First Riders Program

🚌 What is the First Riders Program?

Is your student starting Junior or Senior Kindergarten in September and will be taking the bus to school? The First Riders Program is a free, fun, and interactive initiative designed to help them feel comfortable and confident for the big day!

This program, offered once a year on the first Wednesday in June, specifically caters to new JK/SK students who will be riding the school bus in September. During this 30-minute FREE session, new kindergarten students will learn:

✅ How to safely board, ride, and get off the bus	✅ A short ride on a real school bus
✅ Tips for school bus safety, rules, and routines	✅ A chance to meet other students and families
✅ Building confidence and independence before the first day

📍Event Locations & Details

June 2026 First Riders Program information is not yet available. Follow STSWR on Instagram and Facebook for updates and registration details when sign-up opens in the spring.

The First Riders Program is held at multiple schools across the Waterloo Region. Choose the location that works best for you!

Students do not need to be registered at one of the listed schools to attend The First Riders Program. You can attend any location that’s convenient for your family: LOCATIONS TBD Spring 2026

🕒 Each session is 30 minutes long. You will see all times and locations when registering!

📧 How to Register for The First Riders Program

*Registrations open Spring 2026*

Families of bus-eligible students with an email on file with the school will receive an invitation by email. Please check your inbox and your junk/spam folder for your invitation

If there is no email is on file for your student on their school record, a letter will be mailed to your home address in the Spring.

This event only happens once a year — don’t miss it! Space is limited! Register early to secure your spot.

🚨 Please Note: This Is NOT School Bus Registration

• The First Riders Program is a one-day only event the first Wednesday in June to help prepare new JK/SK students for riding the school bus.
  • If you cannot attend, please watch the Buzzy the Bee video that is played at First Riders HERE.
• Eligible students are automatically assigned transportation based on the home address provided to the school during school registration.
  • You can check your transportation eligibility any time here: Can I Ride a Bus?
• Transportation details for new JK/SK students will be available in your Parent Portal at www.stswr.ca the second last week of August.
  • If an email is on file at the school, families will get this information by email from your STSWR transportation planner.
  • If no email is on file, a letter will be mailed to the primary home address.
• Please make sure the school has your correct email and address on file in order to view your students transportation details in the Parent Portal. Contact your school directly to update/change your information on file.

Printables for Schools/Families: