Bus Safety

Mrs Heffernan and I met this week with Marshall’s Buses about new regulations for school transport.  Part of the new regulations regards seatbelts, provisions for bus stops and safety education.  Ensuring students arrive and return from school safely each day is our highest priority and below is some information which will allow this to continue at the College.

Seatbelts are required to be worn on all school buses where fitted.  Thank you to all those students who are complying with this requirement.  Could all parents please discuss with their child the importance of complying with this legislation.

Below are some tips on Bus safety for school students from NSW Department of Transport on how we can help keep our kids safe.

Getting to and from the bus stop

• Families are responsible for getting their child to and from the bus stop safely.
• Always supervise your child until they are at least 10 and hold their hand when walking to and from the bus stop or interchange and when crossing the road.
• When waiting for the bus, hold hands and wait as far back from the passing traffic as possible.

Getting off the bus

When travelling by bus, your child is most at risk in the minutes after they get off the bus.

Meet your child AT the bus stop or interchange after school. NEVER wait on the opposite side of the road and call them across. If you cannot meet your child, organise for a trusted adult to take your place.

Always wait until the bus has gone, then use a safe place to cross.

Talk with your child about what to do:

• if you are delayed and cannot meet them as usual
• If they catch the wrong bus
• If they get off the bus at the wrong bus stop.

Crossing the road

Together, choose the safest place to cross the road and talk about:

STOP! one step back from the kerb

LOOK! continuously both ways

LISTEN! for the sounds of approaching traffic

THINK! whether it is safe to cross

Driving near buses

Bus lights flash on the front and back of a bus when the bus is picking up or setting down school children. A 40km/h speed limit applies when bus lights flash. The speed limit is for all traffic travelling in the same direction as the bus, whether the bus is stationary or moving.

Informal school bus stops

Informal bus stops are not signposted and are usually found in rural areas. They may be at the front of a property or on the side of the road.

Drivers may find it difficult to see children at informal bus stops. Families should take special care when using these stops. Staying on the bus a bit longer to travel to another bus stop may reduce the need for your child to have to cross the road.

For more information on selecting or reviewing informal bus stops please visit:

http://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/ staying safe/schools/informal-school-bus-stops.html

(Sourced from Bus Safety for School Students, Cat no. 45092289, Transport for NSW, 2017)

Year 12

Our Year 12 students have now concluded at the College, on behalf of the Pastoral Team I wish them the very best for their future endeavours.  The current group of students have been a pleasure to work with during their time at the College and the Senior Leaders have left many good practices that future leaders can adopt in the future.

Enjoy a safe and relaxing break and we look forward to seeing you back on Monday 14 October.

Nathan Mansfield

Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care