Kindergarten First Riders Program – June 4 2025

April 21st, 2025

Helping JK/SK students feel ready for their first bus ride!

Is your student starting Junior or Senior Kindergarten in September 2025 and taking the bus to school? The First Riders Program is a free, fun, and interactive way to help them feel comfortable and confident for the big day!

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🚌 What is First Riders?

First Riders is a once-a-year program designed for new JK/SK students who will be riding the school bus in September. This FREE 30-minute session includes:

✅ 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

First Riders is held at 7 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 First Riders. You can attend any location that’s convenient for your family:

Chicopee Hills P.S. (Wheelchair accessible bus available) Holy Spirit C.E.S. (Wheelchair accessible bus available)
St. Luke C.E.S. St. Nicholas C.E.S.
John Sweeney C.E.S. St. Gabriel C.E.S.
St. Kateri Tekakwitha C.E.S.

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

📧 How to Register for First Riders

*Registration opens Monday, April 21 and closes Monday, June 2, 2025*

Find a school and register under your students name here: ➡️ Register Here!

Families of bus-eligible students with an email on file with the school will receive an invitation by email on April 21 from contacts@stswr.ca. 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 the week of April 21.

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

  • First Riders is a one-day only event in June to help prepare new JK/SK students for riding the school bus.
  • Eligible students are automatically assigned transportation based on the home address provided to the school during school registration.
  • Transportation details for new JK/SK students will be sent at the end of August 2025.
    • If an email is on file at the school, families will get this information by email from contacts@stswr.ca.
    • 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. Contact your school directly to update/change your information on file.

Printables for Schools/Families:

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