.

The Bus Driver

Not just anyone can get behind the wheel of a school bus. It takes a good deal of concentration and skill to control a vehicle safely, watch traffic and road conditions, and at the same time manage a bus full of high-spirited passengers.

School bus drivers have an extremely important job and responsibility. From the time the drivers make the first stop on the route until the last passenger disembarks, the safety of someone else's children is in their hands.

The legal requirements for becoming a licensed school bus driver are very demanding. Between 20 and 40 hours of specialized training is required, followed by written exams and a road test in the bus.

Safety tips for Parents

• Make sure your children get to the school bus stop in plenty of time.
• The most dangerous area is at the loading and unloading areas.
• Instruct your children to avoid horseplay and to stay back away from the bus until it is okay to board.
• Instruct your children to remain seated while on the bus, and avoid horseplay or being exceptionally noisy. · Encourage your children to take the bus. Stop for school buses with red lights flashing...even in the school yard!

Responsibilities and Expectations of Students

Riding on a school bus is a privilege, not a right. Improper conduct may result in the withdrawal of this privilege.

• Students must arrive at their bus pick-up at least five minutes prior to the bus arrival time.
• Students are to follow the driver's instructions at all times.
• Student may board and leave the bus only at their designated stop.