The school bell is about to ring for the first time in 2024, which means school buses and 40km/h zones will be back, and school crossings will once again be supervised.
Two supervised crossings have closed for the 2024 academic year, while you may notice a new crossing pop up around town.
Supervision of the Wyndham St and Archer St school crossings ceased in October 2023 while a new crossing is about to open, which means there will be 24 supervised crossings in the municipality.
The News asked Greater Shepparton City Council about its decisions around lollipop crossings.
“The number of children utilising the Wyndham St and Archer St supervised school crossings had declined below the minimum number (20) to maintain supervision,” a council spokesperson said.
“Both crossings continue to have unsupervised pedestrian crossings operated by lights.”
They also said that parents had been advised of these closures.
However, one main intersection has employed a new crossing supervisor.
“Students who utilised the Wyndham St and Archer St supervised school crossings were provided with a letter to advise them of the change,” a council spokesperson said.
“School crossing supervision is delivered by council and partially funded by the state government.
“Council works closely with the Victorian Government to determine the eligibility of crossings for supervision near schools.
“Following a review of eligibility, an additional supervisor has recently been employed at the intersection of Verney Rd and Hawdon St in Shepparton.”
With Monday marking the return to school, council reminded the public to be mindful of students and children on the roads.
“In the lead-up to schools returning, Greater Shepparton City Council would like to remind motorists to drive carefully around schools during start and finish times, and to be mindful of children and supervisors,” the spokesperson said.
Concerns were raised to The News following a letter to the editor asking where the Archer St lollipop lady had gone.