THE start of the 2019 school year was met with an increased presence of Limestone Coast police patrols around school zones yesterday in a road safety crackdown as hundreds of children returned to the classroom.
Mount Gambier Limestone Coast Police senior sergeant Chris King said police would keep a close-eye on school safety zones this week with a staggered start to the school year across the district’s educational facilities.
Snr Sgt King called for motorists to slow down to 25kph in school zones, obey parking rules, have patience and follow general school safety rules.
Limestone Coast education director Adam Box said enrolment numbers within the region’s public education sector continue to rise as the future generation kick-started the school year.
Mr Box noted particularly high numbers of children in kindergartens, along with a distinct rise both primary and secondary school numbers.
Looking ahead, Mr Box said there would be a continual focus on literacy and numeracy aspects throughout the public education sector.
“When children leave high school a clear-understanding of both numeracy and literacy skills are needed in everyday life,” he said.
“These capabilities are essential learning blocks.
“Although, with this is mind, we have seen some education facilities are also focusing on different goals based on context.”
Mr Box said science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) focuses and some entrepreneurial strategies were among trends seen in the system.
He also confirmed a mooted revamp of the state’s public education system would not affect the Limestone Coast at this stage.
Among the proposed changes is the restructure of the Year 7 curriculum which would integrate the year level into the secondary school system.
However, Mr Box said there were no trials planned in the Limestone Coast in 2019.
With the summer holiday break now over, Mulga Street Primary School principal Mardi McClintock said the most important thing parents and caregivers can do is implement a routine for their child.
“Whether they are attending school for the first time or are returning, children need to get into a routine as soon as possible,” she said.
“Sleep hygiene, a healthy diet and sustainable exercise are all absolutely vital for learning.”
Ms McClintock also urged parents and carers to use designated crossing points.
“Even though we like to think all people are driving safely
around schools, the reality is they do not,” she said.
“Little people will often dart out and drivers will not see them.
“If parents are going to drop their children off they need to park their car in a designated car park and walk their children to the school entrance.”
Ms McClintock said all community members needed to be aware of the school safety zone whether they have a school-aged child or not.
“Every child who starts school today is on a learning journey and it is really important parents come along on that journey as well,” Ms Clintock told The Border Watch yesterday.
“School has changed a lot since they went to school and I would encourage parents to meet and become apart of your child’s school community.”
