We have experienced some issues with road safety before and after school.

Last week, on two occasions, tamariki crossed Te Korari Street without using the school crossing during peak traffic. This left drivers in distress when they had to stop quickly to prevent accidentally hitting these students.

Today, all teachers talked to their students about not crossing the road near the car park exit or North of the Korimako block before or after school. All students and whānau should be using the school road crossing in peak traffic periods before and after school. We are asking our community to reinforce the same expectations and go over road safety with tamariki.

We have also been made aware of continued danger using the traffic lights at the corner of Preston's Road and Te Korari Street. Please talk to your tamariki about making sure they are using the pedestrian crossing and that they are waiting until cars stop, before crossing the road. We are aware that many tamariki are using the cycle crossing, which puts them at risk of not being seen. We continue to discuss issues with these traffic lights with the Christchurch City Council and they are looking at changes, but in the meantime, we need tamariki to learn to be safe and whānau to reinforce safe practices.

We have gathered some information to support considerations around safety and how tamariki get to and from school.

The New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) suggests, "Always ride with your child if they're under 10 and then continue until you're sure they have the skills and confidence to ride in traffic. Encourage your children to undertake cycle skills training so they are prepared to ride on the road."

Brake is a New Zealand organisation that supports road safety for tamariki. They indicate that parents and whānau should consider:

• Using school safety crossings if you have to cross the road. Too often, cars can be parked further down from the crossing, and parents watch their child/ren run across the road.

• Preventing younger children from running ahead. Hold hands, or if pushing a buggy/pram, encourage younger children to hold on to it.

• Going over a safe route for your tamariki if they walk or are on a bike or scooter and make sure they have a correctly fitted helmet and hi-vis vest. Brake also supports that tamariki should also be at least 10 years of age and have completed and passed our Year 6 Cycle Safety programme, if biking without an adult.

• For adults, please drive at the 40 km/hr speed limit where posted in the local area. Always be extra cautious between the hours of 8:00am - 9:00 am and 2:45- 3:15 pm.

This is a timely reminder to go over expectations and review travel plans for your tamariki. 

As always, we thank you for your support.  We would love all of our students to arrive at school and home again safely. 

Information is sourced from: https://www.brake.org.nz/info-resources/advice-for-families