For Kindergarten students, jumping onto the big, yellow school bus can be a scary experience. Luckily, the Holy Trinity Catholic and Prairie South School Division has their annual First Rider Program. 

This year the program will be taking place on Aug. 17 at St. Margaret School and Aug. 18 at Lindale School. 

“It's important for both divisions to ensure that students starting in Kindergarten have a very positive experience, especially on the school bus. It's a very important part of the start of their day,” said Holy Trinity School Division Transportation Manager Coach Gerry Turcotte. 

The program introduces new students as well as their parents or guardians to school bus safety in a fun learning environment. 

The students will learn about pedestrian safety skills such as crossing the street safely, safely getting on and off the bus and riding the bus safely. 

“If you look from their perspective, there's this typically very large vehicle approaching them. So that could be rather intimidating, so we always teach the students to don't get too close and don't approach a bus while it's moving,” Turcotte said. 

Deputy Mayor Kim Robinson and Const. Reggie Pawliw from the Moose Jaw Police Service will also be guest speakers at the program. 

There are two programs at St. Margaret School School on Aug. 17. Registration for the morning program is at 9:30 a.m. and the program begins at 10 a.m. There is also an evening program with registration at 5:30 p.m. and the program at 6. 

On Aug. 18, there will be two programs at Lindale School. The afternoon program begins with registration at 1:30 p.m. and the program at 2. In the evening, registration is at 5:30 p.m. with the program at 6. 

Pre-registration is not required for the program. Parents are reminded that young siblings will not be allowed to ride the bus for these events because of capacity constraints.