A new initiative aimed at increasing school attendances has been hailed as an outstanding success for the Irrawang Public School community.
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Dubbed the 'school walking bus', the concept which involves teachers walking around the school neighbourhood picking up children from their homes along their way has seen school attendance peak at 97 per cent, with an overall increase of more than 15 per cent.
Principal Stacy Mathieson said that the school consistently talked to students about the importance of attendance.
"Around the school grounds, you will see artwork with attendance slogans, they have weekly awards celebrating class and individual achievement in attendance, end of term recognition and much more," Ms Mathieson said.
"In spite of this, the school was averaging an attendance rate of 80 per cent. The school surveyed the students and found hat Friday was the lowest attendance day for the school, so the attendance team, led by Adam Edwards and Amy Phipps, decided to start the 'walking bus' initiative.
"With huge support from our wonderful community, we now have two walking buses operating on a Friday, leaving from different school gates and 'driven' by staff, volunteering their mornings to support our students walking safely to school.
It makes me so proud to see students, families and staff, working together in such a fun and engaging way. Our increase in attendance has been wonderful and I look forward to building on our growth even further."
Port Stephens MP Kate Washington described Irrawang school's walking school bus as a wonderful way for students to start their day.
"I boarded the walking bus last Friday and was delighted to hear the conversations, see the smiles on children's faces and giggles galore," Ms Washington said.
"I congratulate the Irrawang Public School staff for supporting their students and families to increase attendance at school. Having healthy, happy children at school is key to improved learning and life outcomes."
In the lead up to Walk Safely to School Day [on May 14], Ms Washington said that she was delighted to see so many children getting on board the bus and the outstanding outcomes in school attendance.