The STEMIA Parent Bus WhatsApp Chat is an adult only chat group, and a helpful community resource tool that allows better communication in the event of bus breakdowns or delays. NO STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED IN ANY OF OUR CHAT GROUPS. Please heed the following rules:

No students are allowed in these chat groups. These are adult/ parent/ guardian chat groups only. Parents who share the invite link with the students risk member expulsion.

The chat groups will be used to arrange carpooling and to provide updates pertinent to bus delays, notifications, and vehicle breakdowns. The chats must be left open for these updates, especially during critical times when carpooling arrangements are being made.

The Parent WhatsApp groups are created and moderated by volunteers from our STEMIA School Council and Parent Fundraising Society. We reserve the right to publish updates regarding events, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities that are being offered by these two organizations.

Complaints or concerns about students and bus drivers should be taken directly to our school administration (403.259.4211) or First Student (403.531.3900). Our moderators are parent volunteers who do not work for First Student or the school administration. Moderators DO NOT HAVE THE AUTHORITY to handle such complaints and concerns.

You may not ask any other parent in the chat to "hold the bus". Asking the bus driver to wait for a student who is late at their stop is strictly prohibited. Our 11 bus drivers have a tight schedule. Please arrive at your stop at least 5 minutes early.

Our moderators are parent volunteers who do not receive renumeration for their time as group admins. Moderators receive the same notifications and emails that our parents receive from the school or First Student. Their primary role is to provide information and assistance pertaining to the bus updates, stops, and delays. Moderators will oversee interactions between members of the group to ensure that respectful and appropriate behaviour is being used at all times. They will delete any posts or information that isn't pertinent to bus-related topics. Abuse and expletive language towards moderators will not be tolerated and will result in member expulsion. Our moderators do not have the authority to handle student or bus driver complaints. If you have a concern, please speak directly with our school administration or First Student.

Keep discussions relevant to the purpose of our bus group. Avoid spamming the group with unrelated or excessive messages. If you want to discuss something off-topic, consider initiating a private conversation. We kindly ask that you leave your personal affairs out of the chat.

Refrain from posting or sharing content that is offensive, discriminatory, defamatory, or explicit. This includes avoiding the sharing of inappropriate images, videos, or links. Respect the privacy of other group members. Do not share personal information or conversations without the explicit consent of the individuals involved. Offensive language and abuse towards our moderators or other members of the group will not be tolerated.

The Senior High Whatsapp Group will be split into two groups: SW and SE groups (SOUTH Senior High Chat), and NW and NE groups (NORTH Senior High Chat). These chat groups will help connect families within the South and North communities. You may use this chat group to arrange carpooling, or have groups of students travel together. A moderator will facilitate the chat groups and ensure that communication among parents remains respectful.