Head of Primary News 2026 Term 1 Week 6
By Sarah Stokes, Head of Primary
Keeping Our BDC Community Safe
At Bishop Druitt College, the safety and wellbeing of our students are at the heart of everything we do. As we move through the term, we want to ensure that the "afternoon rush" remains a safe, calm, and positive experience for our primary students.
To help us keep every child safe, we ask all families to keep the following road safety and communication guidelines in mind.
Safety in the Drop-off and Pick-up Zone
Our designated zones are designed to keep traffic flowing and, most importantly, keep children away from moving vehicles. To help us:
- The Safety Door Rule: Please ensure students always enter and exit your vehicle via the "Safety Door", the rear door on the kerb side, away from passing traffic.
- Stay in Your Vehicle: To keep the line moving, drivers should remain in their cars. If your child needs help with a seatbelt or a heavy bag, please park in a legal parking bay and walk to the designated meeting point.
- Display Your Name Clearly: Having your family name sign visible on your visor or dashboard helps our staff identify you quickly, significantly speeding up the process for everyone.
- No U-Turns: Please avoid dangerous manoeuvres like U-turns or three-point turns in the school zone. These create blind spots that put our smaller pedestrians at risk.
Crossing with Care
Teaching our students to be "Road Ready" is a team effort. When walking with your child:
- Use the crossing: Until at least the age of 10, children should hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road. Please meet students on the school grounds and walk with them across the road.
- Stop, Look, Listen, Think: Reinforce these four steps every time you cross. Even at our supervised crossings, it is vital that students wait for the supervisor's signal before stepping onto the road.
- Avoid the "Call Over": Please never call your child to cross the road from the other side. Excited children often forget to look for cars when they see their parents.
Communication is Key: Home Arrangements
A major part of our safeguarding measures is ensuring every child knows exactly where they are going at the end of the day. Confusion can lead to distress and unsafe situations.
- Talk it Through: Ensure your child knows their afternoon plan before they arrive at school (e.g., "Today you are going to After School Care" or "I am picking you up at the parent pick up").
- Notify the Office: We understand that plans can change unexpectedly. If your home arrangements change during the day, please contact the School Office as early as possible. This allows us to get a message to the classroom teacher and ensure your child is in the right place at the right time.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
At BDC, safeguarding is more than just a policy; it is part of "The BDC Way." Our measures include:
- Supervised Transitions: Staff members are on duty at all major exit points, bus bays, and pick-up zones to guide students safely.
- Staff Training: Our team is regularly updated on child protection and emergency procedures to ensure a secure environment.
- Visitor Management: All visitors on campus must sign in at Student Services to ensure we know who is on-site at all times.
Thank you for your continued cooperation in keeping our campus safe. By following these small steps, we ensure that every student finishes their day with a smile and a safe trip home.
As we all gather and stand upon Country, may we acknowledge and respect Gumbaynggirr Land and the thousands of years’ worth of both physical and spiritual connection to Country, culture and teachings embedded forever within these Lands.