Dear Families, 

Welcome to Term 3 Week 5! As we have well and truly settled into Term 3, I’d like to take a moment to share some important reminders regarding the use of our Stop, Drop & Go on Balaclava Road. 

Over the holidays, new road markings were painted along Balaclava Road to improve safety and traffic flow. As part of these changes, it is now illegal to perform a U-turn into or out of the Stop, Drop & Go. Unfortunately, we’ve noticed that some families are still making these turns, which causes significant delays and disrupts the flow of traffic. We kindly ask all families to follow the road rules and help keep things moving smoothly for everyone. 

We also want to remind families to please use the zebra crossing when walking across Balaclava Road. We’ve observed several instances of jaywalking, including families stopping mid-road to cross. Balaclava Road is a busy thoroughfare, and using the designated crossing is essential for everyone’s safety. 

Additionally, when using the Stop, Drop & Go, please drive as far forward as possible before stopping. Stopping midway, or directly in front of the gate, when space is available ahead causes a backlog of cars, which can extend past Our Lady Help of Christians and impact traffic flow for the wider community. 

We understand that mornings can be busy, but by working together and following these guidelines, we can ensure a safer and more efficient experience for all families. If you are looking for a more relaxed Stop, Drop & Go experience, Mestrez Street is available, with a car park out the back behind our OSHC.  

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep our school community safe and respectful. 

Warm regards,