Stroll up for school’s new bus

A HUMAN bus is the latest mode of transport at Pakenham Springs Primary School.
The school’s walking school bus, launched yesterday (Wednesday), will leave each morning from the corner of McKellar Street and Livingstone Boulevard at 8.30am.
The “bus” travels along a set route to or from school, picking up or dropping off children along the way at designated stops.
Cardinia Shire Council’s walking school bus officer, Kate Beveridge, said it was great to see another walking school bus operating in the shire.
“The aim of a walking school bus is to encourage children to get to school actively in a safe manner,” she said.
“A walking school bus is a school bus powered not by an engine but by legs.
“The children walk in a group to school with an adult driver at the front.”
Students participating in the new walking school bus were given a certificate by Cardinia Shire Central Ward councillor Kate Lempriere at yesterday’s launch.
Cr Lempriere said it was great to see so many children keen to get on the bus.
“The kids really enjoyed it,” she said.
Cr Lempriere said the only difficulty was getting enough parents to drive them.
“They need more volunteer parents,” she said.
“I know that a lot of parents have to work but surely there are some mums and dads home that could do it.”
A walking school bus mascot was also at the event which featured special giveaways.
Pakenham Springs Primary school principal Colin Sloper said it was great to see the “bus” finally hit the footpath and was looking forward to the launch of a second bus in the near future.
“It’s great to see all the hard work in getting the walking school bus off the ground has paid off,” he said.