Student Safety

At River Valley Primary School, the safety and well-being of our students are of the utmost importance. We are committed to cultivating a strong safety culture by consistently reinforcing the importance of safety guidelines and responsible practices. Our students take part in a range of programmes designed to build their awareness and preparedness, including Fire and Emergency Evacuation drills, learning journeys to the Road Safety Park and informative talks. We also partner with external organisations such as the Singapore Road Safety Council and SBS Transit, who conduct engaging assembly sessions to educate our students on road and public transport safety. Through these efforts, our students are empowered with the knowledge and skills to keep themselves and others safe in various situations.

1. Safety on the road

Students are regularly reminded to practise good personal road safety both within and outside of school. They are taught to avoid jaywalking and to always use footpaths and designated pedestrian crossings. During assembly sessions, students are introduced to essential road safety skills, such as the Kerb Drill, and are encouraged to apply these practices whenever they are near or crossing roads.

They are also advised not to cross at road bends or between stationary vehicles, where visibility is limited. Instead, they are guided to choose safe crossing points where they have a clear view of oncoming traffic. These reminders serve to reinforce the importance of staying alert and making safe choices as pedestrians.

2. Safety on school bus

To ensure the safety and well-being of our students during their commute, we seek the support of parents and guardians in reinforcing good behaviour on the school bus. Students are expected to listen to and follow the instructions given by the bus driver and bus attendant. It is important that they show respect, remain seated and cooperate fully to help maintain a safe and pleasant journey for everyone on board.

3. Safety on public bus

We emphasise the importance of safe behaviour while using public transport. Students are regularly reminded to follow these important safety guidelines when waiting for and boarding public buses:

1. Stand safely – Always wait on the sidewalk or a safe area away from the road.

2. Board responsibly – Only approach the bus after it has come to a complete stop. Wait patiently for others to alight before boarding.

3. Stay calm and use handrails – Avoid pushing or shoving. Use the handrails and steps carefully when getting on or off the bus.

4. Seek help if needed – If any item is dropped near or under the bus, do not attempt to retrieve it on your own. Instead, inform the bus driver and ask for assistance.

By following these simple steps, students can help ensure a safe and smooth experience when taking public buses.

4. Other road safety precautions

For the safety of our students, no vehicles are allowed to park or wait in our school carpark when parents send or fetch their children. This is done to keep other students who are crossing the small road within the school safe. This is due to space constraints, and children moving within

the premises. The nearest public carparks can be found along Martin Place,

Killiney Road and at Zion Food Centre.

When it rains, parents are allowed to drive into the school to pick up their children at the foyer. We seek the cooperation of all parents who drive to school to follow traffic rules and regulations and practice road safety and courtesy for the safety of all our students and staff.

At River Valley Primary School, the safety of our students is our top priority. To ensure a safe environment for all, vehicles are not allowed to park or wait in the school carpark during drop-off and pick-up times. This measure helps protect students who are crossing the internal road and moving around the school grounds, especially given our limited space.

Parents who drive are encouraged to use the nearest public carparks located at Martin Place, Killiney Road and Zion Food Centre.

During wet weather, parents may drive into the school compound to pick up their children at the foyer. We kindly seek the cooperation of all parents to observe traffic rules, practise road safety and courtesy and follow the directions of staff on duty. Your support helps us ensure a safe and orderly environment for all students and staff.

5. Safety during PE

All students are expected to actively participate in the P.E lesson as part of their holistic development at RVPS. However, students with pre-existing medical conditions certified by a qualified doctor will be exempted from physical activities. In addition, if a student feels unwell during a P.E. lesson, they should inform their P.E. teacher immediately and will be excused from the activity. For students with asthmatic conditions, it is essential that they carry their prescribed reliever medication in their bags at all times. All students are expected to follow the instructions of their P.E. teachers to ensure a safe and supportive environment for physical activity

6. Safety during outdoor activities – Lightning Warning System  

To ensure the safety of all students and staff, River Valley Primary School has installed three lightning risk alert lamps at key outdoor locations within the school:

• Parade Square

• School Field

• Basketball Court

When the lightning risk alert lamps are activated, all outdoor activities must stop immediately. All students and staff are to seek shelter and remain indoors until the alert is lifted and it is safe to resume activities. This system is part of our ongoing efforts to maintain a safe school environment during inclement weather.

7. Other safety measures to keep students safe in RVPS

At River Valley Primary School, the safety and security of our students and staff remain our top priority. We seek the cooperation of all parents and visitors in observing the following safety protocols:

a) Visitor Entry Procedures

To maintain a safe environment during school hours:

• All visitors are required to sign in at the Security Post and obtain a Visitor’s Pass before entering the school premises to meet with school staff.

• Unauthorized visitors will be asked to leave the premises immediately.

• Parents fetching their children should wait only at the foyer or at the sheltered areas near Gates 3 and 4.

• Entry into the school foyer is only permitted 15 minutes before dismissal time. We kindly ask that parents do not proceed beyond these designated waiting areas.

b) Early Student Dismissal Procedures

To ensure student safety:

• Students are not allowed to leave the school premises before official dismissal time unless accompanied by a parent or a related adult.

• In such cases, proper documentation must be completed at the General Office.

• As a rule, students are expected to remain in school for the full day to participate in all planned learning experiences and programmes.

• No student will be released early without prior authorisation and approval from the school.

c)        Partnering for Student Safety

• As we continue to instill the importance of personal safety in our students, we value the strong partnership we share with our parents and guardians. Your continued support in reinforcing safety practices both within and outside school grounds is crucial.

• We urge all parents to adhere to the safety measures implemented by the school and the Land Transport Authority (LTA), especially during drop-off and pick-up times. Together, we can create a safe and secure environment for all our students.