August 16, 2010 – As the first day of school approaches, the Halton School Bus Safety Committee is moving into high gear to assist parents and first-time riders in understanding the importance of school bus safety.

The committee, with representatives from Halton Student Transportation Services and all bus operators in Halton, is hosting its annual “School Bus Orientation Day” on Saturday, August 28, 2010, starting at 9 a.m.

Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the free sessions, which will feature a classroom presentation on school bus safety, including a special Winnie-the-Pooh video and a demonstration on a school bus. School bus company safety officers and bus drivers will talk to the children about safely getting on and off of the bus, proper behaviour on a school bus, crossing the street to get to a waiting bus and overall school bus safety.

In addition, a tip sheet on school bus safety, entitled, “Think! Think! Think Safety!”, will be distributed. The committee hopes that the orientation sessions will help students and their parents feel more comfortable with the idea of riding a school bus.

The sessions are being held at the following six locations throughout Halton. (NOTE: To register students for a preferred time slot, parents should call the host bus company at the phone number listed next to the desired location):

Burlington North
Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
905-335-7010 (First Student)

Burlington South
Nelson High School
905-333-4047 (Attridge Transportation)

Oakville
Loyola Catholic Secondary School
905-829-2040 (Stock Transportation)

Acton
Acton District High School
519-853-1550 (Tyler Transport Ltd.)
Christ the King Catholic Secondary School
905-877-2251 (First Student)

Milton
Bishop Reding Catholic Secondary School
905-877-2251 (First Student)

For additional information, please contact:
     Karen Lacroix, General Manager
     Halton Student Transportation Services
     1-888-803-8660, ext. 259