Sherbrooke Community School students Sarah, 13, Monique, 13, Jaxom, 11, Tarik, 11, James, 12, Jake, 15, Samuel, 15 and Caleb, 13, would benefit from improved bus services. 51782
By Casey Neill
POOR bus links are denying Sassafras students crucial learning opportunities.
Sherbrooke Community School acting principal Kerry Bennetto said students relied on public transport to reach the school from suburbs including Gembrook, Rowville, Lilydale, Boronia and Ferntree Gully.
She said many were often left stranded because of infrequent bus services and poor connections between routes.
“If they miss the bus, it’s another hour before they can catch another one,” she said.
“Half an hour wouldn’t be so bad.”
“The hills are generally very poorly serviced.”
Ms Bennetto said one or two students are late each day because of the current bus services’ inadequate timetables.
“But for those kids, it’s an hour and a half out of their schooling each day,” she said. “That adds up over the term.”
These students miss maths and English lessons, which are scheduled for the morning when kids are most alert.
“It’s not just a matter of missing one class,” Ms Bennetto said.
About 60 of the Prep to Year 12 school’s 160 students rely on public transport to get to and from school. The small school cannot afford to run its own bus.
“The buses are full in the morning and afternoon,” she said.
US Bus Lines also pick up a group of students on the way back to the depot about 3.15pm as a favour to the school.
Ms Bennetto said more frequent buses in the morning and afternoon would solve the problems.
“A more frequent bus service around school start time and end time would make it easier for the kids to get the most out of their education,” she said. The school also uses public transport for excursions and sports activities.
“We need that public transport for those activities,” Ms Bennetto said.
“In the middle of the day, the timetable is pretty ordinary.”
