Student Wellbeing
Safely drop off/pick up your child from school...
School drop-off and pick-up times create a lot of traffic on the roads that border our school. This traffic build-up combined with stressed drivers and distracted children, makes these areas very dangerous. There are many “moving parts” to think about and prepare for getting your children to school and back home again safely.
Pedestrian safety rules.
Make sure all children in your car are familiar with the basic pedestrian rules. The most important reminders include:
- Pedestrian Crossing: Show your children where the supervised crossings are and explain that they should always use the crossing and that a few extra minutes to get to the car is better than a serious injury.
- Keep eyes open: Teach your children to look left and right, make eye contact with drivers, and make sure cars are stopped before crossing a road.
- Avoid distractions while crossing: Remind your children to put down their phones, hold on to sports equipment, and take out earphones while crossing the street.
- Keep footpaths clear- this is not an area to gather. Staff on duty supervising arrival and dismissal require a clear view of students waiting for a family member.
Parking at drop off and pick up
- Stop your car on the same side of the street as the school, and have your children exit the car from the door next to the footpath. This helps remove the need for your children to cross a busy street.
- Drivers must stay in the car at kiss-and-drop zones and also move their car forward as the car in front moves on.
- Do not allow your children to access the car boot to collect or put away their bags. This places your child in immediate danger from the moving car behind.
- Make sure you understand important details such as: where you can and cannot stop, what time you should arrive. Always obey safety rules and posted signs—even if you are late.
Seatbelts and booster seats
- All children in your car must be buckled into the right seat for their age and stage before the car moves onto the road. It is your responsibility as the driver to make sure that everyone is safely buckled in the right seat.
- Your child should be in the back car seat or booster seat.
- Children aged from four years old but under seven years old cannot travel in the front seat of a car unless younger siblings occupy all other back seats.
Lisa
Deputy Principal & Wellbeing Leader
lisa.heath@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au
Jess
Deputy Principal & Learning Diversity Leader