All Aboard! Getting Ready for the School Bus
Before the first day, families are encouraged to visit the Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario (STEO) (www.steo.ca) or (Parent Portal – Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario) website to confirm transportation arrangements, including your child's bus route, stop location, and pick-up and drop-off times.
Additional information for Kinders and First Time Riders can be found at - Kindergarten Transportation Information Newsletter and Handout – Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario
Transportation information can change during the busy back-to-school period, so please check again as we get closer to the first day of school.
Is This Your Child's First Bus Ride?
Riding the school bus for the first time is a BIG adventure—especially for our youngest Dragons!
Before the first day, spend a few minutes talking with your child about what their bus ride will look like. Knowing what to expect can make that first morning feel much more comfortable.
A few things to practise and talk about together:
-
Know where your child's bus stop is and walk the route together before the first day.
-
Plan to arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.
-
Wait safely away from the roadway until the bus has stopped.
-
When boarding, walk—don't run—and use the handrail.
-
Find a seat promptly and remain seated, facing forward, during the ride.
-
Keep backpacks and belongings safely out of the aisle.
-
Listen carefully to the bus driver and follow their directions.
-
When crossing in front of a bus, always wait for the driver's signal and continue watching carefully for traffic.
-
Remind your child that if they drop something near the bus, they should never go back for it themselves—tell the driver or another adult.
Most importantly, reassure first-time riders that there will be adults helping them along the way. A little preparation beforehand can turn those first-day butterflies into excitement!
Stay Connected with STEO
STEO's website is the best place for up-to-date student transportation information. Families can use the Parent Portal (Parent Portal – Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario) to check transportation information and subscribe to notifications. STEO also offers a free app for transportation delays and cancellations.
Before school starts, take a moment to check your child's transportation information and make sure you're ready to roll!
Safe travels, Dragons—we'll be waiting to welcome you at Iona!