REGINA – As students begin returning to school, Thursday (Sept. 1) has been officially proclaimed “Provincial Students’ Day” in Saskatchewan, as requested annually by the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA).
“As we welcome students, staff and families back to school, Provincial Students’ Day is a good opportunity to issue a reminder about school-zone safety,” said Dr. Shawn Davidson, president of the SSBA. “We are encouraging all Saskatchewan communities to pay close attention as our roads, walkways and school zones get busier with returning students and staff.”
Provincial Students’ Day was first proclaimed in 2010, in response to a resolution passed by the province’s trustees at the SSBA 2009 Annual General Meeting. It is usually proclaimed on the first Tuesday of September. This year, it was moved to coincide with the change in school-year start.
The day has always been focused on helping ensure safety is the primary consideration for students, families and communities, and especially for motorists who will be driving in and around school zones. The Government of Saskatchewan proclaims the day each year at the SSBA’s request, with the intent of reinforcing the message of care and concern for students going to and from school.
“Ensuring students and school staff have a safe and welcoming school, is of the utmost importance to the Government of Saskatchewan,” Education Minister Dustin Duncan said. “Thank you to the Saskatchewan School Boards Association for proclaiming September 1 as Provincial Students Day, which raises awareness surrounding the importance of school zone safety. I’d like to remind drivers to slow down and be alert, as excited children travel to and from schools starting this week.”