The first weeks of school have seen things going quite well in our parking lot! Our main challenge occurs when drivers leave their vehicles in the DROP OFF LANE, during peak drop off and pick up times. This results in the buses being delayed, as they can't pass the parked vehicle, disrupts the bus schedules, and causes the other traffic to back up also, preventing anyone from leaving the lot. If everyone uses the drop off lane as it is intended, our parking lot will run smoothly!
There are three ḰELSET Crossing Guards – one on Forest Park Drive, one at Bazan Bay Road, and one at the entrance to the ḰELSET parking lot. Crossing Guards are on duty from 8:10-8:40 and from 2:46 until 3:16 at Bazan Bay and Forest Park Roads and from 8:20-8:40 and from 2:46 until 3:06 at the ḰELSET parking lot.
Traffic in the parking lot and on Forest Park Drive will, of course, be congested at peak pick up and drop off times.
The following suggestions serve as important reminders for those returning to ḰELSET this year and are especially important to families new to our school. We ask that parents be patient and cautious and show consideration for others, especially our students. Please:
• drive
SLOWLY, obeying posted speed limits;
• obey
all signs, including anti-idling signs;
• use
the drop off/pick up areas as intended, not for parking;
• do
not make u-turns on Forest Park Drive;
• be
respectful of our school neighbours (avoid turning in their
driveways, etc.);
• allow
yourself extra time, so that you are not rushed;
•
consider
the school bus, car pooling, walking, cycling and other “green”
options; and if possible, avoid the peak drop off time (8:30- 8:40
a.m.) and drop off between 8:20 and 8:30 and avoid the peak pick up
time (2:45- 2:55), arriving at 3:00.
Supervision begins at 8:20 in the morning and until 3:10 after school.
Please note that there is RESIDENTIAL ONLY parking on Haro Park Terrace. Please do not park on Haro.
There are a few drop off spots on the south side of Forest Park Drive. We encourage you to come up Forest Park Drive to see if there are any spots on the north side of the road, using them if possible. If necessary, please loop through the parking lot, which will enable you to turn left and park in available spots on the south side of Forest Park Drive. Please use the sidewalk and go to the crosswalk, to ensure safety in crossing Forest Park Drive.
Parents
may park in the south side of the Panorama lot, near the tennis
courts and the Panorama administrators welcome ḰELSET parking
there. The lot is close to the chip trail so children and parents can
enjoy some fresh air and a brief walk on the trail, coming out right
at the crosswalk. Please do not park in the North end of the Panorama
lot.
Thank you very much for your cooperation!