School patrols manual sparks talk of values and service

Student speeches and a parade of uniforms added layers of meaning to relaunch of manual for school patrols and wardens.

The guide for school patrols, school wardens and bus wardens has been revised and relaunched. It is available on this website.

The School Traffic Safety Teams Manual is published by the NZ Transport Agency for use by schools in conjunction with the New Zealand Police training programme.

The revised manual was relaunched at Onekawa School, Napier by Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss. He told students that volunteering on school patrol contributes to the culture of the school and fits with the school curriculum.

"School patrol is a public service. You do it not because you have to, but because it's the right thing to do.  You help keep yourselves, friends, students, parents and other road users safe."

Two Onekawa students spoke, with Hannah providing some history and Jessica speaking about her experience in the school’s patrol.

“The first road patrols were in Dunedin in the 1930s. These involved children waving flags from the roadside to warn drivers of the children crossing,” said Hannah.

Jessica said she was excited when selected for school patrol.

“I felt that I had just been chosen for the Silver Ferns,” she said. “I have really enjoyed my year on patrol. I like the feeling that kids are crossing Kennedy Road safely, and I get a real buzz from helping others. I like the team work, and the camaraderie too.”

Students then treated guests to a fashion parade, modelling jackets and vests used by school patrols throughout the years.

Onekawa School Principal Wayne Keats said the school patrol gives Year 6 students an opportunity to step up.

“New Zealand children over the years have shown commitment, reliability, respect and a willingness to help others. These are such important values to have; values which they carry on to secondary school and into adulthood.”

Read the manual

School Traffic Safety Teams Manual