Following our communication earlier this term, we would like to provide a further reminder about safe practices when dropping off and collecting students. The safety and wellbeing of our students, families and staff is our highest priority, and we appreciate your continued support in keeping these busy areas safe and efficient.
We ask all families to review the following information and discuss it with their children in preparation for Term 4.

What the College has in place:

•    Clearly marked speed limits, directional signage and road markings.
•    Staff supervision during peak arrival and departure times.
•    Regular reminders for students regarding road safety through Home Room across all year levels.
•    Ongoing review of traffic-management procedures to ensure pick-up and drop-off areas remain as safe as possible.

What we require parents and carers to do:

•    Use the designated pick-up and drop-off zones around the perimeter of the College, including Hawthorne Road and Virginia Avenue.
•    These areas operate as flowing taxi ranks. Please move forward as space becomes available and remain alert to vehicles and students moving around you.
•    For Junior School students, use the designated pick-up and drop-off zone in front of the Junior School between 7.45 am and 9.00 am, and between 2.45 pm and 3.40 pm.
•    Please note that the drop-off zone at the Big Tree is available only before 7.00 am and after 4.30 pm. It must not be used between these times, as students use this area during the school day.
•    Remain vigilant, check blind spots and watch carefully for students moving around vehicles.
•    Follow all road rules, speed limits, signage and directions given by staff supervising the area.
•    Allow plenty of time and minimise distractions, including mobile phone use, loud music and other activities that divert attention from the road.
•    Do not change drivers while in a pick-up or drop-off zone.
•    Learner drivers must not use the Junior School pick-up and drop-off zone.
•    Where practical, delay collection by 15 minutes to avoid peak congestion. Student supervision is available until 3.40 pm each day.
•    Consider parking a short distance from the College and walking, while avoiding locations that require students to cross busy roads, particularly near the intersection of Virginia Avenue and Hawthorne Road.
•    For the safety of students, staff and visitors, do not use internal staff, visitor or other non-designated parking areas for student pick-up or drop-off.

Please remind your daughter to:

•    Enter and exit the vehicle from the passenger side, where possible, and only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
•    Place her school bag on the back seat, where possible, so it can be accessed safely and quickly.
•    Stay alert when walking through car parks and pick-up and drop-off areas.
•    Refrain from using a mobile phone or headphones while moving around vehicles.
•    Use designated crossings and always follow staff directions.
•    Be aware of her surroundings at bus stops and watch carefully for buses and other vehicles.

To provide families with further clarity, the College will issue a map in Term 4 showing the designated pick-up and drop-off zones and areas where student collection is not permitted.

As some members of our community may be aware, Brisbane City Council has proposed relocating and consolidating bus stops on Hawthorne Road outside the College. The College is working with Council to address the safety concerns regarding the proposal and will provide families with further information as it becomes available.

Thank you for your patience, cooperation and ongoing support. By working together and remaining attentive during the busiest times of the day, we can help keep our College community safe.