SCHOOL BUS SERVICE POLICY INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FORM The School provides a Northern and Southern bus service to families of enrolled children and is committed to the safety of all those driving or travelling in the school bus. All users are required to behave in a safe, responsible manner while waiting for, getting on or off, travelling on or driving the bus. Matters of safety and student conduct are viewed seriously. Bookings are taken on a first in first served basis. The school will place children on a waiting list when a service is full and will notify the parent/carer when a seat becomes available. If you are interested in using this service, please complete the attached School Bus Application Form and return to the school office. The office will process your application and notify you by phone and/or email of the status of your application. Your child must be capable to get to and from the school bus waiting area after school (located outside the Tuckshop window) by themselves (Prep students will be escorted by staff). They also must be capable of remembering which days they are booked on the bus. The bus driver will only leave a child unattended at an afternoon bus stop if the parent/carer has given permission on the School Bus Application Form. Bookings are essential. Any child not booked on the bus will not be permitted to use the service.
BUS FEES SINGLE TRIP:
$5.50 per trip per child
FAMILY PRICE:
$9.00 per trip (for two or more students from the same family - according to the Silkwood sibling discount policy - using the bus on the same trip)
NERANG:
$3.00 per trip per child
Permanent bookings are for whole school term, for students using the bus on a weekly basis. The School requires two weeks’ notice for any changes to permanent bus booking. In lieu of notice you may be charged two weeks’ bus fees. Casual bookings are for students using the bus on a fortnightly basis or occasional trips. The school requires 24 hours’ notice for casual bus bookings. Bookings are subject to availability; preference will be given to students using the service on a permanent weekly basis. Permanent bus bookings are charged to parents at the start of term and must be paid in full within the first two weeks of term, unless a payment plan has been entered into. Casual bus bookings are charged to parents weekly and due on receipt of invoice. Late fees, as per school fee policy, apply for any fees in breach of payment conditions. In order to support the funding of this bus service, the school will not be able to refund bus fares from days that the children are absent from using this service.
CONDITIONS OF BUS TRAVEL 1.
The school will assign a safe waiting area at school for students using the school bus.
2.
The bus service operates on Silkwood school days only. Notification will be given whenever possible of any changes to the timetable. Please note that students should be at their morning pick-up point at 10 minutes prior to the schedule time of departure.
3.
Should the bus arrive at a designated stop ahead of schedule, the bus will remain at the stop until the scheduled departure time.
4.
Parents who plan to meet their child at their bus stop in the afternoon are requested to be punctual and allow 10 minutes either side of the scheduled arrival time, to allow unexpected traffic.
5.
If the student’s parent or authorised carer is not at the bus stop to collect their child at the scheduled time, and the child not permitted to walk home from the bus stop, the following procedures apply: a. The bus driver will contact the parent/carer and seek permission to leave the child in the care of another parent at the bus stop until they arrive; OR b. If unable to contact the parent, the bus driver will wait a further 2 minutes after the scheduled time and then return the child to school at the end of the bus run. The child booked into OSHC, charges will apply.
6.
Fares quoted are for use on the bus on school days throughout the term. The drivers will hold a roll of those students booked on the bus.
7.
Notification of Morning Absence – If your child will not be travelling on the bus on a particular morning, please inform the school office the day before 5655 0300 or text the SOUTHERN DRIVER 0438 546 743 or NORTHERN DRIVER 0477 968 970.
8.
Notification of Afternoon Absence – If your child will not be travelling on the bus on a particular afternoon, please notify the School Office on 5655 0300 or
[email protected].
9.
Permanent bookings are for whole school term, for students using the bus on a weekly basis.
10. Casual bookings are for students using the bus on a fortnightly basis or occasional trips. 11. Permanent bus bookings are charged to parents at the start of term and must be paid in full within the first two weeks of term, unless a payment plan has been entered into. Casual bus bookings are charged to parents weekly and due on receipt of invoice. Late fees, as per school fee policy, apply for any fees in breach of payment conditions. 12. The School requires two weeks’ notice for any changes to permanent bus booking. In lieu of notice you may be charged two weeks’ bus fees. 13. The school requires 24 hours’ notice for casual bus bookings. Bookings are subject to availability; preference will be given to students using the service on a permanent weekly basis. 14. In order to support the funding of this bus service, the school will not be able to refund bus fares from days that the children are absent from using this service. 15. The school has a zero tolerance for misbehaviour or breaches of the school behaviour policy on the bus. Children will have the opportunity of one warning. Any further reports of misconduct on the bus may result in withdrawal of the allocated seat.
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SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES
To promote bus safety and collaborate in the management of student bus safety. To facilitate effective communication between the school and students/parents/carers. To support the bus operator in implementing consequences for school students who breach the Code. To collaborate with bus drivers and parents/carers in relation to their students’ behaviour on buses. To reinforce with students the need for safe and responsible behaviour on buses. To safely maintain and service the vehicles to a roadworthy standard. To assign a safe waiting area at school for students using the school bus. If a student misses the bus at the end of a school day, the school will notify the parents and the child will be placed in after school care (OSHC). Parents will be responsible for charges. To assign a safe set-down area for the bus children at the school. If the child’s carer/s is/are not at the bus stop when the bus arrives the following procedures apply: o The bus driver will contact the parents and seek permission to leave the child in the care of another parent at the stop until they arrive, or o If unable to contact the parent, the bus driver will wait a further 2 minutes after the scheduled drop off time and then return the child to school at the end of the run. If this happens the child will be booked into OHSC - normal fees and charges will apply.
Code of Conduct for Drivers
To respect passengers and their property. To drive professionally and safely at all times. To behave and communicate professionally and courteously at all times. To be fair and consistent in dealing with passengers. Take note of any students’ concerns and inform the School. Promptly notify the school of any negative behaviour or incidences that occur on the bus. Promptly notify the school if a student does not follow the Code of Conduct. Use “child” appropriate language when dealing with students. To follow the QLD Transport Code of Conduct (www.tmr.qld.gov.au/buscode) procedures and the school bus rules promptly, consistently and impartially.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES By completing a School Bus Application Form, parents/carers agree to:
Authorise their child/ren to use the school bus on days they specify on the School Bus Application Form, for both permanent and casual bookings. Notify the school of any changes to permanent bus bookings by completing a Request to Change Bus Booking Form, two weeks prior to change. Be punctual by arriving at bus stops prior to scheduled times. Authorise their child to be left at the bus stop to walk home without a parent (on School Bus Application Form). The bus driver will only leave children unattended at a bus stop if s/he has this permission. Read and explain the Code of Conduct for students with their child and reinforce the need for safe and responsible behaviour on buses. Pay the school bus fees promptly. Give the School two weeks’ notice of any changes/cancellations to permanent bus bookings.
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Cooperate with the School in discussing behaviour incidents and in implementing any agreed disciplinary action. Communicate with the school about their children’s bus transport and respond to phone and email communications. Address concerns about their children’s bus travel by promptly contacting the School so that issues can be addressed.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES When using the School bus service, students agree to act safely and responsibly, and behave in a way that ensures a safe bus journey for all passengers. Upon arrival at school in the morning, students must promptly make their way to their classrooms. Prep students will be escorted to the Prep area by the bus driver. In the event that the bus arrives late to school (after 8.25am), all students must report to the school office to confirm their presence. In the afternoon, students must go promptly to the bus waiting zone (outside the tuckshop window) and remain in the designated area. Senior students must arrive no later than 3.25pm. Prep students will be escorted to the bus waiting area by Prep staff. If a student misses the bus at the end of a school day, the school will notify the parents and the child will be placed in after school care (OSHC). Parents will be responsible for charges. Students using the school bus are still bound by the school rules. Any breaches of the rules will be dealt with accordingly. This may include forfeiting the opportunity for future travel in the school bus.
Code of Conduct for Students
Wait in an orderly manner at the designated area. Follow the bus driver’s instructions. Abide by school rules and QLD Transport Code of Conduct (www.tmr.qld.gov.au/buscode) on school buses during bus travel. Get on and off the bus in an orderly manner. Wear seat belts at all times while travelling on the bus. Remain seated and do not distract the driver. Only attract the driver’s attention if there is an emergency. Treat the driver and other passengers with care, consideration and respect. Respect own property and the property of others. Protect bus property and report any vandalism. A student who willfully causes damage will be responsible for the cost and repair of the damage they caused. Communicate respectfully with others. Talk quietly to the people around you. Shouting and yelling is not appropriate. Use appropriate language at all times. No offensive language will be tolerated. Pass objects sensibly around the bus. Eat and drink before getting on the bus. Do not call out or signal to any person outside the bus without instruction from the bus driver. In the event of a breakdown or other emergency, student must follow the instructions of the bus driver. Accept consequences for bus misconduct.
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NORTHERN BUS ROUTE In the morning, students are required to be at the Bus Stop at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. In the afternoons, please allow 10 minutes either side of anticipated arrival time (for unexpected traffic).
NORTHERN BUS – MORNING Scheduled Time 7.05am
BUS STOP
LOCATION
ASHMORE
Bus Stop near 146 Currumburra Road
7.10am
PARKWOOD / LABRADOR
Bus Stop near 134 Olsen Avenue
7.15am
RUNAWAY BAY
100 Oxley Drive (bus stop after Lae Drive)
7.18am
COOMBABAH PRIMARY
7.30am
HOPE ISLAND
1 Pendraat Parade (Village Market)
7.50am
HELENSVALE STATION
Pick up / Drop off zone
8.15am
RIVERLEA WATERS
184 Nerang-Beaudesert Rd
8.25am
Bus arrives at Silkwood
NORTHERN BUS – AFTERNOON Scheduled Time 3.30pm
BUS STOP
LOCATION
Bus departs Silkwood
3.35pm
RIVERLEA WATERS
184 Nerang-Beaudesert Rd
3.40pm
BILLABIRRA CRESCENT
Nerang
3.45pm
PRICE STREET
Near Nerang Cinemas
3.55pm
ASHMORE
Bus Stop near 146 Currumburra Road
4.10pm
PARKWOOD
Clock Tower, Olsen Avenue
4.12pm
HARBOUR TOWN
Shopping Centre
4.20pm
RUNAWAY BAY
360 Oxley Drive (bus stop after Lae Drive)
4.22pm
COOMBABAH PRIMARY
4.25pm
RUNAWAY BAY
100 Oxley Drive
4.32pm
HOPE ISLAND
1 Pendraat Parade (Village Market)
4.47pm
HELENSVALE STATION
Pick up / Drop off zone
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SOUTHERN BUS ROUTE In the morning, students are required to be at the Bus Stop at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. In the afternoons, please allow 10 minutes either side of anticipated arrival time (for unexpected traffic).
SOUTHERN BUS – MORNING Scheduled Time
BUS STOP
LOCATION
7.35am
BURLEIGH HOME SPACE
At the Harvey Norman Sign, cnr Santa Maria Crt & Bermuda St
7.45am
CLASSIC WAY
Burleigh Waters (behind Treetops Shopping Centre)
8.00am
MUDGEERABA
Cnr Mudgeeraba & Tallai Rds (soccer fields)
8.05am
HINKLER DRIVE
Worongary, opposite Ambulance Station
8.18am
ST BRIGIDS
Nerang
8.21am
YARRIMBAH DRIVE
Nerang
8.25am
Bus arrives at Silkwood
SOUTHERN BUS – AFTERNOON Scheduled Time 3.30pm
BUS STOP
LOCATION
Bus departs Silkwood
3.35pm
YARRIMBAH DRIVE
Nerang
3.40pm
ST BRIGIDS
Nerang
3.45pm
WILLIAM DUNCAN PRIMARY
Nerang
3.50pm
HINKLER DRIVE
La Vintage Boutique Café (near Explorers Way)
3.55pm
WORONGARY AMBULANCE STATION
Hinkler Drive
4.00pm
MUDGEERABA
Cnr Mudgeeraba & Tallai Rds (Historical Village)
4.11pm
REEDY CREEK Originally known as Casua Street Stop
Reedy Creek Road Bus Stop (just past Ambassador Drive)
4.15pm
MATTOCKS ROAD
Cnr Mattocks Rd & Lynmuller Lane
4.18pm
CHRISTINE CORNER
Bus stop, cnr Bermuda Street & Christine Ave
4.22pm
179 CHRISTINE AVE
@ Caningeraba Primary School
4.34pm
MERMAID BEACH
2554 Gold Coast Highway (near Bob Jane T-Mart)
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SCHOOL BUS APPLICATION FORM – 2016 This is an application only and does not guarantee a bus booking, the school will confirm your booking in writing. Please submit this form to the School Office -
[email protected]
BOOKING TYPE
PERMANENT
CASUAL
Name (Parent/Guardian): ___________________________________________ Home Phone: ___________________________ Residential Address: _______________________________________________
Mobile: ___________________________
________________________________________________________________
Work Phone: ___________________________
Please list details of bus passengers and the service/ days you require. Refunds will not be given for unused bus trips.
MORNING SERVICE
COMMENCEMENT DATE: _____________________
STUDENT NAME
YEAR LEVEL
BUS SERVICE
BUS STOP
M
T
Example: Joe Bloggs
Year 3
Northern
Coombabah Primary
AFTERNOON SERVICE STUDENT NAME
T
F
COMMENCEMENT DATE: _____________________ YEAR LEVEL
BUS SERVICE
BUS STOP
M
I give permission for my child/ren to walk home independently from the bus stop
W
T
YES
W
T
F
NO
I give the school my consent to have a staff member sign my child in and out of the school classroom to use the bus service on the above-mentioned day/s. I agree to the school allowing my child to leave school on the bus in the afternoon. I have read the QLD Transport Code of Conduct (www.tmr.qld.gov.au/buscode), Silkwood’s Conditions of Bus Travel and the Code of Conduct for Students and have discussed these requirements with my child/ren. I have read and agree to abide by the Parent Responsibilities as outlined in the School’s Bus Policy.
Signed (Parent/Guardian): _________________________________________________
Date: ______________________
Permanent bookings are for whole school term, for students using the bus on a weekly basis. The School requires two weeks’ notice for any changes to permanent bus booking. In lieu of notice you may be charged two weeks’ bus fees. Casual bookings are for students using the bus on a fortnightly basis or occasional trips. The school requires 24 hours’ notice for casual bus bookings. Bookings are subject to availability; preference will be given to students using the service on a permanent weekly basis. Permanent bus bookings are charged to parents at the start of term and must be paid in full within the first two weeks of term, unless a payment plan has been entered into. Casual bus bookings are charged to parents weekly and due on receipt of invoice. Late fees, as per school fee policy, apply for any fees in breach of payment conditions.
