 Confederation Education Centre 1645 Woodroffe Avenue, Room 102, Nepean, Ontario K2G 1W2 Telephone: 613-224-8800 ext 2580 Fax: 613-224-8840 The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority manages student transportation services for the Ottawa Catholic and Ottawa-Carleton District School Boards. They contract individual bus companies to serve specific routes. To find out about the status of a late bus or to ask about a specific route, please call the bus company. Rockcliffe Park PS is served by two bus companies: Routes D26, D27, 25D – M.L. Bradley: 613-835-2488 Routes L50, L67, 67L – First Student, Cumberland Branch: 613-841-8600 Bus Stop FinderBus stop locations for routes serving RPPSMidday bus stop location for routes serving RPPSThe OSTA office will not be taking requests to add or change a route over the phone. Inquiries about school bus routes and/or requests for school bus stop changes should be sent to the email address for Rockcliffe Park PS's transport zone, Centre East: centre.east@ottawaschoolbus.caPlease include in the email:
Please note: when emailing the zone, it is NOT necessary to copy your email to the general email account, as it slows down the process when responding back. The OSTA office is no longer changing address information. All changes to your child's information (home address, caregiver address, etc) should be made at the school. A precis of the OCDSB's transportation policies, as they relate to parents and children:POLICY P.068.TRA: STUDENT TRANSPORTATION3.1 Student Transportation Entitlement a) The Board... will provide transportation for all OCDSB students in Grades JK-6 who are attending designated schools and who live the following distances from their schools:
(i) Junior and Senior Kindergarten 0.8 km or more
(ii) Grades 1-3 inclusive 1.6 km or more
(iii) Grades 4-6 inclusive 1.6 km or more
Parents may use a home address or the childcare address if the child is picked up and dropped off at this address and the address is within their designated school’s transportation boundaries.
(d) The Board... will provide transportation ... without applying a distance criterion for students who are attending a designated school and who are [physically or mentally challenged].
(f) Distances are measured by the shortest roadway or by municipal pathways and walkways....
(g) Where the walking conditions for students are judged to be hazardous and detrimental to the safety of students in Grades JK-3, [OSTA may] reduce these distances and grant exceptions to permit the provision of transportation. Special consideration may also be given to a reduction in the entitled distance for students in Grades 4 and above in areas deemed to be extremely hazardous to student safety; for example, where a student would need to cross four lanes of traffic, high traffic density routes, or a multi-lane highway where traffic/pedestrian controls are not present....
(h) Transportation service by school vehicle shall be provided to and from a pick-up and/or drop-off point that is consistent, five days a week. These points may be located up to 0.8 km (800 metres) walking distance from a student’s home or caregiver location. Pick-up and/or drop-off points shall be planned with consideration for student safety both in terms of location and in numbers of students assigned to a stop. Consideration may also be given to the ages of students when locating communal pick-up/drop-off points.
(i) An alternate bus pick-up or drop-off point may be arranged to accommodate a caregiver for an elementary student on a fixed day or days of the week, provided such alternate arrangements are consistent from week to week, are on the same bus, do not change the bus route, and are confirmed in writing by the parent.
The school Principal shall advise [OSTA] in writing of any such arrangements in order that transportation information can be accurately maintained.
(j) Students requiring transportation because of a medical condition may request assistance in all cases. A physician’s letter/medical certificate will be required outlining the transportation request and duration of the requirement. These requests are to be submitted through the school principal.... Consideration of financial need may apply in some circumstances.
(k) Elementary students (Grades JK-8) and secondary students (Grades 9-12) shall not be required to ride a school vehicle for a period longer than one hour unless the circumstances surrounding the provision of a student's transportation arrangement justify an exception to the one-hour travel time limit and the consent of [OSTA] is obtained.
(o) To ensure the safety of Junior and Senior Kindergarten students transported, school bus drivers shall not drop off these students unless someone identified by the parent/guardian is present at the stop to accompany the student home. Parents/guardians shall be notified of this requirement. If a parent/guardian cannot be present, transportation services may be forfeit.
3.2 Use of Public Transit(a) Public transit will be used ... for OCDSB students in Grades 5-12 where OC Transpo service is available and cost-effective. Grade 5 students will not be required to use public transit if any transfers are required. Grade 6 students will not be required to use public transit if more than one transfer is necessary.
(b) Students approved for OC Transpo use, will not be required to walk more than 1.0 km to or from their bus stop.
3.3 Access to Empty Seats on School VehiclesFor students who are not eligible for transportation..., empty seats (unallocated seats) shall be made available for assignment ... by [OSTA].... Empty seats may be withdrawn at any time if they are required for students who are eligible for transportation.
PROCEDURE PR.556.TRA: STUDENT TRANSPORTATION 4.1 Access to Empty Seats on School Vehicles (a) For students who are not eligible for transportation ..., empty seats (unallocated seats) will be made available .... Empty seats may be withdrawn at any time if they are required for students who are eligible for transportation, or due to operational requirements.
(b) School principals are authorized after 1 October to assign any empty seats to non-entitled students on buses serving their schools on the following conditions:
(i) the following criteria should be considered when allocating empty seats:
- distance from school (furthest to closest) and age (youngest first)
- grade level (first priority to Kindergarten students)
- siblings attending the same school
- child care needs
- compassionate grounds and special needs
- to attend regularly scheduled recreational/social interest activities; ....
(vi) the decision of [OSTA] with respect to the assignment of empty seats is final.
4.2 Routes(a) ....Where possible, bus routes will be planned to reduce the number of students having to cross in front of a school vehicle....
(b) Changes to school bus routes must be authorized by [OSTA].
4.3 Pick-Up/Drop-Off Points(a) Pick-up/drop-off points will be established by [OSTA] at a safe location.
(c) In general, transportation service will not be provided door to door. For special needs students, consideration will be given to a pick-up/drop-off location as close to, and as convenient as possible to, the student's residence or caregiver location. To ensure the safety of physically/emotionally and mentally handicapped students transported by the Board, contracted operators and their drivers will deliver each student into the care of a responsible adult....
(d) Parental requests for permanent changes in a student's before and/or after school address must be provided to school staff... in advance of the effective date of the requested change. Changes to student transportation services must be authorized by [OSTA].
(e) An alternate bus pick-up or drop-off point may be arranged to accommodate a caregiver for an elementary student on a fixed day or days of the week, provided such alternate arrangements are consistent from week to week, are on the same bus, do not alter the bus route, and are confirmed in writing by the parent/guardian. Approval for such services will be, subject to the approval of the principal, provided under procedures established by [OSTA].
(f) Emergency or other unforeseen situations concerning a change in drop-off point will be dealt with at the discretion of the principal. Occasional or emergency requests for a change in a student's drop-off point must be submitted by the parent/guardian in writing to the principal in advance and, where approved, notice provided to the carrier/driver....
4.4 School Bus Route Schedules
.... When the pick-up times have been established, drivers of school vehicles will not be required to wait for students at pick-up points beyond the regularly scheduled pick-up time. However, if the driver leaves the pick-up point before the regularly scheduled time, the carrier will be held responsible and may be required to assume the cost of any replacement transportation that may be necessary for students who have missed their bus.
4.5 Conduct At Bus Stops And On School Vehicles
Students must conduct themselves in a safe and appropriate manner at bus stops and on school vehicles. Where a student misbehaves while on a school bus or while waiting for the bus, Board Policy P.040.SCO and Procedure PR.530.SCO: Withdrawal of Transportation Privileges will apply. Furthermore, students may be suspended as per Board Policy P.020.SCO: Student Suspension or recommended for expulsion as per Board Policy P.026.SCO: Student Suspension/Investigation/Possible Expulsion. An expectation of appropriate behaviour is listed in 4.6 (a),(b) and (c).
4.6 Safe Behaviour On And Around School Buses
For their own protection, students must observe safety rules of conduct when on or around school vehicles. The following list is not intended to be a complete and final list of recommendations and rules....
(a) It is recommended that parents/guardians/caregivers encourage students:
(i) to recognize that a danger zone exists in the immediate vicinity of school vehicles;
(ii) to organize and adequately secure belongings before leaving home;
(iii) to arrive at their designated pick-up point 5 minutes prior to scheduled time;
(iv) to not abuse, damage or litter private property while waiting for a school bus;
(v) to wait in an orderly fashion well back from the road;
(vi) to wait until the school vehicle driver directs them to cross the road or board the vehicle;
(vii) that if it is not necessary to cross the street to board the bus, to line up in single file and when the bus is stopped, board it in an orderly fashion using the handrail;
(viii) that if it is necessary to cross the street, to look in both directions to make sure that it is safe to cross and wait for the driver’s signal. The student is to stay at least 8 to 10 paces in front of the bus when crossing and continue to check for oncoming traffic.
(b) On School Vehicles:
(i) students must walk directly to their seats and sit down;
(ii) students must remain seated until ready to leave the school vehicle;
(iii) students must refrain from smoking, eating and drinking on the school vehicle; (iv) books and parcels must be kept on the student's lap; the aisles must be kept clear at all times; (v) student behaviour must not distract or disturb the driver, and students listening to portable radios, or similar device, must use headsets; (vi) windows may be opened only with the permission of the driver and hands, feet, arms and head must be kept inside the school vehicle; (vii) objects must not be thrown inside the school vehicle or out the windows; (viii) students must promptly obey the driver's directions (or in cases of emergency, the direction of the school safety patrol, if one is present on the school vehicle); (ix) emergency exits, or any other school vehicle equipment, must not be touched except in the case of genuine emergency; (x) students may be required to sit in a specific seat as directed by the driver; (xi) students are to follow the driver’s instructions at all times. (c) Leaving the School Vehicle
Students must:
(i) have their belongings organized and adequately secured before arriving at their stop;
(ii) remain seated until the bus comes to a full stop; (iii) walk to the front of the bus in single file and use the handrail while exiting, leaving the bus in an orderly fashion; (iv) get off the bus only at their designated stop unless permission is otherwise granted by the principal; (v) move away from the bus recognizing the danger zone in the immediate vicinity of the bus; (vi) once exiting the bus, if a student’s laneway is directly beside the door of the bus, continue up the laneway; or, if it is necessary to cross the street, walk forward along the sidewalk (or side of road if no sidewalk) for 8 to 10 paces, then when the bus driver indicates that it is safe, proceed across the street while continuing to look both ways for oncoming traffic; or if it is necessary to walk toward the rear of the bus to get to a laneway, remain on the sidewalk (or side of road if no sidewalk, or in a laneway) in line with the door and at a safe distance from the bus (3 paces away) until the bus has pulled away, then continue along the sidewalk (or side of road if no sidewalk) to the laneway; (vii) wait for the driver to signal and then cross the road after looking both ways. (a) In the interests of safety, only certain equipment is allowed on school vehicles and on the following conditions:
(i) musical equipment must be transported in cases only, and should be kept on the student's lap whenever possible.
(ii) ice skates must be kept on the floor at the students' feet and carried in a sports bag or tied together with the blades covered. (iii) when bulky items such as projects or sports equipment need to be taken to or from school, parents or guardians are expected to transport these items. (b) Dangerous or disturbing items such as alcoholic beverages, animals, birds, explosives, firearms or water pistols are not allowed on school vehicles. In cases of dispute, the final decision rests with the driver.
(c) The school vehicle is considered to be an extension of school property and herefore the Board's policies and accompanying procedures apply, including: (i) Board Policy P.020.SCO: Student Suspension
(ii) Board Policy P.026.SCO: Student Suspension/Investigation/Possible Expulsion (iii) Board Policy P.034.SCO: Substance Abuse (iv) Board Policy P.033.SCO: Smoking on Board Premises (v) Board Policy P.040.SCO: Withdrawal of Transportation Privileges (a) In cases where students do not meet appropriate behavioural expectations and the safety rules of conduct, the following corrective action will be taken:
(i) the driver will first seek the co-operation of the student;
(ii) if the student will not co-operate, the driver (or his/her supervisor) will report the student to the principal (or designate) detailing the incident(s) and attempts made to secure student co-operation.... (b) The principal will keep a record of all such reports and will take whatever corrective action appears warranted. With the knowledge of the appropriate Superintendent of Instruction this could include suspension of the student's transportation privileges in accordance with Board Policy P.040.SCO and Board Procedure PR.530.SCO: Withdrawal of Transportation Privileges, and/or suspension from school or a recommendation for expulsion.
4.11 Administering Medication to Students(c) Any unusual circumstances of conduct should be referred to [OSTA] for resolution. (d) Appeals against the temporary suspension of transportation privileges may be made to the Superintendent of Instruction. Reinstatement of transportation service shall not proceed without consultation with and agreement of [OSTA]. (e) No students will be discharged en route to or from school as a form of corrective action for infraction of the safety rules.
Board policy and procedures for administering prescribed medication to students with life-threatening medical conditions requiring the use of an epinephrine auto injector will apply to students while being transported by the Board, through their agent, [OSTA].
4.12 Reports Of Driver Misconduct
Problems with a driver's conduct which cannot be resolved by the principal through discussion with the driver or the school bus operator should be referred to [OSTA].
4.19 Responsibilities(b) School Staff
(viii) Occasionally, at the discretion of the principal, a parent/guardian or volunteer may be given permission to ride a school bus for a specific activity or event....
(e) Parents/Guardians
i. Parents/guardians are responsible for getting their children to and from school. The Board assists parents/guardians with this responsibility in certain circumstances. Parents/guardians must support school staffs and drivers to ensure the safety of all children.
ii. Parents/guardians are responsible for the safety and supervision of their children prior to the pick-up by the bus and immediately after leaving the bus on their return trip home. iii. Parents/guardians must impress upon their children the need for safe and appropriate behaviour while boarding, leaving, and riding the bus. iv. Parents/guardians should ensure that their children have their belongings in a secure, closed carry-on bag such as a back-pack. v. Parents/guardians of physically-handicapped students are required to assist the student to and from the vehicle at his/her home. vi. Parents/guardians must direct all notices of change of home or caregiver address to their child’s school for update in the Board’s student database. vii. Parents/guardians must direct all requests with regard to transportation to the principal. Locations for pick-up and drop-off, whether at home or at caregivers, must be: a. consistent;
b. within the school attendance and transportation eligibility zones. viii. Parents/guardians must request, in writing to the principal, if they wish their child to be dropped off at another existing stop.... Changes to stop assignments will be at the discretion of [OSTA].
ix. At no time will a driver take instructions from parents/guardians if they are contrary to those issued by [OSTA].
(f) Students
(i) Riding on a school bus is a privilege - not a right. Improper conduct may result in the withdrawal of this privilege. Reinstatement will be at the discretion of the school principal (or designate) after consultation with the student and parent/guardian.
(ii) Students are to follow the driver’s instructions at all times. (iii) Students must behave in a manner that is considerate of fellow passengers and that does not cause distractions for the driver. (iv) Students must follow all rules of safety that apply at school. (c) Students
(i) Students are expected to behave on the school bus as they would in the school and, therefore, any unacceptable behaviour on the bus will be dealt with by the school principal as it would be within the school.
(ii) Students are expected to: (A) respect all equipment on the bus. Students will be held responsible for any willful damage;
(B) not use obscene language on school buses; (C) not talk to the driver while the bus is in motion; (D) help to maintain a clean bus by using the containers provided for any debris; (E) observe absolute quietness when approaching a railway crossing; and (F) in the case of a road emergency, remain seated in the bus unless directed to do otherwise by the driver. POLICY P.009.TRA: SCHOOL BUS CANCELLATIONS DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
2.2 Due to the geographical size and diversity of the Board's jurisdiction, it is recognized there may be varying weather patterns, which may necessitate the cancellation of student transportation services in one or more geographical areas or to one or more specific schools rather than on a system-wide basis. 2.3 Parents who, in cases of morning transportation cancellation(s), transport pupils to school shall be responsible for transporting them home at the end of the school day. 3.4 When a decision is made to cancel student transportation services, schools shall remain open for students and staff unless otherwise determined through Board Policy P.011.SCO: Emergency School Evacuations/School Closings. PROCEDURE PR.504.TRA: SCHOOL BUS CANCELLATIONS DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER 4.1 In cases of unscheduled school bus cancellations system-wide in one or more specified geographical areas/zones or in one or more individual schools before the regular school day begins...: c) Transportation staff will contact the following local radio stations and CJOH TV before 6:15 a.m. providing the necessary details for a public announcement.
d) ... CBO FM (CBC) | CFMO/CJET | CFRA-AM/KOOL (CKKL-FM) | Energy 1200 AM/Majic 100 FM | CHEZ FM/The Bear (106.9 FM) | Oldies 1310/Y105....
e) If student transportation is cancelled in the morning, noon and afternoon transportation will not operate.
4.2 In cases where there are unscheduled school bus cancellations on one or more individual routes before the regular school day begins...:a) When it is not possible for the carrier to provide school bus service on a regular route or routes for the morning pick-up due to inclement weather or adverse road conditions:
ii) Transportation staff will notify the principal of each school concerned by 7:00 a.m...
4.3 In cases where there are school bus cancellations due to inclement weather and/or the unscheduled closing of a school or schools after the regular school day begins...:iii) Transportation staff will contact the radio stations providing the necessary details for a public announcement... a) When it is necessary for individual schools to dismiss students early and after the regular day has commenced, the school principal will...:
iii) notify Communications Office staff, who will contact the local radio stations and provide the necessary details for a public announcement.
c) When it is necessary for all schools to dismiss students early after the regular day has commenced, the Director of Education... will:
iv) notify Communications Office staff, who will contact the local radio stations and provide the necessary details for a public announcement.
d) The Principal will ensure that all efforts are made to notify parents.
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