Jump onboard the Walking School Bus - parent volunteers needed!

We would love to invite new and seasoned parents and caregivers aboard the wonderful Waka Waewae, Westmere School’s Walking School Bus. The Walking School Bus is a fantastic alternative form of transport run by volunteer parents and caregivers and supported by Auckland Transport and the School. Each school day a group of children walk to and from school along a designated route, under the supervision of the adult volunteers. Children are ‘picked up’ and ‘dropped off’ at specific walking school bus ‘bus stops’. The current route starts at the Garnet Rd shops and continues up Garnet Rd to School and the reverse in the afternoon. Children can be picked up or dropped off anywhere along the route.

The Walking School Bus is a great way to reduce the number of cars on the road, making our environment safer and cleaner, and they provide exercise for kids in a fun and social way. The children love meeting up and talking to their friends (or meeting new ones) as they walk to and from school. It is also great for giving the children a sense of independence.

As a volunteer, you gain a lot of free time when you do not need to drop off or pick up your children every day (or find a carpark!). While you are expected to drive the bus, you are generally only expected to do one session a week. It is also a great way of getting to know other families in the neighbourhood.

If you would like your child(ren) to join the Westmere Waka Waewae, there is a consent form available on our website or from the school office. For more information you can also contact the parent co-ordinator, Lucy Farrugia - 021 311 030 or lucyafarrugia@gmail.com.