Rural life was a tough one and it bred tough kids. Generally people were spread quite far and wide, so getting the kids to school was a big deal every day.
Indeed, the half-time school experiment was based entirely on the safe travel of children to and from school. A river dividing a community was a hazard in wet season and a hazard for curious and adventurous children in general. The desire to prevent children crossing the river gave birth to the experiment and would have the teacher cross the river to greet the children.
In this respect, we can project our thoughts to the past and imagine the morning children requiring a very early morning to take the walk or the horse to school, thus returning home in the heat of the middle of the day. The afternoon classes of course would have all morning to help their parents or fool around before heading to school, but would make a trip home in the early evening.
It seems the teacher too would have had a hard commute each day as in the earliest times they would live in the rented accommodation on the south side of the river, thus beginning classes close to home. They would then cross the river by boat (possibly on a ferry operated by Carl Leis) to the north for the afternoon session and return to the residence by boat.
When the south side school moved from the original school-house to further up Gympie Road for a short time (close to the Lawnton train station) this commute may have also involved a long walk or horse leg to get to the river before the crossing.
When the bridge across the River was finally built in 1896 there was a short-term where both schools were still operating before they amalgamated. There was an inspection carried out during this time by which the Inspector notes that since the bridge had been built the children from the morning classes were crossing the river to the north school and also participating in afternoon classes, thus putting a strain on the resources at the north side institution.
Soon after, the schools combined on the northern bank and it’s expected that the children on the south of the school would use the bridge to cross for school each day.
Before cars, busses and bicycles, at the turn of the 1900s – one used their own feet or horsepower to travel.
When the steam engine was invented and the railway was introduced, it’s possible those travelling further afield along the north coast line would get the train to North Pine.
However, as the century progressed kids would mainly walk long distances or bring their horses to school, at one point the school even had a horse paddock to hold the horses while the children were at school (this was where the John the Baptist Church car park is now, on the corner of Wyllie Street and Dayboro Road).
Eventually though, as progress introduced more modes of travel, ‘getting to school’ has become just as important in forming our memories of school, as school itself.
1923: TO NORTH PINE SS FROM ST LUCIA VIA THE WEST END FERRY AND TRAM TO CENTRAL STATION
“When I attended North Pine State School in the twenties, I was taught by Mr Chappel of whom I had a high regard. Before I completed my primary education, my family moved to St. Lucia, but not wanting to change schools, I travelled on the West End Ferry and then on a tram to Central Station and from there to Petrie. Once a week my class travelled to Caboolture for manual training. I did this for nearly three years.
All the school knew Mr Chappel had a wonderful sense of humour.
Mr Chappel found that he was in constant need of new canes and when he asked the big boys to move the press, they heard the sound of something falling down behind it. There were all the canes, three dozen of them.
The children of my class liked to hear Mr Chappel recite “The Owl Critic” to watch is beard move up and down and to listen to his lovely Welsh accent.”
– Mr Robert G. Chilcott
HORSES
[COMING SOON: AUDIO FROM YVONNE CHAPMAN]
“A lot of our kids came off farms and did milking before and after school. The “Young” children all worked hard on their parents’ dairy farm and were exceptionally good kids, helping without complaint. I envied them their ponies which they rode proudly into school each day. Gwenda, the oldest and in charge, was sensible and capable with hands that were rough from hard work. The littlies sometimes rode double and it wasn’t unusual to see the little boys doing circus stand-ups on their ponies as they came down Dayboro Road at a trot. I was very fond of them all, especially Mavis, whom, although a class higher than me, became a dear friend. We are still loving friends and even married brothers, so our children are cousins. If you are here today – Hello! My Friend!”
– Janice Hall (Nee Petrie), 1999 – Past Student, North Pine State School, 1945 – 1953
WALKING
1942-45: A MILE TO WALK TO AND FROM (SOMETIMES LUCKY TO GET A DOUBLE ON SIS’ BIKE)
“So in the middle of 1942 I started attending North Pine State School. As I lived at Lawnton this meant I had a mile to walk morning and afternoon. For a time, one of my sisters who was not in employment at that time, used to double me to school on her bicycle but as far as I can recall I always walked home in the afternoon. The old road bridge that used to span the North Pine River between what are now Leis Park and Sweeny Reserve was still in existence although it had not been used for road traffic since the new bridge was built in 1936. It had many holes in the decking and the safety people would have a fit if they saw kids walking across a structure like that these days! This bridge was demolished during my schooldays and I then had to go the long way along Gympie & Dayboro’ Roads.”
– Ken Mitchell, former student North Pine State School (now Petrie State School) 1942-1945, received via email 2014.
1945-1953: STROLLING THROUGH THE TOWNSHIP WITH A PUNCH OR TWO ALONG THE WAY
“We little Petries lived at Yebri, a small workman’s cottage still standing today, opposite Murrumba, the family homestead where our Aunt Jessie and Uncle Guy lived in colonial splendour. We sometimes walked the road to school, other times trotted through the bush behind Murrumba, coming out near “Neals” farm. For some reason I have never known, the Neal family had a set on my brothers and would often attack us on our way home. I couldn’t run as fast as my brothers, so unfortunately I got caught by the “Neals” on several occasions, where I was thumped soundly. They were actually after Bill and Jim, who did come back and rescue me, I’m glad to say. Kids (just like today) often had “blues” on the way home from school. I do however recall Mothers getting involved too. Six different ladies (who I won’t name), used to fly out of their respective homes wielding brooms or mops, and break up fights very smartly with some well-placed whacks and tongue lashings. They must have often saved kids from being injured when stone throwing was in vogue!!
… When I was little and walked to school via the road, it was a social occasion – down the road, first “Hello” to Mr Ebert or his son “Squirtie”, who sold fruit from under their house. Mr and Mrs Neilsen lived in what later became Dr O’Connors’ house, with their grandson Trevor, who was in our class.
… Next hello might have been to dear Old Billy Piggot on his bread run. The aromas coming from his van were just wonderful. He always called me “Miss Petrie” and my brothers, “Master Bill and James or Jimmy”. He was very, very polite and often walked backwards out the gate bowing, if ladies engaged him in conversation for too long. Next I’d pause and say “Good morning” to Old Mr and Mrs Wilmer, who would be sitting on their front verandah. They were grandparents to Glenda Mohr I think, and to the Wilmer boys, and were simply lovely people. Past Cookes’ Store and all its wonderful attractions (Ice Cream 3d – Soft Drink 4d!!), now it’s up hill past Mrs Sargent’s little house, sometimes I’d stop at Mr and Mrs Robertson’s (Mavis’ Grandparents) to pass the time of day and to admire the poppies and other lovely flowers they grew.
Quite often we were bare-footed for school, though I generally wore a navy uniform with white blouse and a straw hat. We wore school bags on our backs – smelly and musty from uneaten sandwiches and stale slate cleaners (or sponges), which were kept in vegemite bottles and went bad.
… Kids in our days were for the most part innocent and could travel safely around the town, build cubbies, fish for yabbies (Douggie Nielson, bless him), ride horses, bikes – swim the Reserve.
… I’d like to skip up the road to school with Maureen, meeting up with Yvonne along the way’ discuss the latest Movie News with Enid, Desley and Sandra; lunch under the fig tree (discussing perhaps how horrid Bertie and Billy were); pulling our ribbons off yet again!! Such innocent days …
… Finally, if the Neal kids want to meet me at the back of Murrumba – BEWARE I’m a BIG girl now!!!”
– Janice Hall (Nee Petrie), 1999 – Past Student, North Pine State School, 1945 – 1953
At some point, possibly in the 1970s, a Pedestrian Crossing was painted in on the corner of Dayboro Road and Tandoor Drive but it was becoming a pressing need to improve the conditions of this crossing as being at the peak of a crest in the road visibility was low and cars and trucks would travel too fast when children could be so unpredictable and numerous in number.
In around 1980 the community activated and circulated a petition which was presented to Parliament on the 11th March 1981. A local media campaign accompanied this action with a photograph published with an accompanying article in one of the local news circulations of the time.
The petition requested that pedestrian activated traffic lights be installed at this intersection, however it appears that at this time their plea fell on deaf ears.
It was not until 1983 that the issue surfaced again in a significant manner.
During much community unrest regarding the seeming neglect of many other aspects of the school’s facilities in 1983 (Read More About the Fight To Save the School) a visit by a prominent politician was the catalyst for change after much local controversy.
“Mr Hinze was appalled at the noise that children and teachers had to work with in the present site so close to Dayboro Road,” Mr Male said.
“He was in total agreement that a safe area for children to be set down and picked up by their parents needed to be established away from main traffic areas.”
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, p54.
Initially it was suggested that a feasibility study be conducted into the viability of moving the frontage of the school onto Young Street however this never occurred and the entrance to the school was moved to Tandoor drive in 1986.
Pedestrian Crossing Supervisors were employed for arrival and departure times initially on Dayboro Road and then Young Street however today there are two Crossing Supervisors who operate alternately on Young Street. The very busy intersection at Dayboro Road and Tandoor Drive maintains the pedestrian activated traffic lights however it is no longer assisted by an employed supervisor despite the community seeking assurances from parliament in 2000 that the school would maintain this service. To this day a senior member of the teaching faculty oversees the safe interaction with families and commuters at this intersection.
Throughout the years parents have been constantly and consistently reminded to exercise extreme caution while driving and parking in the vicinity of the school.
Today’s measures have seen the introduction of reduced speed limits around all schools by the government and a regular police presence to remind motorists of their responsibilities.
(Read More About Health Safety and Security)
2001: PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
The pedestrian crossings are for the safety of all students and community members. Please use them. The two crossings, situated on Dayboro Road and Young Street are supervised by Pedestrian Supervisors before and after school. There is a NO PARKING ZONE on either side of the crossing.
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2001: PICK UP POINTS FROM SCHOOL
The students are to use one of the following gates when entering and exiting the school:
DAYBORO ROAD
Top pedestrian gate (by crossing); Middle pedestrian gate (top side of adventure playground); Bottom pedestrian gate (bottom side of playground).
Please don’t use the double gates near the environmental area (Dayboro Road).
TANDOOR DRIVE
Pedestrian gate (on the downward side of the Administration Block)
Please don’t use the double gates of the parking area if you are a pedestrian. The pedestrian gate on the bottom side off the car park is to be used by visitors not by students.
YOUNG STREET
Top double gates (by cricket practice nets)
Pedestrian gate (by crossing)
Double top gates (by Preschool)
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2001: POINTS OF NOTE
When using the services of the Crossing Supervisors please remember to wait (approximately 1 metre from the kerb gutter) until the Supervisor has blown a whistle and directed you to cross.
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
SCHOOL BUS SERVICE
The origins of organised school transport originally started as a carpool.
In approximately 1957 about 5 children would travel in an old Chevrolet taxi operated by Mrs Sinclair.
By 1959 Mrs Bright was collecting and delivering children in a VW Combi bus which she did up until about 1962.
It seems a Committee was set up to support the transport service and it is said that perhaps Mr Jack Byrnes was the presiding Chairman during the early times. (In 1960 Mr Don Chicken took over the Chairman role and continued until 1968).
The transport evolved when in about 1963 when a Mr Heckleman coupled a school run with his milk run and which he operated until 1966.
It isn’t clear who took over from Mr Heckleman as there appears to be a gap in the recollections. However by 1968 it is said that Mr Roberts continued this service until 1969.
Mr Chicken had resigned as Chairman of the Committee by now and Mr Ted Corbett was elected his successor who continued in the role until 1973.
Mr Roberts was succeeded as a driver by John and Kay McKee who “took over the provision of a bus” in 1969. They provided a safe and reliable service which was entirely free of any cost to parents until December 1973.
In January 1974, for reason that are unclear, Mr Corbett and the entire Committee resigned and a new one was elected, Pat Norris is noted to be the Chairman in this year. At this time John and Kay McKee also resigned from the bus run, perhaps to retire.
Mr and Mrs Williamson then took over as the new bus proprietors.
Evidently a bus service was continuing to convey children to and from Petrie State School in the eighties, ex-Principal Peter Boge (1983-1990) mentions in his 1999 memories that in 1983 “Harrison’s Pocket Bus was run by Kevin Cain, with Lionel Jenkins the Conveyance Committee Chairman” (Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999).
1982: SCHOOL TRANSPORTS
The regulations regarding School Transports are as follows:-
Eligibility is based on:-
a. The distance between the residence and the school,
b. The age of the child.
Generally, children under ten (10) years of age resident between 3.2 km and 4.8 km from school are eligible to travel free of charge.
Children (regardless of age) who reside 4.8 km or more from the State School to which the transport service operates also travel free.
Certain particulars are required by the Department of Education from the parents of all children travelling free on School Transports. These are:-
a. Portion No. of their property.
b. Parish
c. Distance from school
These details (a & b) can be found of Rates Notices.
Department Service No. 574 from Harrison’s Pocket runs daily to the school. Non-eligible children are also allowed on the transport after eligible children are catered for.
For the safety of all concerned, parents of bus travellers are asked to impress on their children the need for sensible behaviour to prevent any distraction of the driver’s attention. Leaning out of windows, having arms protruding, or throwing rubbish through bus windows are dangerous practices to be discouraged.
Financial Assistance to Parents for pupils travelling to School by Private Arrangement is obtainable provided that:-
a. Conveyance is to the State School centre nearest to their places of residence;
b. The children live more than 4.8 km from the nearest State School;
c. The children cannot travel to the nearest school by train, or school road transport service.
CLASS A
Parents or guardians of children who are conveyed each day by private motor vehicle to and from the nearest school may claim conveyance allowance for the following distances. The rate is variable according to distance and information regarding same can be obtained from Regional Office.
When conveyed more than 4.8 km
When conveyed more the 9.6 km
When conveyed more than 14.4 km and up to 19.2 km
CLASS B
Where a child lives more than 4.8 km from the nearest school by the shortest trafficable route and must use a licensed passenger bus to travel to school or to a transport service, or railway, in order to attend the school nearest tho his place of residence, a parent may claim a refund of the weekly fare paid.
CLASS C
A Parent living more than 4.8 km from the nearest school whose child must be conveyed by private motor vehicle more than 3.2 km to attend the nearest school, may claim a conveyance allowance for each child conveyed.
NOTES:
In calculating distance where mentioned above, the single journey between home and the State School, by the shortest trafficable route, is to be taken.
(Regarding Classes A, B, C, the words “State Secondary School” should be substituted if secondary students are being conveyed.)
Forms of application for conveyance allowance may be obtained from the Department or from the offices of the Regional Directors of Education. Parents are required to submit a written request for the necessary forms (Primary School Form or Secondary School Form), at the same time briefly stating the circumstances of their case.
Parents of children attending Denominational schools may also claim allowances based on the above conditions, provided also, that their place of residence is located over 4.8 km from the particular school attended.
Parents or guardians of children who are conveyed once per week by private motor vehicle to and from the nearest school or to and from a school transport service, a licensed bus, a conveyance allowance which is one-fifth of the appropriate Class A or Class C allowance for daily travel.
Source: 1982 Petrie State School Parent Guide, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
By 1999, the Whiteside Bus Service run by Mr Ralph Bonnick, transported children to and from Whiteside. Another bus services provided routes from Joyner, Dayboro and other local areas.
1994: WHITESIDE BUS
Operated by Mr Ralph Bonnick.
Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1994: BUSES
Operation of the Whiteside Bus is funded by the Department of Transport. Parents of children using it are eligible to be on the Whiteside Conveyance Committee.
Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: WHITESIDE BUS
Operated by Mr Ralph Bonnick.
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: BUSES
Operation of the Whiteside Bus is funded by the Department of Transport. Parents of children using it are eligible to be on the Whiteside Conveyance Committee.
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: SCHOOL TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE SCHEME
30 MARCH – PETRIE LOG 04/95
TRANSPORT: There is a mention in the newsletter about a ‘School Transport Assistance Scheme’.
2001: BUSES
Operation of the Whiteside Bus is funded by the Department of Transport. Parents of children using it are eligible to participate in the Whiteside Conveyance Committee.
WHITESIDE BUS
Operated by Mr Ralph Bonnick
JOYNER/LAWNTON/BRAY PARK BUS
Operated by Thompson’s Bus Service
DAYBORO/RUSH CREEK BUS
Operated by Brisbane Bus Lines
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2001: BUS ZONE
There are Bus Zones on the southern side of the Pedestrian Crossing on Dayboro Road. (Gordon Jackson Lookout)
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2013: KANGAROO BUS LINES – DAYBORO ROAD COLLECTION AFTER SCHOOL (7031 SERVICE)
The bus en route to Pine Rivers SHS collects students occasionally from the bus stop on the school side of the road at 3.08 pm. Please let your children know that if for some reason they miss the bus on the school side, the same bus collects students on the opposite side of Dayboro Road approx. 20 minutes later. The bus stop on the opposite side of the road is supervised by teachers until the bus arrives.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 03/13, 28 February 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
2014: KANGAROO BUS LINES 2014 BUS PASSES
Passes can be collected from Kangaroo Bus Lines office at 2 Motorway Drive, Burpengary from Monday 6 January 2014. Students who currently have a bus pass will need to collect a new 2014 pass.
Office hours 8.00am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. For more information contact 1300 287 525.
Bus passes will not be available for collection from the bus drivers of our school services.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 20/13, 12 December 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
PRIVATE VEHICLES
As modernisation took over more children were being delivered to school by their parents.
1982: CARS IN THE SCHOOL GROUND
For the Safety of the children, cars are not permitted to enter school grounds to drop off or pick up children during the morning and afternoons. This applies to find and wet days.
This is a Departmental Regulation and I trust that parents will cooperate in this matter.
Teachers’ cars and those parents working on Tuck Shop will be allowed to park in the school grounds.
Source: 1982 Petrie State School Parent Guide, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1985: DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL
ONLY AUTHORISED CARS MAY ENTER THE SCHOOL GROUNDS
Parents who arrive in vehicles to pick up pupils are asked to observe the road safety rules with regard to parking of vehicles.
Vehicles are NOT to be parked in the “Bus Loading Zone” – NOT to double park – NOT to be illegally parked in the areas adjacent to the Pedestrian Crossing, etc.
Parents are also reminded that children who cross Dayboro Road to board buses or private vehicles, MUST, in the interests of safety, use the pedestrian crossing provided. A Pedestrian Crossing Supervisor patrols the crossing from 8:15 – 9:15 am and 2:30 – 3:30 pm.
DEPARTURE FROM SCHOOL
School is dismissed at 3:00 pm. No children are detained after 3:00 pm. They are to proceed home. Children who travel by bus wait at the “bus loading zone” for their bus.
Parents who collect pupils each afternoon, in private vehicles, are asked to ensure that they are picked up at dismissal time, and not left to wait at the School for long periods. No responsibility can be accepted by the School under such circumstances.
You are requested to advise the bus driver concerned, should your child be travelling by other than his/her usual bus.
Source: 1985 Petrie State School Parent Guide, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1989: DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL
ONLY AUTHORISED CARS MAY ENTER THE SCHOOL GROUNDS
Parents who arrive in vehicles to pick up pupils are asked to observe the road safety rules with regard to parking of vehicles.
Vehicles are NOT to be parked in the “Bus Loading Zone” – NOT to double park – NOT to be illegally parked in the areas adjacent to the Pedestrian Crossing, etc.
Parents are also reminded that children who cross Dayboro Road to board buses or private vehicles, MUST, in the interests of safety, use the pedestrian crossing provided. A Pedestrian Crossing Supervisor patrols the crossing from 8:15 – 9:15 am and 2:30 – 3:30 pm.
DEPARTURE FROM SCHOOL
School is dismissed at 3:00 pm. No children are detained after 3:00 pm. They are to proceed home. Children who travel by Whiteside or Kangaroo buses wait inside the front fence for their bus. Dayboro bus children cross the road while the Pedestrian Crossing Supervisors are on patrol.
Parents who collect pupils each afternoon, in private vehicles, are asked to ensure that they are picked up at dismissal time, and not left to wait at the School for long periods. No responsibility can be accepted by the School under such circumstances.
You are requested to advise the bus driver concerned, should your child be travelling by other than his/her usual bus.
Source: 1989 Petrie State School Parent Guide, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1994: ONLY AUTHORISED CARS MAY ENTER THE SCHOOL GROUNDS
DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL
Parents who arrive in vehicles to pick up pupils are asked to observe the road safety rules with regard to parking of vehicles.
Vehicles are NOT to be parked in the ‘Bus Loading Zone’ and NOT to double park, NOT to be illegally parked in the areas adjacent to the Pedestrian Crossing, etc.
Parents are also reminded that children who cross Dayboro Road to board buses or private vehicles, MUST, in the interest of safety, use the pedestrian crossing provided. Pedestrian Crossing Supervisors patrol the crossing from 8:00 am to 9:00 am and 2:50 pm to 3:20 pm. The Young Street crossing is patrolled during both sessions. It is parents’ responsibility to ensure students are picked up on time.
Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: ONLY AUTHORISED CARS MAY ENTER THE SCHOOL GROUNDS
THE ONLY OFFICIAL CARPARKS ARE:
– Entry off Tandoor Drive.
– Entry off Young Street (Preschool)
DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL
Parents who arrive in vehicles to pick up pupils are asked to observe the road safety rules with regard to parking of vehicles.
Vehicles are NOT to be parked in the ‘Bus Loading Zone’ and NOT to double park, NOT to be illegally parked in the areas adjacent to the Pedestrian Crossing, etc.
Parents are also reminded that children who cross Dayboro Road to board buses or private vehicles, MUST, in the interest of safety, use the pedestrian crossing provided. Pedestrian Crossing Supervisors patrol the crossing from 8:00 am to 9:00 am and 2:50 pm to 3:20 pm. The Young Street crossing is patrolled during both sessions. It is parents responsibility to ensure students are picked up on time.
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2001: SAFETY DROP OFF AREA
This is provided in Young Street. It is off-street parking and has easy access. It is the safest place in the school for drop off and pick up. There is also provision for drop off and pick up on Dayboro Road and there is a Drop Off Zone on Tandoor Drive and over at the Gordon Jackson Lookout. The painted Median Strip on Dayboro Road is not a parking area. The number of parents who put their own family and other people at risk by double parking on this area is a concern.
SCHOOL SITE
There is an off-loading area in front of the Administration Office. Entry is from Tandoor Drive.
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2001: DAYBORO ROAD
This is a very busy road with a large number of heavy vehicles. You are asked to park on the school side of the road only in the parking area provided. Don’t double park on the painted median strip. This is nothing more than putting together a recipe for disaster. If you park on the uphill side of Dayboro Road you are causing problem for traffic flow and vision.
GORDON JACKSON LOOKOUT – DAYBORO ROAD
The Gordon Jackson Lookout overlooking the Jennings Estate has limited parking facilities. People parking here need to use the pedestrian crossing.
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2001: NO UNAUTHORISED VEHICLES IN SCHOOL GROUNDS WITHOUT PERMISSION
NO unauthorised vehicles are to enter school grounds WITHOUT PERMISSION from the Principal. Parents are requested to use the crossings at ALL times setting an example for the children.
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
Learn more about traffic rules and pedestrian safety on the Health, Safety and Security page.
BICYCLES
Always a popular mode of transport for children who live close by to the school. Bicycles became more popular as school transport in the 1970s and 1980s, thus by the end of the 1980s, along with most other procedures, bicycles riders were given strict guidelines for safety reasons.
Read More About Bicycle Safety and Helmets
1989: TALK OF BICYCLE HELMETS BECOMING A COMPULSORY ACCESSORY
“Talk of Bicycle helmets, with the P&C buying a kit for orders.”
– Peter J Boge, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.
1989: BICYCLES CAN ONLY GO IN AND OUT BY ONE GATE
Bicycle riders are to enter and leave via the small gate in Tandoor Drive near the Dayboro Road corner.
Source: 1989 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1989: THE BICYCLE AREA IS OUT-OF-BOUNDS
17 AUGUST – PETRIE LOG 89/14
TRANSPORT: “We’ve had some problems with bicycles recently. Bicycles brought to school are to be left in the bicycle area, from arrival until departure at the end of the day – The area is out-of-bounds during the day”
1991: BIKE HELMETS ARE NOW COMPULSORY
1 July 1991
“1 July compulsory wearing of safety helmet by all cyclists.”
– David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
1994-1995: CHAIN AND PADLOCKS ARE A MUST
Bicycle riders are to enter and leave via the small gate in Tandoor Drive near the Dayboro Road corner. The wearing of Bicycle Helmets is compulsory. A chain and padlock is essential for safety of bikes while unattended.
Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2001: DO NOT RIDE ACROSS THE CROSSING
Bikes are NOT to be ridden across any of the pedestrian crossing.
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2013: WALK YOUR BIKE, SCOOTERS ARE OK, SKATEBOARDS STILL BANNED!
A number of students ride bikes to school. An area has been provided for bikes to be secured through the school day. Students are expected to walk their bikes through the school grounds from the gate directly to this area when they arrive at school. When they leave, they should again walk their bikes to the school exit. This helps to ensure the safety of all students. Once bikes have been placed in this secure area, they must not be interfered with or moved by other students accessing the same area. Scooters are to be treated the same way as bikes. Skateboards are not permitted at school. We would appreciate parent support reinforcing this at home.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 03/13, 28 February 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
NO SKATEBOARDS
1988: NO ONE SKATES HERE!
1 SEPTEMBER – PETRIE LOG 88/15
SKATEBOARDS BANNED
DISCIPLINE / TRANSPORT: SKATEBOARDS BANNED – “Skateboards are not to be brought to school. We do not wish to be held responsible for accidents which occur to users or innocent bystanders. If skateboards appear at school, they will be confiscated until the end of the day.”
2013: WALK YOUR BIKE, SCOOTERS ARE OK, SKATEBOARDS STILL BANNED!
A number of students ride bikes to school. An area has been provided for bikes to be secured through the school day. Students are expected to walk their bikes through the school grounds from the gate directly to this area when they arrive at school. When they leave, they should again walk their bikes to the school exit. This helps to ensure the safety of all students. Once bikes have been placed in this secure area, they must not be interfered with or moved by other students accessing the same area. Scooters are to be treated the same way as bikes. Skateboards are not permitted at school. We would appreciate parent support reinforcing this at home.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 03/13, 28 February 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014