Walking School Bus resources
The Walking School Bus resources and information in this section will be useful for program coordinators in schools as well as local councils or supporting agencies.
These resources have been developed by local councils and organisations and can be recreated or altered to suit your requirements.
Fact sheets
Walktober fact sheet
Benefits of a Walking School Bus
Read about the benefits of a Walking School Bus. This information can be cut and pasted into presentations to schools, parents and potential sponsors. You may also like to include it in newsletters and media releases.
Forms
Memorandum of understanding
Role statement and memorandum of understanding
Example: Melbourne & YMCA MOU
Volunteer agreement
Volunteer agreement
Example: City of Greater Shepparton Volunteer Registration Form
Go to Other Resources in this section to see more forms and tools.
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Merchandise
These resources have been sourced and recommended by individual local government Walking School Bus project officers. VicHealth provides this as information only and encourages Walking School Bus coordinators to follow their organisation's protocols regarding promotion and purchasing procedures.
| Product |
Company |
Contact |
| Pedometers |
Go Active |
T: (03) 5625 2445, E: Kerry Irwin |
| Badges |
Ebajinda Enterprises |
Jan King T/F (03) 5438 7461 |
| T-shirts |
Unique Artz |
T: (03) 5381 0007, E: Unique Artz |
| Domestic first aid kits |
St John’s Ambulance |
T: (03) 9696 0000
www.stjohnvic.com.au |
| Wrist bands |
JB & S Promotions |
T: (03) 5385 7118 |
| Solymar of Melbourne, Mill Park |
Marie T:(03) 9436 9451 |
| Reflex Promotion Knoxfield |
Malcom or Karen T: (03) 9763 8556 |
| Hats |
JB & S Promotions |
T: (03) 5385 7118 |
| Central Goldfields WSB |
Anne Parry T: (03) 5461 4012 |
| Vests |
Big Safety |
T: (02) 4574 0997 |
| Susan Fajnkind |
M: 0414 576 305 www.gul.com.au |
Waterbottles
$1.73 each (WSB print set up has been paid for) |
Nic Titheridge Promoshop |
Production Coordinator
T: (03) 9645 3599, F: (03) 9645 3699
www.promoshop.com.au |
| Waterbottles |
Officeworks |
T: 13 15 33, F: 1300 36 1001 |
Umbrellas
$4.40 each (WSB print set up has been paid for) |
David Byrne Cool & Unique Umbrellas |
172 Franklin St
Melbourne VIC 3000
sales@coolunique.com.au |
Quantification tool
The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI-A/NZ) and VicHealth have developed a tool for local governments to measure the benefits of walking using environmental, economic and social indicators.
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Logos, trademark and Walking School Bus mascot
You must complete an application form (see below) and send it to VicHealth; upon approval we will supply high-resolution images of the logo(s) for you to use.
Minimum standards
Approved users of the logo must meet the following minimum standards:
- volunteers are covered by appropriate insurance
- volunteers are subject to Working With Children (Police) Checks
- volunteer induction is provided which includes policy and procedures on duty of care, road and pedestrian safety and emergency situations
- the walking route is assessed for obstacles and traffic safety
- It is important that the focus of the program is on promoting walking to school, not sales and marketing of commercial products.
VicHealth values the fact that communities differ and that the delivery of the Walking School Bus program will vary according to local circumstances. We do, however, believe that school communities will appreciate the assurance of quality and credibility associated with a VicHealth Walking School Bus.
Download
Walking School Bus Logo Trademark minimum requirements
What do you need to do now?
We require you to acknowledge VicHealth as the owner of the trademarked logo. You can do this by applying the ™ symbol to the logo whenever it appears and a reference or footnote that says: The Walking School Bus logo is a trademark of the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth).
Application process
Complete and send the Walking School Bus trademark application form to VicHealth.
Assessment and approval process
The application will be assessed at VicHealth to see if the organisation can meet the program requirement set out by VicHealth. If the application is approved, VicHealth will send a letter of approval to the applicant and email the trademarked Walking School Bus logo. VicHealth will include the successful applicant’s details on VicHealth’s trademark database. The Trademark Usage Agreement is valid for 3 years from the date of approval.
Application renewal process
Once the 3 years is completed, lodge a Walking School Bus trademark renewal application to VicHealth. VicHealth will then repeat the assessment and approval process.
The Walking School Bus mascot
The Walking School Bus mascot is an important and popular public character for the program. It’s a fun addition to launches and events and being so large and bright, can add an extra spark for kids and the media. You need a Walking School Bus Trademark Usage Agreement with VicHealth before you can use the mascot (see above).
The mascot suits and booking information
Two versions of the Walking School Bus mascot have been produced and these can be borrowed by contacting:
Synthesis Design and Display Pty Ltd
Phone: 03 9720 3895
Email: solutions@synthesis.com.au
Mascot Suit WSB 01: This mascot is large –1120mm wide x 870mm deep x 730mm high and has 6 detachable legs. Due to its size, the mascot can only be transported in a large vehicle, for example a van. Instructions for assembling and wearing the suit are included in the kit.
Mascot Suit WSB 02: This mascot is an inflatable version and comes in a large carry/wheelie bag. This mascot can be transported in a small car. Instructions for assembling and wearing the suit are included in the kit.
Important information you should know before booking the mascot
- All activities featuring the mascot must maintain the integrity and reputation of VicHealth at all times.
- The mascot needs an assistant/minder at all times.
- The mascot costume can get hot and heavy. The person wearing the suit needs to take a break every 30 minutes and drink water during break times.
- The mascot must not run.
- The mascot is encouraged to entertain children but should avoid approaching any child that appears frightened.
The organisation/person booking the mascot is responsible for the following:
- Organise a person to wear the suit.
- Ensure the wearer’s safety; as the mascot does not speak, safety and related issues will need to be discussed before the event.
- Ensure the event has no association with alcohol, cigarettes, soft drink beverages and processed food companies.
- Wash and dry the tights and t-shirt supplied with the mascot (WSB 01) after use. The ‘Washing and Care’ instructions are supplied with the mascot (WSB 01).
- Detach the 6 yellow feet of the mascot (WSB 01) before packing in the carry case.
- Recharge the battery of the inflatable mascot (WSB 02) before delivering it back to Synthesis Design and Display P/L or another borrower.
- Return the mascot on the agreed date to Synthesis Design and Display P/L.
- Meet the costs associated with hiring a person to wear the suit. If you need to hire a person it is recommended that you get professional roving actors that have public liability insurance. Seek advice from the risk management officer in your organisation.
- Meet the costs associated with couriering/transporting the mascot to Synthesis Design and Display P/L or another borrower.
- Report any damage to the mascot to Synthesis as soon as possible.
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Kids games and activities
We welcome your tried and true methods and encourage you to submit ideas, games or competitions that you have used to get the kids on board.
Fun games
Created by Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Maze
Created by Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Colouring competition artwork
Created by Manningham YMCA
Smogbuster crossword
Created by Melbourne YMCA
Student activity sheet
Created by Melbourne YMCA
Christmas card
Created by Boorondara City Council
Walker of the week certificate
Created by Cardinia Shire Council
What can you hear?
Created by Melbourne YMCA
What can you see?
Created by Melbourne YMCA
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Other resources
These resources have been developed by local councils and organisations. They can be recreated or altered to suit your requirements.
Manuals and handbooks
Volunteer handbook
Bayside City Council
Checklist for establishing a Walking School Bus
Greater Shepparton City Council
Parent handbook
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Policy and procedures manual
Stonnington City Council
Forms
Child re-enrolement form
Boroondara City Council
Certificates
WSB certificate
Cardinia Shire Council
Newsletters
Nillumbik newsletter
Nillumbik Shire Council
Risk management
Nillumbik risk management plan
Nillumbik Shire Council
Incident forms
Minor incident form
Melbourne YMCA
Major incident form
Melbourne YMCA
Traffic safety
Traffic safety education protocols
Melbourne YMCA
Green Light Project – How to get changes to pedestrian crossings
City of Port Phillip
Route inspection template
Greater Shepparton City Council
Driver induction session
Yarra Ranges Shire
Brochures
General brochure
Hobsons Bay City Council and ISIS PCP
Multilingual brochures
Arabic
Chinese
Somali
Vietnamese
Melbourne YMCA
Postcard with multilingual panel
Greater Dandenong City Council
School resources
Introductory session for schools
Moira Shire Council
Teacher lesson plans
Tim Watson (Maroondah City Council)
Recruitment
WSB coordinator position description
Horsham Rural City Council and Wimmera PCP
Recruitment brochure
Geelong City Council
Recruitment flier
Greater Dandenong City Council
Volunteers needed
Greater Shepparton City Council
Recruiting and retaining passengers and volunteers
Geelong City Council
Sponsorship
Sponsorship letter
Greater Dandenong City Council
Sponsorship letter
Maribyrnong City Council
Merchandise
Backpack
Whitehorse City Council