School Code of Conduct on School Bus Vehicles

Safety depends heavily on student behaviour while travelling on the school bus and it is very important that students act in a responsible and appropriate manner while on the school bus and around the school bus vehicle. A school bus is considered an extension of the classroom and all school policies such as safe schools, and code of conduct apply to the school bus. All transported students whether on a school authorized events or home to school transportation are accountable to the school principal who has the authority to ensure that student conduct on the school bus is appropriate.
Pursuant to The Education Act, school boards may provide transportation to their students. Transportation is a privilege not a right and eligibility for home to school transportation is based on DSTS policy http://www.dsts.on.ca/policy. School bus rules and regulations are set to maintain a safe and reliable mode of transportation. Failure to abide by the rules may result in the loss of transportation privileges for students.
It is important that we all work together to keep our children safe while travelling on the school bus. Please review with your child (ren) the rules and expectations of riding the school bus.

Expectations of Riders while on the Bus

• Listen to the bus driver when asked to do so; they are responsible for the safe operation of the bus.
• Speak quietly. Your safety is the responsibility of the driver. Excessive noise, loud singing, shouting etc. can be a distraction to the driver and the safe operation of the vehicle.
• Remain seated at all times. Sit facing forward for the entire trip until the vehicle comes to a stop. Students who do not sit properly in the seats can be seriously injured
• Keep personal belongings including backpacks stowed under the seat or on your lap.
• Keep aisles clear of belongings to not pose a tripping hazard and allow for safe bus evacuation if required.
• Do not bring large items including musical instruments and sporting equipment on the school bus.
• Do not use abusive language, profanity, yelling, throwing items (inside and out the bus), smoking, vaping, fighting or any other such activity that may interfere in the safe operation of the vehicle or endanger the safety of others.
• No eating or drinking. There may be a student on the bus with an allergy or this may pose a choking hazard.
• Keep arms, legs and head inside the vehicle at all times.
• Do not attempt to distract other vehicles on the road.
• Do not willfully damage the school bus in any way. Parents/guardians are responsible for payment of repairs.
• Be aware that misconduct may result in loss of riding privileges.
Home to School Transportation Instructions for Parents/Guardians
Parents/guardians can help to maintain a high standard of safety and acceptable behaviour for students while travelling on the school bus.
• Parents/guardians are responsible for their children’s safety until they board the bus as well as conduct prior to boarding the school bus and after disembarking the school bus, this includes while travelling to and waiting at the bus stop.
• Parents/guardians shall advise and explain to their children the rules of safety and appropriate behaviour for all family members at the bus stop or while travelling on the bus.

Expectations of Riders and Parents/Guardians at Pick Up and Drop Off Points

• Be at your bus stop at least 5 minutes prior to the schedule time. Students must be at the bus stop waiting for the bus to arrive. Please do not wait in a vehicle. If the bus is departing the stop please do not attempt to stop the bus.
• Conduct yourself in an appropriate manner prior to the arrival of the bus.
• Travel to school and return home on your assigned school bus. Board and disembark at your assigned bus stop location (s).
• Be respectful to the property of others and your community neighbours.
• Stand back from the road when you see the bus coming and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop.
• When boarding or deboarding the school bus, wait for school bus driver’s signal when crossing the roadway.
• Kindergarten students are to remain with parents/guardians in the morning while waiting for the school bus.
• Kindergarten students MUST be met by a parent/guardian in the afternoon when dropped off at their school bus stop location.
• Enter buses in single file, please do not push.
• Take your seat as quickly as possible
To encourage and support safe operation of school bus vehicles, drivers are expected to report all incidents to the school principal.