Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
Although we are already halfway through the 2024/2025 school year, we are excited to officially introduce the YCDSB Active School Travel Strategy! This initiative encourages students to use human-powered travel—such as walking, cycling, scootering, rollerblading, or skateboarding—to get to and from school or their bus stop.
Active School Travel (AST) has numerous proven benefits, including:
✔️ Improving physical and mental health
✔️ Enhancing academic performance by preparing students to learn
✔️ Reducing traffic congestion and improving safety
✔️ Promoting environmental responsibility by reducing pollution
✔️ Encouraging social development and independence
To support this initiative, we will be sharing AST-related information in some of our weekly updates, and on our school website! For more details, you can access the digital version of the YCDSB Active School Travel Strategy here: YCDSB Active Travel.
Let’s work together to build lifelong habits of active and independent mobility for our students!
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In the month of March, the topic of discussion from our Active School Travel Team is focusing on bus safety!
“The wheels on the bus go round and round…” Walking to the school bus stop and riding the bus to school are considered important forms of active school travel. Students who live outside of the Non-Transportation Zone for their home school qualify for school bus service.
Ministry of Transportation School Bus Safety Tips:
When Boarding or Leaving the Bus:
- Wait in a safe place away from the edge of the road.
- Stay out of the DANGER ZONE—if you can touch the bus, you’re too close. Take 10 giant steps away to ensure you and the driver can see each other.
- Always cross the road in front of the bus, never behind.
- Look in all directions and wait for the driver’s signal before crossing.
While on the Bus:
- Stay seated, facing forward at all times.
- Keep the aisle clear—don’t place anything in the walkway.
- Never distract the bus driver.
- Avoid eating or drinking on the bus.
- No yelling, pushing, or throwing objects.
- Keep your arms and head inside the bus at all times.
Following these safety tips helps keep everyone safe while traveling to and from school! 🚍
Sincerely,
YCDSB Active School Travel Team