What are Safety Patrols?

Elianna Wylie Gr 8

Safety Patrols, more often known as patrollers, are students in grades six to eight who work to serve our school community through ensuring students’ safety on their ways to and from school. These patrollers keep students safe through guiding them on driveways, keeping them on correct pathways, and looking out for kids on buses.

You can tell when a patroller is on duty by their yellow reflective vests. These vests show people that the patrollers are hard at work, and keep the patrollers visible and safe while interacting with vehicles. 

There are two types of patrollers that work at our school. The first is Bus Patrols, who make sure kids get on and off the bus safely, and help the bus driver keep kids safe while on the road, through being responsible role models, and being there to help in case of an emergency. The second is Foot Patrollers, which are patrollers who protect children in the driveway and parking lot of our school. They’re there to make sure kids don’t walk infront of cars, and walk on appropriate pathways. These pathways include the sidewalk along the edge of the parking lot, and the crossing between a set of pylons that a pair of patrollers guide children and parents through.

You can tell what a patroller is signaling you to do by the position of their body. When a patroller is standing with their arms outstretched, blocking the path, they’re telling you to stop, and stay behind them because it is unsafe to cross. When a patroller is standing so the crossing is open, and is waving you through, they’re telling you that it is safe to cross. 

 

Meet the Patrols

Some patrollers have volunteered for an interview so you can learn what it’s like to be a patrol. 

PATROLLER #1
Name: Joshua (Josh)
Grade: 8
Post: AM Foot Patrol and Patrol Captain

Why did you want to be a patroller?
First it was for the fun rewards, but he continued because it was fun. 

What is your least favourite part of patrolling?
The cold weather and the vest velcro breaking. 

What is your least favourite part of patrolling?
After a cold day getting a cup of hot chocolate, and the reward of going to a Guelph Storm game. 

What would you tell younger students who want to be a patroller?
Don’t be late, and don’t set a bad example to other students. 


PATROLLER #2 

Name: Isabelle
Grade: 6
Post: Bus Patrol

Why did you become a patroller?
Lots of grade sixes also were becoming a Bus Patrol, and it was a chance to be a patrol early since Foot Patrollers are only grades 7 and 8. 

What is your least favourite part of being a patroller?
Patrolling in the front of the bus.

What is your favourite part of being a patroller?
Patrolling in the back of the bus.

 

PATROLLER #3 

Name: Tessa
Grade: 8
Post: PM Foot Patrol

Why did you become a patroller?
To help other students stay safe.

What is your least favourite part of being a patroller?
Patrolling in the cold in the winter.

What is your favourite part of being a patroller?
Keeping children safe. 

What would you tell younger students who want to be a patroller?
Don’t get distracted by talking to your friends because the safety of the kids is your first responsibility. 


PATROL #4 

Name: Jacob
Grade: 7
Post: PM Foot Patrol

Why did you become a patroller?
To keep kids safe.

What is your least favourite part of being a patroller?
Having to stay late after school.

What is your favourite part of being a patroller?
Keeping kids safe, talking to friends, and having fun.

What would you tell younger students who want to be a patroller?
Being a patroller is lots of fun because you’re keeping the school safe. The safety of students is your top priority.

 

PATROL #5 

Name: Eli W.
Grade: 7
Post: AM Foot Patrol

Why did you become a patroller?
Getting to help out, having fun, and the reward of getting to go to a Guelph Storm game.

What is your least favourite part of being a patroller?
Patrolling in the wintertime.

What is your favourite part of being a patroller?
Patrolling in the spring and fall.

What would you tell younger students who want to be a patroller?
Being a patrol is lots of fun!

 

PATROL #6

Name: Kiara
Grade: 7
Post: PM Foot Patrol

Why did you become a patrol?
To help keep others safe.

What is your least favourite part of being a patrol?
The cold weather.

What is your favourite part of being a patrol?
Doing things to help the school.

What would you tell younger students who want to be a patrol?
It’s lots of fun and you get cool rewards.

Pledging to GCCS

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