Saving worms, the occasional race and counting the number of dogs, cats and even dinosaurs are key goals of Sooke's new walking school bus (WSB), which aims to bring a little magic to the journey to school.
The program debuted on the chilly morning of Feb. 12 as a group of Poirier Elementary School children gathered to begin their journey to school.
“While launching this initiative during near zero temperatures might not be ideal, the enthusiasm and dedication from our students, parents, and volunteers speak volumes about the community’s commitment to making this a success,” said Sooke’s manager of communications and community relations Christina Moog.
“Seeing such positive energy despite the cold is a testament to what’s to come. This program will not only support active transportation but also foster connections that will benefit our children and our community as a whole.”
The WSB is a pilot initiative meant to provide a safe, active and fun way for students to get to and from school. The district hopes the program will have a practical effect, fostering community and reducing traffic congestion along the ever-busy Highway 14.
Program coordinator Emma Barrett says that so far everything is going fantastically.
“We’re so happy for our walk leaders, the kids are all amazing, we’ve had no incidents so far, It’s the best,” said Barrett.
“It’s really great being on the ground, I worked in childcare before this and this is what makes it so good.”
Barrett says there are three walking school buses throughout Greater Victoria and they hope to expand the program to schools up-Island as well. So far, the program seems to be a success, with Barrett saying the response from school staff has been “awesome.”
“We’re here because interest has been shown, which is so great. They’re interested in an initiative like this because they see the need – schools are super congested,” said Barrett.
“There are environmental benefits but also reducing school congestion and trying to make that safer zone safer, I've not been to a school where I thought, 'Oh, this seems safe all the time'.”
Each school day the group of kids will now be able to walk the 1.7-km journey to school together, led by responsible and trained walk leaders. The WSB has four designated stops on the route to and from Poirer Elementary.
Like a regular yellow school bus, the program includes students from all grades, helping to bring the community within schools together.
The program is funded by the province and delivered by the Society for Children and Youth of BC (SCY). During the 2023-2024 school year, the program operated in nine elementary schools across B.C., with more than 130 students involved. SCY says the program has prevented three tons of GHG emissions so far and hope to continue to expand the program in the coming years.
Currently, the Sooke walking school bus is capped at 10 kids, as the SCY looks for more volunteers to join as walk leaders.
"The goal is for this free program to be community-involved and supported," said Barrett.
"The initiative doesn't work without volunteers both from within the school community and/or outside of it, and as with all volunteering organizations we are struggling to find folks who are consistently available for one walk shift a week."
More information on the WSB program including how to volunteer can be found at their website.
