This week we launched the Junior Warden Patrol Programme. Our school consists of two schools, separated by a busy road and this is a new initiative to keep our pupils safe when crossing the road. Councillor Michael Smyth originally heard of the scheme and we visited the Quay School in Ballina to see it in operation.
How Will It Work?
With parental consent, 35 pupils from 5th and 6th class signed up to become wardens. Working with Garda Conor Drury and Sergeant Richard Taheny, the pupils were divided into 5 patrol teams and each team underwent intensive training with an Garda Síochána before they were approved for duty. Each day at home time (2.50pm), the designated patrol team will perform their designated duties to keep our pupils safe when leaving school.
The Junior Wardens will be supported on an ongoing basis by an Garda Síochána and Mayo County Council have put some necessary safety measures in place and will continue to do so. We would ask that parents do not park near the school to give the patrol team and the children/parents crossing ample time to see oncoming traffic.
Thank You
This has been a great co-ordinated team effort to get this programme off the ground. We would like to thank Councillor Michael Smyth, Mayo County Council (Michael Holmes Chairman), the Road Safety Authority (Noel Gibbons), an Garda Síochána (Garda Conor Drury and Sergeant Richard Taheny), our Parents Council (Yvonne, Julie and Tara), our teachers, SNAs, Rita Campbell and PJ and Carol. Finally we would like to thank the Junior Wardens and their parents for helping to keep the pupils in our school safe.
Enjoy the pictures from the launch event and thank you to John Dunleavy for providing them.
