School is back this week for Central students: it’s time to try on uniforms, buy stationery, find the lunchboxes and figure out a safe route to school. 

Road safety is also important for whānau and communities as the routines of school drop off and pick up, getting to work, and after school activities return. 

The first day of school varies at Central schools.

Cromwell College and Dunstan High School will both have full attendance on February 1 and Maniototo Area School on January 31.

Many of the districts primary schools start back mid-week.

The Terrace School, Alexandra Primary School, Clyde School, Omakau School, and St John’s School students are back on Wednesday.

Whānau connect conferences are on offer at some schools, where students and parents meet for about 15 minutes prior to school starting, to learn about what is planned for the year and set goals.  

Roxburgh Area School, St Gerards School both start the following day on February 1. 

It will be a gentle return for students, with a short four day week to follow, as Waitangi Day is on Tuesday, February 6.

Drivers and parents can view road closures that may affect routes to work and school on the Temporary Road Closures page of the Central Otago District Council (CODC) website.

National road policing centre director superintendent Steve Greally said our childrens’ safety around schools is a responsibility that all of us play a vital role in.

“It can often be overlooked, but reminding . . . our kids to check for vehicles by looking left and right and encouraging them to use the marked school crossings are important to keep them safe,” Steve said.

“We never want to see or hear of any unfortunate events that involve young people in and around schools, which is why it’s crucial for parents to pass on these valuable safety tips.”

Police would also like to remind parents of the risks around schools and being attentive as children can often be unpredictable and appear out of nowhere.

Allowing for plenty of time for school drop offs can help with giving the road your full attention. 

Often drop off zones can be crowded prior to and after school, so a meeting point further down the road can be a safer option and avoid congestion around the area.

Drivers need to be aware the speed limit is 20 km/h when driving past a stationary school bus, and below 30 km/h when passing schools.

Find Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) resources on back to school safety here.