Author Archives: sarahwharfebluestarconz

Child Safety at Bus Stops

Today is Day 2 of the new bus route. Thanks for your cooperation to make it run smoothly. The changes have highlighted the need for better child safety at bus stops.

Wait for the bus to depart before crossing the road
With the new route some bus stops have moved across the road. Some children don’t yet know how to cross the road safely. They must stand well clear of the bus and wait for the bus to depart before crossing the road. We strongly recommend that parents take time this week to show their kids how to wait and cross safely at their bus stop.

Parents are responsible for their child’s safety at the bus stop
Ideally parents should be waiting with their younger children at the bus stop in the morning, and waiting at the bus stop for their children in the afternoon. Some parents are happy for their children to cross the road and walk home alone, and some parents run late to meet the bus. Parents are responsible for their child’s safety at the bus stop.

Grace James Rd bus stop procedure
The Grace James bus stop has moved to the farm side of the road where there is no footpath. A large number of children use this stop. They should wait on the footpath outside 8A in the morning. When the bus stops opposite, the kids are to cross the road behind the bus in single file. In the afternoon the kids need to stand on the grass well clear of the bus and wait for it to depart before crossing to the footpath side.

The School Bus Route Review meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 2nd December 7pm at school. Please mark the date in your calendar. This is your opportunity to give feedback on the bus route for 2015.

Reminder New Bus Route Starting Term 2

A new school bus route will take effect from Monday 5th April, the first day of Term Two. Click here to view the new bus route map and timetable.

The new bus route runs in a figure 8 loop that accommodates all existing bus users and will enable more families to use the bus. Importantly it also addresses bus stop safety concerns that had arisen due to our larger-size bus. The same route will be followed both morning and afternoon.

Thank you to those parents who contributed to the bus route planning via the bus website and registration forms, and special thanks to those parents who participated in the bus route meetings. This new bus route will be used at least through to the end of this year. It will be reviewed in December and we’ll welcome your feedback at that time.

Bus stop times have changed
The bus will be turning left out of school and heading first to the north. This means the majority of bus stop times have changed. Current bus users please refer to the timetable for your new bus stop times. In some cases a bus stop may have moved to the opposite side of the road.

If you are not currently using the school bus please take a look at the new route. You might find the bus is now serving your area and you can avoid the hassle of trying to find a park outside school. To start using the bus please complete the registration form.

Valley Road bus stop has moved. New ‘Town Stop’ with plenty of parking.
The bus will no longer be turning right at the Valley Road dairy. The Valley Road stop is moving to opposite #68 Valley Road for families on foot. In addition there is a new convenient ‘town stop’ at the Family Christian Centre carpark on Belgium Road. It has plenty of parking and a safe area for kids to wait. Thanks to the generosity of the Family Christian Centre for allowing us to use their carpark.

Allow 20 metres at your bus stop
We have a large school bus and it’s important that you allow at least 20 metres parking distance to enable the bus to pull up curbside and pull out. The bus is delayed when parents park too close to the bus stops.

Be visible at your gate
Please make sure your children are visible at your gate in the mornings so the bus driver knows well in advance to stop.

If you have questions about the bus route please email sallyjgrey@gmail.com or call me 0212391244.

Starring Role for Farmer Jock Bus at V8s

Our new-look Farmer Jock school bus is starring as the Shoppers Shuttle at the V8s event. You’ll see it today again shuttling back and forth from the racetrack to Devon Lane. Click here to see the V8 event flyer promoting our school bus.

Below are some photos of our new-look Farmer Jock Bus. The bus makeover was funded through advertising and sponsorship. Special thank you to our major sponsor Searle Group.

Bus Bash Raised $18,000 & Great Fun

The Bus Bash was a terrific success. Fun was had by all and we raised close to $18,000. Incredible!

The Bus Society would like to thank our generous supporters and sponsors who made the night so successful:

Richard Valentine from Bayleys Real Estate
Nikau Caves
Oceania Helicopters
Pure Indulgence
Paul Manuell Racing
The Henshaw family
The Burr Family
Ice Watches
The Wharfe family
Vector and Louise Cox
Angela Vink – Doppel
Core Pilates
TrailLite
Preview Clothing
The Food Truck Garage
Franklin Catering
Richard Shaw and Evinrude
Split Second
Ina Murphy of Barfoots Real Estate
Lynda Hallinan
Hair by Donna and L’Oreal
Silver Fern Marquees
Nga Tarawa Wines
Allen Calendars

Spectacular Bus Bash Auctions

Thanks to the generosity of school families and local businesses we have an exciting line-up of auctions on the night, with all proceeds going to Pukekohe East School.

New Evinrude 3hp boat motor valued at over $2,000 donated by Richard Shaw and BRP Evinrude.
Jump in the drivers seat and discover New Zealand at your own pace with a five-day motorhome holiday donated by the Newman family at TrailLite.
Garden tour of Linda Hallinan’s garden in Hunua with Devonshire tea for 10 people.
Oceania Helicopter flight to Pukekohe Park Raceway for Hot Laps with Paul Manuell for five people valued at over $2500. Priceless; flying to the race track for a Hot Lap has never been done before.
Treat yourself to Pure Indulgence packages donated by Megan van Lieshout.
Nikau Caves pass, L’Oreal hair care package, Foodtruck restaurant voucher & more…