School zones operate on weekdays from 8am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 4pm.

Lolly pop lady Laraine Brown, who has enjoyed supervising St Paul’s Primary School crossing for the past two years, was pleased to get back into the swing of things yesterday.

“Motorists have slowed down today, but normally they go ‘chooooom’ down the road,” she said of yesterday’s back-to-school traffic

Ms Brown said she was sometimes shocked by the ignorance of some motorists.

“One time, a speeding driver did not stop and almost knocked us over – quite a few close calls,” she said.

“One particular guy went through and didn’t know what he had done wrong – I told him he had been speeding.

“Some parents go through it, too.

“We have flags up at the crossings – some motorists need to look out, take care and open their eyes.”

St Paul’s year 6 pupil Lachlan said: “Laraine is important so we don’t get hit by cars while crossing the road – she is very nice to us.”

His 9-year-old brother, Mitchell added: “She is a good lady.”

Carmel McCormick, acting principal of St Paul’s was very grateful for school crossing supervisors run by Mildura Rural City Council.

“Parents are strongly encouraged to educate their children by setting the example and using the crossing at all times,” Ms McCormick said.

“This would support the staff in their efforts to maintain a safe arrival and exit from school.”

Mildura South Primary School principal Debra Chandler also urged parents to set a good example for pupils.

“It is imperative that parents be a good role model for their children by using the school crossing and making sure their child uses the crossing,” she said.

Acting Sergeant Tony Johns said Mildura Highway Patrol would be actively patrolling school zones to ensure the safety of everyone.

“I urge motorists to pay particular attention to school zones, and get back into the mindset that school is back,” he said.

This article appeared in Saturday’s Sunraysia Daily 04/02/2012.