RYDA 2025
By Naomi Tupa'i | Posted: Tuesday June 3, 2025
Year 12 Students Attend RYDA Safe Driving Program
Last week, our Year 12 students attended the RYDA (Rotary Youth Driver Awareness) program. This is a powerful and practical workshop focused on developing safe driving habits and promoting responsible decision-making on the road.
It was held at the EdgarCentre, the day saw students rotate through six interactive and engaging workshops, each designed to raise awareness about different aspects of road safety. These included:
Speed & Stopping - Understanding the physics behind stopping distances and reaction times.
The 'I' in Drive - Exploring personal responsibility and mindset while driving.
Road Choices - Real-life case studies and peer discussion on the consequences of risky behaviour.
Crash Investigators - A deep dive into how and why crashes occur.
Drive SOS - Strategies to be a supportive and safe passenger.
Mind Matters - Exploring how emotions and distractions can affect driving decisions.
In the lead-up to RYDA, students completed some preparatory sessions in our Thursday morning Skills Block, where they explored key road safety concepts and reflected on their own driving experiences and responsibilities.
One of the most impactful parts of the day was hearing from a speaker who shared her story - a woman now in a wheelchair after being in a car crash where she wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. Her honesty left a lasting impression on many students and reminded us all of how quickly things can change.
The attitude of our students on the day was excellent. They approached each session with maturity, asked thoughtful questions, and showed a genuine commitment to learning - whether they were already driving, learning to drive, or often in the passenger seat.
With so many of our students now beginning their journey on the road, these key takeaways and safety reminders are really important.
Thank you to families and caregivers for your ongoing support in helping keep our young people safe.
If you wish to know more about the program they have an excellence website with lots of resource available here: https://rse.org.nz/
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