Policy overview
The St. Mary’s First Nation K–Grade 12 & Busing Policy explains Kindergarten-to-Grade-12 education supports and the rules used to provide safe student transportation. The policy was prepared by the St. Mary’s Education Department in May 2025. Families can contact the Education Department at 506-459-2219 or visit the office at 150 Cliffe Street in Fredericton with questions.
K–12 program supports
The policy describes school start-up assistance, high-school incentives, the Student Summer Career Program, achievement awards, student travel grants, and tutoring assistance. Eligibility and payment amounts depend on the student’s grade, registration, residency, supporting documents, and the requirements of each program. Families should contact the Education Department for current requirements.
Student travel grants
Travel must be school-sponsored and hosted by an educational institution. Applications must explain the educational purpose, identify the relevant grade or course, include a detailed itinerary, and be submitted at least six weeks before travel. Funding is not retroactive. Incomplete applications are returned, and approved funding must be returned if an activity is cancelled.
Tutoring
Tutoring assistance is available to St. Mary’s First Nation students who are having difficulty in a course. Required documents must be completed and signed before costs can be paid. Students and tutors should provide at least four hours’ notice when cancelling and arrange a make-up session when required.
School bus policy purpose
The school bus policy establishes laws, rules, and operating guidance for safely transporting students. It works alongside federal and provincial motor-vehicle laws, New Brunswick education requirements, and St. Mary’s First Nation policies.
Loading, unloading, seating, and aisles
Drivers must check mirrors, watch traffic, and account for every passenger before moving. Students crossing the road must cross in front under the driver’s direction. Every student must have a seat and remain seated. Aisles and emergency exits must stay clear, and equipment must be secured.
Driver safety responsibilities
Drivers must complete inspections, account for students, use seat belts, obey safe speeds, and never fuel with passengers aboard. Tobacco, alcohol, drugs, mobile-phone use, foul language, and eating or drinking while driving are prohibited. A student must never be left unattended.
Positive student management
Drivers must manage behaviour with respect, consistency, patience, and clear communication. Rules and consequences must be fair. Drivers should reinforce positive conduct, avoid physical contact, report harassment, and request help with serious concerns.
Student bus rules
Students must follow directions, arrive five minutes early, wait safely, board in order, remain seated, keep aisles clear, and respect others. Throwing objects, profanity, hazardous materials, fighting, bullying, smoking or vaping, alcohol or drugs, food or drink, and boarding or leaving at an unapproved stop are prohibited.
Misconduct and consequences
Misconduct is reported to the school administrator. Consequences may include warnings, short suspensions, extended suspension, or loss of bus privileges. Serious conduct includes assault, threats, fighting, weapons, drugs or alcohol, arson, vandalism, and behaviour that jeopardizes safety. Families are responsible for transportation during a suspension.
Field trips and bus-stop safety
Drivers must inspect the vehicle, confirm documents and directions, understand emergency procedures, follow the approved route, load safely, and complete a post-trip inspection. Students must stay outside the danger zone, cross only after the driver signals, and carry only items that can be safely held or secured.
Parent and guardian responsibilities
Families should review road and bus safety, ensure children arrive early, supervise younger children, avoid dangling clothing or bag straps, and reinforce respectful conduct. Route or departure changes require a written note to the school.
Weather and service changes
St. Mary’s buses follow Anglophone West School District weather closures and delays. Families should use official district and Education Department notices for current information.
Official document
This page is a readable summary of the May 2025 policy. Open the attached policy document for the complete approved wording, program amounts, procedures, offence categories, and consequences.