1 Mar 2004 - NEW BUS ROUTE TO THE VILLAGE
After months of careful planning, Newton St Cyres Primary School Walking Bus route met with approval and it had a successful launch last month. As many of you will know, the problems associated with children being collected from school have been enormous in the past, causing distress and frustration for our neighbours and parents alike. However, since the beginning of February, it would seem that a solution has been found.
The Walking Bus project has been spearheaded by Julia Walters, who has worked incredibly hard to see the project from inception to actuality. Indeed, we have no less than four walking buses in operation, each one traveling from school to the parish hall car park at the end of the school day. Over fifty children are regular passengers on the walking buses, and we have even had to start up a waiting list for those wishing to join in the fun, such is the popularity.
The success of the walking buses depends on the strength of our school community, with children following a well ordered code of conduct; in addition, a rota of volunteer drivers and conductors work hard to ensure that the highest standards of safety and good behaviour are followed at all times. The buses set off from school at around 3.30, making use of the school path down to Pump Street, where they walk over the ford and across to the Parish Hall car park for collection at 3.45.
The whole scheme has become a talking point across the City, such is the enthusiasm and commitment of the children and parents alike. The benefits are many, for in addition to help ease the congestion problems, children are finding time to socialize, learn about road safety and have some additional exercise in the fresh air as they leave at the end of the day. You can?t miss them in their fluorescent tabards so, if you are around at that time, give the bus a wave as they pass you on their way home from school!
HEATHER M PERRY
HEADTEACHER
The Walking Bus project has been spearheaded by Julia Walters, who has worked incredibly hard to see the project from inception to actuality. Indeed, we have no less than four walking buses in operation, each one traveling from school to the parish hall car park at the end of the school day. Over fifty children are regular passengers on the walking buses, and we have even had to start up a waiting list for those wishing to join in the fun, such is the popularity.
The success of the walking buses depends on the strength of our school community, with children following a well ordered code of conduct; in addition, a rota of volunteer drivers and conductors work hard to ensure that the highest standards of safety and good behaviour are followed at all times. The buses set off from school at around 3.30, making use of the school path down to Pump Street, where they walk over the ford and across to the Parish Hall car park for collection at 3.45.
The whole scheme has become a talking point across the City, such is the enthusiasm and commitment of the children and parents alike. The benefits are many, for in addition to help ease the congestion problems, children are finding time to socialize, learn about road safety and have some additional exercise in the fresh air as they leave at the end of the day. You can?t miss them in their fluorescent tabards so, if you are around at that time, give the bus a wave as they pass you on their way home from school!
HEATHER M PERRY
HEADTEACHER