Carloop Safety Reminder

Dear Wildcat Families,

I hope you had a good day. We were deeply saddened to learn of a tragic incident that took place at our sister school, Somerset Losee, where an elementary student was struck and killed by a vehicle while walking to school. Our hearts go out to the family and school community affected by this devastating event, and we extend our sincerest condolences during this difficult time.

In light of this unfortunate incident, we would like to take a moment to emphasize the critical importance of adhering to all safety procedures during arrival and dismissal at our school. The safety of our students is our top priority, and we believe that together, we can prevent similar tragedies from occurring within our own community. These guidelines have been communicated numerous times. Unfortunately, we continue to have families not abiding by these guidelines. Last week’s incident prompts the need for a firm reminder we hope that families will realize the importance of safety. No amount of convenience or busy schedules are worth jeopardizing the safety of a student.

Upon dropping off (during designated drop off times) your students, we urge you to instruct them explicitly to proceed directly to the school premises without detouring to locations such as the gas station or the church while waiting for their friends.

Furthermore, we would like to emphasize the following safety guidelines for your attention:

1. Carloop Usage: Carloop is the safest way to go. We are currently in the process of speaking with someone at the church authorities to reinstall the necessary chains for this purpose.

2. Crosswalk Safety: Remind your students that they MUST use designated crosswalks and adhere to the directions provided by our crossing guards.

3. Maintain Safe Speed: Maintain a slow rate of speed in the surrounding area and carloop zones.

Our dedicated staff and security personnel are on-site daily, working diligently to ensure the safe arrival and departure of our students. However, it is not always possible to catch all rule-breakers, especially when some families choose to disregard safety measures when our staff is momentarily out of sight.

As we often remind our students, doing the right thing should not depend on whether someone is watching but should be driven by our commitment to safety and responsibility. Every family plays a crucial role in preventing tragic incidents like the one we witnessed last week. Your cooperation is vital in ensuring the safety of all our students.

Let us come together as a community to prioritize the well-being of our children. By following these safety guidelines consistently, we can create a secure environment where our students can thrive without unnecessary risks. Your support and commitment to these safety measures are greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Together, we can make our school a safer place for everyone.

Sincerely,

Principal Tiu