Liz O'Loughlin
Principal's Message
Bonjour
I write this week to emphasise the importance of pedestrian safety in the church car park. After personal observation and having received some feedback from families, I think it is timely to remind everyone to take care and be vigilant at both school drop off and at after school pickup.
It is crucial for everyone to remain watchful and cautious while navigating through the car park especially when vehicles are moving in various directions. I ask that everyone prioritise safety by being aware of their surroundings and especially of young children in the car park. Make eye contact with drivers to ensure you are seen, and avoid distractions such as using mobile phones. It is advisable for pedestrians to assume that drivers may not always give way, take proactive measures to protect themselves and be prepared for sudden vehicle movements.
Please also be reminded that young children, being small, are often hard to see, so it is vital that they are supervised at all times in the car park area. Road Safety Education Victoria suggests the following:
Getting out of the car children should:
- wait for an adult to get strollers, babies, or toddlers out of the car first
- wait for an adult to let them out of the car
- stand next to the car and wait for an adult’s instructions
- walk through the car park holding an adult’s hand or a part of their clothing or pram
- keep looking and listening for cars moving in and out of parking bays.
Getting into the car children should:
- wait beside the car until an adult opens the door
- be put in the car before toddlers, babies and strollers
Over the weekend, please talk to children about car park safety. Discuss:
- who gets in and out of the car first
- places where it is safer for pedestrians to walk
- the people and traffic that use the car park
- words that describe parts of the car park
- watch how cars drive in and out of the parking area
- why drivers find it difficult to see young children walking alone.
Liz