John Palmer Public School located at The Ponds is the latest school to join Landcom’s innovative environmentally friendly “Walking School Bus” program.
The Walking School Bus initiative comprises people rather than a motorized metal box and is a group of children, parents and volunteers who are “the bus” - their feet are “the wheels” their eyes are “the windows” and their legs are “the engine”.
Over 28 children, parents and volunteers from John Palmer Public School are already participating in the program, with two buses running in the North West’s newest suburb The Ponds. Bus routes start at Whitewood Crescent and Braemont Avenue.
“Walking School Bus promotes healthy travel choices for students and offers significant benefits to both the children and community. It is safe, and non-polluting and a convenient alternative for children travelling to and from school,” said Stuart Gibb, Community Development Manager for Landcom.
“Landcom first introduced the initiative in 2007 at Parklea Public School. As a direct result of its success, Baulkham Hills Shire Council has agreed to implement the program in eight of its local schools. The Ponds is Landcom’s second program.”
“It is a valuable community initiative that gives children the opportunity to learn good road sense and safety precautions and gives children a sense of independence while also being part of a team,” he added.
Landcom has partnered with Connections Community Development to implement its program at The Ponds.
Warren Weir, Director of Connections Community Development continued, “Walking School Bus is running very well in The Ponds with new friendships already being formed by children and parents taking part.”
“The whole school and community strongly support the initiative and John Palmer Public School has included the program as part of its foundation school travel plan.”
For further information about participating in Walking School Bus contact Moira at Connections Community Development on 02 8824 8967.
When complete, the 390 hectare master-planned community at The Ponds which is being developed by Landcom and Australand will comprise over 3 000 homes.
For further information on The Ponds call 9629 1212 or visit the Sales and Display Centre on Riverbank Drive. The Ponds is open daily from 10am to 5pm or click on www.theponds.com.au
Media contact: Natasha McGuire, Red Leopard Media, Phone: 02 9328 4248 or 0400 090 553.
GO BACK