It’s the first day of a brand new school year for students across Chatham-Kent. 
Dan Parr, Director of Education with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board says a healthy perspective is paramount during the school year.
“The importance of family time together at meals is very effective in raising healthy children,” Parr says. “Regular bed time routes in the family, good nutrition, balancing physical activity with reading, less screen time. Those things are not new, and they are very effective still.”
Meantime, Provincial Police are reminding motorists about the rules of the road when it comes to school buses and safety around school crossings.
All vehicles must stop when coming across a school bus with its red lights flashing, and remain stopped until the lights have been turned off or the bus begins to drive.
Any driver caught passing a school bus risks a $490 fine and six demerit points, or if the arresting officer so chooses, a maximum fine of $2000.
Parents are also asked to speak to their kids about the rules of the road, whether their walking or biking to school.
