Safety & Conduct

Keeping our students and staff safe while in our care is a top priority. This is achieved with the co-operation of staff, students, and parents/guardians. The following provides information on ways we protect our students and staff. 

Student Expectations

The bus is an extension of the school; therefore, student code of conduct is applicable and enforced by school administration. Parents and students are asked to be familiar with and supportive of our Student Code of Conduct

Students are expected to: 

  • Use the Alberta Daily Health Checklist prior to coming to the bus stop
  • Arrive to the bus stop five minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. 
  • Scan their permanent electronic bus pass every time they get on or off the bus.  
  • Sit squarely in the seat facing forward.   
  • Always keep themselves and their belongings inside the bus. 
  • Always listen and follow the instructions of the driver. Loud noises, shouting or horseplay can be dangerous distractions for the driver. 
  • Be considerate of fellow riders. Fighting, bullying or use of vulgar language is not permitted on the bus. 
  • Be respectful of the bus and its contents. Parents/students will be responsible for any damages caused by the student. 
  • Remember, eating is not allowed on the bus. 

For more information on student responsibilities please view our Transportation Daily Reminder.  

Student Management Process

The school bus contractor is required to record events that do not follow the student code of conduct or are deemed inappropriate. RVS Transportation will contact parents if a problem arises with a student. If the problem is not resolved and the behaviour continues, an Incident Report will be filed with the school administrator.  

This process may be bypassed when a serious problem occurs requiring immediate attention. In such a situation, the school administrator will notify parents. In a case when a student's bus privileges have been suspended, parents become responsible for the transportation of the suspended student to and from school. 

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

Bus safety is the responsibility of the bus driver, school bus passengers and their parents/guardians. Parent/guardians are asked to: 

  • Check your bus is on schedule by accessing the Bus Status app on your mobile device prior to sending your children to the stop. Have a backup plan in case the bus is delayed. 
  • Prepare your child to arrive to the bus stop five minutes before their scheduled pick-up time and ensure they have their bus pass ready for scanning. 
  • Ensure your children are dressed appropriately for our changing weather conditions. 
  • Provide the necessary supervision of your children when going to and coming home from the bus stop. 
  • Remind your children of their responsibilities and appropriate behaviour as a safe school bus rider. Parents are responsible for any damage to a bus by their children. 
Parent/Guardian Concerns

If you have a concern such as bus driver conduct, atmosphere on the bus, late buses or stop locations, please complete our Parent Concern Form and email it to Transportation. 

Transporting Articles and Equipment

School bus contractors will try to accommodate students with the transportation of articles and equipment for extra-curricular activities. However, some items will not be able to be transported due to safety and/or available space. All permissible items must be tightly secured and/or safely contained within the bus seat. Additionally, they must not impede the aisle, emergency exits or the driver's line of sight (i.e., block the window). The bus driver reserves the right to refuse any item they may deem unsafe to transport. If you are unsure if an item will be permitted, please email Transportation for assistance.

Permissible items include:

  • Backpacks and lunch containers
  • Textbooks and school supplies
  • Small school projects or dioramas
  • Small band instruments
  • Skates or sport balls, enclosed in a canvas bag

Students are prohibited from smoking, vaping or using e-cigarettes while being transported on the school bus. Additional non-permissible items include:

  • Drugs or alcohol
  • Weapons of any kind
  • Fuel, matches and/or lighters
  • Laser pens
  • Any other item that may pose a threat to other passengers
Closed Circuit Video

Closed circuit video monitoring may be used on school buses for the safety and well-being of students, drivers or third parties. All recordings are managed in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act. Only individuals authorized in Administrative Procedure 181 Closed Circuit Video Surveillance may have access to the recordings.

Recordings may only be used for the purposes outlined in Administrative Procedure 181. More information can be found in Administrative Procedure 181 and Administrative Procedure 350 Student Code of Conduct.

  • Questions about the use of recordings may be directed to the Divisional FOIP Co-ordinator at 403-945-4000 or email.
  • Questions about school bus cameras may be directed to Transportation at 403-945-4000 or email.
  • Questions about cameras in schools may be directed to the Divisional FOIP Co-ordinator at 403-945-4000 or email.
Report a Vehicle Passing a Stopped School Bus

Please complete the Fly By Form to report a vehicle passing a stopped school bus.