Back to School Safety + Hiring Crossing Guards

It’s back to school time, and motorists are advised to take extra care and caution, particularly in school zones. School Zone traffic congestion is a significant safety hazard for school children throughout the City, especially during the first few weeks as routines are established.
 
And, as congestion increases, it becomes more difficult for parents and children to see one another.
 
Wilf Hunt is one of the City’s trained and experienced Crossing Guards. He recognizes that, especially at the start of the year, children are not as attentive and we would want them to be when crossing the street. “It is extremely important for motorists to watch their speed and pay attention to signs posted in a school zone,” said Hunt. “Parents should remind their kids to pay attention to crossing guard instruction at all times and ensure drivers see them before crossing.”
 
For motorists, extra care and caution while driving in a school zone is also important.
 
Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on all City streets is 50 km/hr. All crosswalks are signed and identified by 'zebra markings', and there is a double yellow line which indicates a no passing zone on the approach to the crosswalk. Exceeding the speed limit or passing on the approach to a crosswalk may mean that you will be unable to stop should a child suddenly dart onto the road.
 
How you can contribute to school zone safety?

• Remind children: to wait back from the curb until instructed to cross; to always cross at crosswalks, stop signs, or traffic signals; and to walk briskly but don’t run.
• Use designated drop off areas: Ensure children leave the vehicle promptly and never park or leave vehicles in the drop off area.
• Obey all traffic and parking signs and by-laws: Vehicles are not permitted to stop or park within 6 meters of a crosswalk and at some schools this area is extended for increased visibility and safety.
• Obey crossing guards and yield to pedestrians on crosswalks: Always be prepared to stop at a crosswalk.
• Park and walk: Park your car some distance beyond the congested area and walk to meet your child.
• Car pool: Share the driving with other parents to lessen congestion around the school and make it safer for all children.
• Get involved: Contact your child’s school to discuss what you can do to help make your school a safer place.

We're currently hiring Crossing Guards for casual, seasonal work during the 2015-2016 school year at schools Bishop Abraham, Bishop Feild, Lakecrest (dismissal time), St. Andrews, St. John Bosco, St. Teresa's and Waterford Valley. The deadline to apply is 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 and the complete job duties and requirements, including how to apply, is found on our website.