Providing Transportation for Students

We are committed to making Catholic education accessible to children in our school communities by providing safe and reliable transportation to students who qualify.

What All Parents Should Know...

Pick-up and Drop-off

• It is important that you focus on your children’s safety before they board the bus in the morning and after they are dropped off at the end of the school day

• We recommend that you have your child at the bus stop five minutes prior to the designated arrival time

• All buses have specific numbers – you should know your child’s bus numbers in case you have to refer to them if the bus is late or cancelled

• It is critical that your child waits for the bus in a safe place – well off the roadway and not on neighbours’ lawns

• In the winter, please speak with your children about the dangers of sliding on snowbanks when they are waiting for the bus

• Young children will benefit from a “pick-up” and “drop-off” routine so that they can become familiar and comfortable with being bused to and from school

• Talking to your child about traffic safety (both on and off the bus) is very important. Children who must cross the street to get to the bus should always cross in front where the driver can see them at all times

• Being aware of traffic flow and leaving the bus loading area promptly after drop-off is also an important safety tip
  
  
• If your child doesn’t take the bus, please be aware that there are designated pick-up and drop-off zones at your child's school for safety reasons

Ensuring Safety on the Bus

• It is helpful to periodically remind your child about the rules and regulations of riding a school bus

• Although it is very rare, school bus privileges can be suspended temporarily or permanently if a child doesn't respect the rules and regulations that are in place for the safety of everyone

• Your child should always enter the bus in an orderly manner and immediately find a seat. Once on the bus, he or she should always follow the instructions of the school bus driver and bus patroller

• All students must remain in their seats while the bus is in motion. With children sitting quietly, the bus driver is free from distractions and able to focus on road safety

• Parents are financially responsible for any willful damage to the bus caused by their children

• Keeping in mind the safety of all riders, we ask that your child not bring any objects onto the bus that may hinder safe operation 

• Backpacks or sport bags must lie on your child's lap while in transit

• Musical instruments in cases are acceptable on the bus as long as they can be held securely on the lap

• Skates must have guards and should be carried in a sports type bag

• Skis, snowboards, hockey sticks, toboggans, snow racers, skateboards, curling brooms, pets, large project displays and similar equipment are not to be carried on regular home-to-school bus runs 

• If your child is involved in special programs, is on a field trip or participating in a special activity, we ask that you make special arrangements to have personal equipment delivered to the school

• Students must also refrain from eating or drinking on the bus

• Heads and arms must stay inside the bus at all time and aisles should be kept clear

Making Changes

• We ask that all parents remember that the bus driver is not authorized to change a bus stop or bus route 

• If you would like to make a request or change, please report it to your child's school who will inform the Transportation Consortium

• It is important that you report any address changes, late arrivals or pick-ups to your child's school

Inclement Weather

• Our schools rarely close during inclement weather. Even if school buses are cancelled, parents are still able to bring their child to school. Visit our link on Bus Service During Inclement Weather for more information

• Please visit our link Criteria for Bus Cancellations to find out more information about how bus cancellations are determined

A Reminder for Motorists

• Motorists meeting a school bus with red lights must stop unless they are on a highway divided by a median strip

• If motorists come up to a stopped school bus with lights flashing, they must stop at least 20 meters before reaching the bus. They may proceed only once the bus resumes motion or the lights cease flashing

• Motorists should be very conscious of speed limits, especially in school zones and where students get on and off the bus