Across Manitoba young people are returning to school after their summer break. While this is an exciting time for many students, it is often a return to a more routine schedule and a reminder that we need to do our part to ensure our kids get to and from school safely.
Just as we rely on our school bus drivers to operate their vehicles safely, they count on the rest of the drivers on the road to make sure kids getting on and off of the bus are doing so safely. Drivers need to be alert and to stop for school buses that have their flashing lights on or their “stop” signs extended as they load or unload students. In Manitoba, if you are convicted of passing a stopped school bus that has its stop arm(s) extended and red loading lights flashing, you could face a fine of more than $600 and demerits on your driver’s license.
Also, in schools zones in Winnipeg the speed limit is dropping to 30 km per hour. Many municipalities had already put in the lower speed limit but regardless of where you live it is a reminder to slow down when you are going through school zones. Already there has been increased enforcement to ensure that motorists get the message that we need to slow down in school zones. Remember to watch for school buses and to slow down around schools and let’s make sure our kids get to and from school safely.
For many students in the Hanover School Division and across the province the new school year will mean changes. They may be moving into a new school as they enter a higher grade. These changes can often cause some anxiety but we are fortunate to have within the Hanover School Division professional teachers and dedicated staff who help to make these transitions easier on students.
The Hanover School Division will also be opening the expanded Steinbach Regional Secondary School. The SRSS, which already seemed like a large school when I was attending it many years ago, will be growing significantly. The credit for this expansion goes to the residents of the region who have not only advocated for more school space, but who pay the cost through the economic activity and growth of the region. Congratulations to each of our residents for making this project happen.
There are also many parents in Manitoba and the southeast region who choose to homeschool their children. The decision to homeschool is made for many different reasons and is an important right for parents to have in our country and one I believe needs to be protected. I wish those students and parents who are choosing to homeschool a successful academic year as well.
To each of our students we wish you a safe and rewarding school year and to the teachers and staff working in our schools, thank you for ensuring the future of our province is bright.
