My First Ride offers new students a chance to experience the wheels on the bus ahead of the first day of school

By Samantha Johnson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on August 23, 2022.

The Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education’s transportation department and Southland Transportation have teamed up for My First Ride this year.

This is a free event and open to kindergarten students and all other first-time bus riders, giving them a chance to experience riding a school bus before the first day of school.

There is no charge for the event, and it will take about an hour with parents asked to accompany their child(ren). Attendees will experience entering and exiting the bus, safely riding in one and also participate in an emergency evacuation.

“The My First Ride program helps new riders ease their anxiety for their first ride to school and allows them to practice before their big day,” MHCBE superintendent, Dr. Dwayne Zarichny, said via email. “I believe that it is important to be able to make a student’s first day at school as positive as possible. By partnering with Southland Transportation, we are doing just that. We look forward to the excitement our students will have with their first ride!”

There are two opportunities to take part in My First Ride. The first is today, August 23 at St. Francis Xavier School from 9-11 a.m. The second is on Wednesday, August 24 at Ecole St. John Paul II School, also from 9-11 a.m.

Registration is not required, simply show up and enjoy the experience.

For more information, visit southland.ca/medicinehat or mhcbe.ab.ca/transportation.