Transportation
St. Mary Catholic Elementary School is committed to providing a safe environment on all school buses and school transportation vehicles. As a parent/guardian, it is recommended that you know your child's school bus route number and know the name of the bus company operating the route.
Please ensure that your child is at the school bus stop 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time of the bus.
Select topics below to learn more about buses and skateboards, bikes, scooters and roller blades on school property.
Bus Schedules
The buses arrive at our school between 8:30 and 8:40 a.m. and leave at 3:30 p.m. each day.
Eligible Distances for Transportation
Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) oversees transportation for students within our school.
Students in grades JK to 3 are provided transportation if their primary residence is more than 1.0 kilometre from the school by direct route, a publicly maintained road or walkway.
Students in grades 4 to 8 are provided transportation if their primary residence is more than 1.6 kilometres from the school by direct route, a publicly maintained road or walkway.
Bus stop locations are no more than 1.0 kilometre away from a student's primary residence.
What parents need to know "Before Bus Arrives and After Drop-Off" and "Student Transportation Guide" can be located on the TLDSB transportation information page at www.mybustoschool.ca
For students that are ineligible for transportation, parents/guardians are responsible for bringing students to and from school, and dropping them off at bus stops prior to pick-up and drop-off (if required).
For more information on new Kindergarten students, please contact the school at 705-324-3113.
Bus Cancellations
Listen to your local radio station or visit the Trillium Lakelands District School Board website at www.mybustoschool.ca for bus delays or cancellations. Remember that if a bus is cancelled in the morning, it will not run in the afternoon.
Rules of Conduct on School Buses
Riding on a school bus is a privilege, not a right. Students are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct on all school buses and school transport vehicles. These rules apply whether students are travelling to school, to a school-related event, or on a field trip. The rules of conduct are set standards of behavior that ensure the safety of all students, and are the basis for the Student Behaviour Report Form used for inappropriate conduct.
A student guilty of misconduct may lose his/her privilege of riding the bus. Restoration of the privilege is at the discretion of the principal after consultation with the student, his/her parent or guardian and where necessary, the school superintendent.
Video Camera & Digital Video Recording Devices on Buses
School buses are equipped with video cameras and digital video recording devices to assist bus drivers and staff with dealing with misconduct on buses. Appeal of Suspension or Recommendation for Expulsion hearings may use video footage obtained on buses. You can read the Board's Transportation Policy (Policy #1000)for additional details.
Skateboards, Scooters, Roller Blades & Bicycles
To ensure the safety of students, all skateboards, scooters, roller blades, and bicycles must be walked on and off of school property. Please support the school in providing a safe environment for all.
Helpful Transportation Links
PVNC Catholic District School Board's Transportation Guidelines
Prayer to St. Christopher while Travelling
Dear Saint Christopher,
Protect us today in all our travels along the road’s way.
Give your warning sign if danger is near, so that we may stop while the path is clear.
Be at our windows and direct us through, when the vision blurs from out of the blue.
Carry us safely, to our destined place, like you carried Christ in your close embrace.
Amen.