Osba Annual Magazine 2008

Ontario SCHOOLBUS OCTOBER 2008

VOLUME 17

XXXXX xxxxx 4/c pg. 1

ONTARIO

SCHOOL

BUS

ASSOCIATION

FOR SCHOOL COUNCILS, HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS, TRUSTEES, ADMINISTRATORS AND PROVIDERS OF STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

• GREETINGS FROM ONTARIO’S MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION, JIM BRADLEY • BUILDING BRIDGES: ONE OPERATOR’S COMMUNITY INITIATIVE DURING SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK • THE TRANSPORTATION EXPO: ONTARIO’S FASTEST GROWING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY • FINDING THE “ONE VOICE” • THE SAFE DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP: SECOND TO NONE

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SCHOOLBUS Ontario

OCTOBER 2008

VOLUME 17

C O N T E N T S

MESSAGES Ontario Minister John Milloy (second from right) with Waterloo area school bus drivers.

6

Message from John Sharp President, OSBA

7

Message from Richard Donaldson Executive Director, OSBA

8

OSBA Directors 2008-2009

Published annually by: Naylor (Canada), Inc. 2 Bloor Street W., Suite 2001 Toronto, ON M4W 3E2 Tel: (416) 961-1028 Toll free: (800) 461-4828 Fax: (416) 924-4408 www.naylor.com Published for: Ontario School Bus Association 1 Eva Road, Suite 304 Toronto, ON, M9C 4Z5 Tel: (416) 695-9965 or 1 (888) 675-OSBA Fax: (416) 695-9977 Email: [email protected] www.osba.on.ca Richard Donaldson, Executive Director ©2008 Naylor (Canada), Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Editor: Lisa Gordon Writer: Megan Spadafora Publisher: Elena Langlois Project Manager: Kim Davies Sales Manager: Kim Davies Book Leader: Mark Hawkins Sales Representatives: Ainsley Tyler, Brenda Ezinicki, Cheryll Oland, Dawn Stokes, Donna Fidelak, Jennifer Jandavs-Hedlin, Meaghen Foden, Pat Johnston, Teresa Niessen, Wayne Jury, Marketing: Amanda Everett Layout & Design: Naylor (Canada), Inc. Advertising Art: Dana Marleau THE OSBA AND DIRECTORS 2007-2008 The Ontario School Bus Association (OSBA) is a non-profit trade association serving the education and advocacy needs of owner-operators of school bus fleets across the province. Membership is voluntary; our Board of Directors are all volunteers elected by their peers. MISSION STATEMENT • To advocate member viability to ensure the safest delivery of Ontario students. • To manage, with our members, a proactive and safe industry dedicated to cost efficient, effective and security conscious student transportation. • To provide members with valuable tools so that they can be excellent service providers. • To recognize our clients as students and our customers as parents, school boards and the Ontario government.

FEATURES 9

Greetings from Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, Jim Bradley

10

Building Bridges: One Operator’s Community Initiative during School Bus Safety Week

12

The Transportation Expo: Ontario’s Fastest Growing Networking Opportunity

15 17

Finding the “One Voice”

19 22

OSBA Commissioned Art for Sale

The Safe Driving Championship: Second to None

Index to Advertisers

Publication Agreement Number: 40064978 PUBLISHED OCTOBER 2008/SBU-A0008/7236

SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008 •

5

MESSAGE FROM

JOHN SHARP President, OSBA

A

s we gear up for another active year, we have come to a point where we must re-define ourselves. We must remind ourselves and

others why we got into this industry five, 10, 20 or 50 years ago. The OSBA has been an integral part of the education system for the past 50 years. During this time, policies have changed but the mission has remained the same: to deliver Ontario children to and from school safe, secure, on time and ready to learn. I take pride in knowing our school bus drivers do this each school day. School buses are the safest vehicles on the road today. Our partners help us ensure we do everything possible to minimize the risk of injury to our precious cargo. Thus far, we have been successful; however, we will continue to strive for excellence. The large yellow and black buses are not only an efficient and cost-effective transportation system, but they are also an essential service provided to Ontario communities. It is the nature of business to be in constant flux. It is the nature of business to evolve and respond to environmental change. To be successful we must think outside of the box. It will not only help us achieve our mission, but it will establish our organization as a fundamental partner in the education system. We are well positioned for the future and need your support in achieving this year’s objectives. I look forward to facing the road ahead with you. Together, we will prove to be an intricate part of Ontario’s education system. It is my pleasure to serve the OSBA as we work towards a brighter future.

The OSBA has been an integral part of the education system for the past 50 years. 6 • SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008

MESSAGE FROM

RICHARD DONALDSON Executive Director, OSBA

O

n behalf of the OSBA, I am pleased to introduce the 2008 issue of School Bus Ontario.

For the past 50 years our members have been working together to deliver young children to school safely. Our drivers transport 800,000 Ontario children in the safest vehicle on the road today. They are mothers, fathers, daughters and sons. They understand the anxiety parents feel letting their child venture into the world for the first time, riding the black and yellow school bus. This business involves developing relationships with not only parents, but various other stakeholders. Teachers, school boards, provincial governments as well as our membership all have investments in the future. Our well-trained drivers and dedicated operators continue to develop their knowledge of the industry to achieve their mission successfully. Our partners help govern the rules in which we operate and create awareness of safety initiatives set forth to protect young children. We are proud of the efficient and cost-effective transportation system we have created. In future, we must continue to be proactive. Turning the challenges ahead of us into opportunities will help strengthen our roots. We need to be unified leaders and decision-makers working together towards our common business objective: the next 50 years. We are thankful to our partners, friends and colleagues for their continuous support. I look forward to working together for a better tomorrow.

We need to be unified leaders and decision-makers working together towards our common business objective: the next 50 years. SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008 •

7

THE OSBA AND DIRECTORS 2008-2009

OSBA DIRECTORS 2008-2009

President John Sharp Sharp Bus Lines, Brantford

Vice-President and Director, District 5 Angus McKay Student Transportation of Canada, Guelph

T

he Ontario School Bus Association (OSBA) is a non-profit trade association serving the education and advocacy needs of owner-operators of school bus fleets across the province. Membership is voluntary; our Board of Directors are all volunteers elected by their peers.

Treasurer Jim McGill McGill Enterprises Ltd., Corunna

OUR VISION IS TO EXCEL

in Leadership … by providing excellence in student transportation service in Building … strong relationships with students, parents, our partners in education and our communities in Innovation …

Past President and Director, District 4 Stan Sinton Sinton Transportation, Barrie

Director, District 7 Mike Casey First Student Canada, Ottawa

Director John Chapman Newry Coach Lines, Atwood

by creating new and dynamic industry standards and relationships in Success … by confronting today’s challenges and preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities

MISSION STATEMENT Director, District 2 Pat Dwyer Schumacher Bus Lines, Schumacher

Director, District 8 Michael Healey Valley Bus Lines, Kemptville

Director, District 3 Daniel Joanis Northway Bus Lines, Val Caron

PHOTO UNAVAILABLE

Director Larry Lacroix Laurent Lacroix Bus Lines, Chapleau

Director, District 6 Gord Taylor Stock Transportation, Newmarket

8 • SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008

Director, District 1 Gordon McTaggart Excel Coach Lines Ltd., Kenora

T

o advocate member viability to ensure the safest delivery of Ontario students. To manage, with our members, a proactive and safe industry dedicated to cost efficient, effective and security conscious student transportation. To provide members with valuable tools so that they can be excellent service providers. To recognize our clients as students and our customers as parents, school boards and the Ontario government.

Greetings FROM ONTARIO’S MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION,

JIM BRADLEY E

ach day, school buses carry more than 800,000 students across Ontario. As Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, I am always looking for new ways to make our provincial roads safer for students. Keeping our children safe by making sure Ontario’s 18,000 school buses are operating as safely as possible takes good laws and enforcement; but just as importantly, it takes an industry dedicated to safety and widespread public education in the community. In Ontario, all of these elements have come together to make school buses the safest mode of transportation for our children — 16 times safer than the family car. Ontario’s school buses and drivers consistently rank among the safest in North America. In fact, our two-week safety inspection blitz in spring 2008 showed that more than 94 per cent of the buses inspected met Ontario’s high safety standards.

Ontario’s school buses and drivers consistently rank among the safest in North America. In addition to roadside inspection blitzes, our enforcement officers are active throughout the year, inspecting thousands of buses to make sure both drivers and vehicles meet our expectations. This job is made a lot easier thanks to the many individuals and operators in the Ontario school bus industry who demonstrate their commitment to safety excellence in their everyday work. Looking to the future, Ministry staff members are currently working on a number of bus safety initiatives, such as a proposed regulatory amendment to adopt the CSA D250-07 standard for new buses, and our ongoing school bus safety reviews. As many of you know, the CSA standard is updated from time to time and adopts the latest safety features for school buses. Among several new features, the CSA D250-07 standard would improve emergency exit door access and lighting around the service door. The Ontario School Bus Association and its members continue to play a key role in addressing today’s school bus safety issues, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with your organization over the coming year. Together, we are keeping Ontario’s students safe. SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008 •

9

BUILDING BRIDGES One Operator’s Community Initiative during School Bus Safety Week By Christine Johnson

S

chool buses and school purpose vehicles are a daily fixture on our highways, byways, city streets and country roads. Not only do they safely deliver our children from their homes to their schools and back again for 10 months of the year, but they also transport numerous school teams to sporting events, community groups on outings and everything in between. By fulfilling such an essential need, it’s no wonder school bus companies become engrained in the fabric of a community. Obviously, the underlying mission of all school bus companies is one of safety for the precious cargo they transport. However, dig a little deeper into the core of such companies and you will find most are community minded businesses giving back to the areas they serve. Sinton Transportation is one such business. It has been giving back to the community of Barrie, Ontario in some creative and imaginative ways. Through several special projects, we are building bridges, increasing our business profile, creating some lasting community partnerships and also boosting bus safety awareness in the process. The following examples illustrate how Sinton Transportation works towards these goals. To celebrate Ontario School Bus Safety Week in October 2007, Sinton Transportation partnered with the MacLaren Art Centre to host a school bus poster contest. Utilizing the expertise

10 • SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008

of the educational outreach staff at MacLaren, a call for submissions was devised and word of the contest was delivered to all elementary schools in Simcoe County. Over 300 entries poured in from 13 different elementary schools. The entries ranged from individual submissions to group efforts, from kindergarten to grade eight, from detailed images to the very simplistic. For an entire week, a Sinton Transportation school bus was parked outside the MacLaren, where the submitted artwork was on display. Posters were hung on the ceiling of the bus, above and below the windows, on the bulkhead, on the back door and even from the luggage racks. There were so many entries that the Education Room inside the gallery was also used to display posters. All week long, visitors to the gallery were invited to view the many creative depictions of school bus safety rules. At the end of School Bus Safety Week, Sinton Transportation hosted an opening reception with special invited guests in attendance. Children and parents arrived to enjoy refreshments and to view the artwork. A Grade 5 class from Barrie’s Warnica Public School was chosen to enjoy a trip to the MacLaren’s “Van Gogh” workshop, where they spent an enjoyable afternoon creating clay gargoyles followed by lunch at a local McDonald’s restaurant. From the many excellent entries, 13 were selected for inclusion in a 2008

Children and parents tour the “bus gallery” during the opening reception for Sinton Transportation’s calendar project.

company calendar. The Grade 2/3 class from St. Charles School created the cover artwork. Their approach was a “group effort” as everyone in the class prepared their own “bus rider.” All the student’s efforts were then assembled into a collage depicting the very important rule of not pushing or shoving at the bus stop. As the class wrote on their entry, “At each pick-up or dropoff point, there may be a lot of people trying to move through the doors at the same time. By waiting patiently and moving slowly (without pushing or

The artwork of the Grade 2/3 class at St. Charles School graced the cover of the 2008 Sinton Transportation calendar.

shoving), everyone can get on or off the bus safely.” Good words indeed! Calendars were distributed to the company’s customers, including all the schools and to the artists of the chosen entries. The community response was over whelming and encouraging. Parents phoned to ask for a calendar for grandparents, teachers wanted one for their classroom and customers called with compliments and best wishes. Plans are underway for a 2009 calendar! In the winter of 2008, Stan Sinton, President of Sinton Transportation gave me the keys to a plain white 2007 Montana van with the following instructions…“Do whatever you want to the outside of the van as long as the end result illustrates your role as Director of Safety and Education.” I again called upon the expertise of the MacLaren Art Centre, which put me in touch with an artist-in-the-school program at Barrie North Secondary School. Sean William Dawson, an artist from the Beeton area, has been working with Ken Colvin, the auto body shop teacher for the past few years. They’ve been painting taxis for a local company. These colourful taxis, each with a different theme, caught my eye as they drove around Barrie and I felt this

would be a great approach for our company’s new community van. Another way to build bridges…the students at the high school who ride our buses would re-design the company vehicle. During my first meeting with the class, I explained the project and everyone was excited to start brainstorming ideas. Together, we decided on the concept of a road weaving through numerous road signs. Sean got to work with a core group of students creating a design, and then they got to work sanding the outer clear coat off the van by hand! The design was projected and drawn onto the sanded vehicle. Next, students began the painstaking work

of airbrushing and taping off painted areas to build up the different layers of colour. The entire project took over two months to complete and was a major assignment for the participating students, who were marked for their efforts. I dropped in every other week to check on the progress and to also chat with the students. I felt it was important for them to interact with their “client.” When asked what was the biggest lesson learned, without skipping a beat all responded “patience.” Guests – including representatives from the MacLaren Art Centre, the participating high school, school board and proud parents – were invited to a grand opening at our yard for the official unveiling. Then began the fun part…driving the vehicle around town! I enjoy building bridges with our community. It not only raises our profile but also, and most importantly, allows us to get our valuable message of safety and awareness out to our neighbourhood in a different way. Sinton Transportation partners with students, schools and other businesses and I get to have a whole lot of fun in the process! Christine Johnson is the Director of Safety and Education for Sinton Transportation. She can often be found building bridges in the community of Barrie, Ontario.

The end result! Definitely eye-catching and fun to drive around town. Not only can people see me coming but going as well!

SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008 •

11

THE

TRANSPORTATION

ONTARIO’S FASTEST GROWING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY

APRIL 2009

F

or the past 10 years, the Ontario Transportation Expo (OTE) has attracted transportation industry buyers and sellers from across North America. It is the only trade show of its kind and is recognized across North America. Attendance continues to grow as does its reputation for delivering high quality leads, sales and networking opportunities. “We received such positive feedback at the trade show last year,” shares Michele O’Bright, the event organizer. “I’m excited to see what we come up with in 2009.” The hosts of the OTE, the Ontario School Bus Association (OSBA), the Ontario Motor Coach Association (OMCA) and the Ontario Public Transit Association (OPTA), believe this annual trade show is valuable to the Ontario transportation sector. This “one stop shop” provides a unique opportunity for buyers and sellers from the public transit, school bus, motor coach and community transportation industries to interact. The OTE offers reasonable exhibit and registration fees, saving attendees time and money. What’s Involved? People connect with the “who’s who” of the school bus, motor coach, public transit and community transportation industries. Thought-provoking educational business sessions allow attendees to acquire knowledge of the latest advances in the industry. Hands-on workshops are interactive and provide networking opportunities. The 2008 keynote speakers, Mike Duffy and Jim Carroll, delivered unforgettable presentations offering insight and knowledge to industry professionals.

12 • SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008

“We had such a good time,” said John Sharp, President of the Ontario School Bus Association. “Attendees enjoyed sharing their knowledge and learning from each other. Every industry should do this because it’s definitely worth it in the long run.” The OTE is not all work and no play. Attendees are invited to relax and enjoy dining and entertainment experiences and attend social functions throughout the evenings.

Award winning performer Tracey Bell certainly had everyone on their toes…literally! Who Attends? Participants come mostly from the province of Ontario, but many are also from neighbouring provinces, northern American states and other various locations across North America. Attendees include: • Motor coach and school bus owners, operators and personnel • Public transit managers and staff • Employees from community transportation companies and partners • Manufacturers, suppliers, consultants and providers of bus products, vehicles, parts and services • Government officials and decision-makers Why Attend Another Trade Show? The OTE is not just another trade show. It provides unique opportunities to all investors. Attendees can work with suppliers face to face, developing solutions to current and future business problems and fresh ideas to meet upcoming challenges. The show is a monster brainstorming session for industry professionals to create solutions, receive practical tips and improve customer service. Suppliers have the opportunity to introduce new products and provide demonstrations to a large group of industry leaders. Meeting the competition allows suppliers to enhance their business and develop new relationships. Exhibitors can display their services and products in a professional trade show environment to attract an audience. The OTE provides the opportunity to become familiar with innovative products and services in the industry. Owners, managers and industry leaders can explore maintenance operations and business issues during interactive conference sessions. Face to face technical business sessions will allow attendees to take newly acquired knowledge and apply it to their business effectively. Reaching the right people is the key to success and it could not be done in a more efficient way – four divisions of the transportation sector under one roof! This unique, affordable and diverse opportunity is something transportation partners will not want to miss in spring 2009. To learn more about the Ontario Transportation Expo visit www.ote.ca or e-mail Michele O’Bright at [email protected].

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FINDING THE

“ONE VOICE” By Dr. Cal LeMon

T

Canadian pupil transportation professionals are to be congratulated for not only structuring an excellent conference but also providing their “one voice” leadership.

he languages, ethnic backgrounds and geographic locations were all different. The message was exactly the same. I had the good fortune to provide the opening keynote address for the 2008 Canadian Pupil Transportation Conference in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia in April of this year. Led by an effective coalition, the Canadian Pupil Transportation Network Committee, this group of student transportation leaders vaulted over thousands of miles and regional differences to blend their stories into “one voice” about safe, reliable pupil transportation in Canada. This was no small feat. I work with organizations and corporations that have never crafted a common agenda or language. Canadian pupil transportation professionals are to be congratulated for not only structuring an excellent conference but also providing their “one voice” leadership. To enlarge on my keynote address, therefore, I will outline in this brief article both the purpose and practice of finding the “one voice” in Canadian pupil transportation. Obviously, the advantage of speaking with “one voice” is the clarity of the message. When I fly commercial airlines (which is where I spend far too much time), I quickly discover there is only one voice on an airplane. There are weather conditions when I would like to be the captain who decides instead of Toronto in January, we will take a detour and land in sunny Bermuda. I would have a problem if a passenger were to stand and loudly announce at 36,000 feet, “I have taken seven fly-

ing lessons and I am not pleased with the way our pilot is handling this machine. Therefore, I will be assuming command.” Here is my point: people are “safe” when there is just one voice. We do not hand over the wheel of a school bus because we want to “empower” an eight-year-old. Quickly, there would be no psychological or physical safety for anyone on that bus. So the first benefit of “one voice,” in any large organization, is that the members are psychologically safe from competing, confusing, ancillary voices. The second profound reason for “one voice” is productivity. Dr. W. Edwards Demming, the father of Total Quality Management, created 14 principles he believed would always add to the bottom line of any organization. One of those principles was, “Break down barriers between departments by encouraging problem solving through teamwork, combining the efforts of people from different areas such as research, design, sales and production.” Demming aptly knew competing voices will echo right into the final number of any organization’s spreadsheet. If you think this internal strife is something people just “get over” with time, look at the research of Dr. Daniel Goleman in his book, Primal Leadership, when he said, “Our analysis suggests how people feel about working in a particular workplace does account for 20-30 per cent of business performance.” But you are screaming right now, “Pupil transportation is not a business!” SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008 •

15

You are right, it is not a business but it is an organization and organizations are made up of flesh and blood, not just large machines that transport children. If there is not “one voice” in any pupil transportation operation, I am convinced that productivity, safe productivity, will suffer. Well, if speaking with “one voice” creates safety and productivity, the ultimate question is how to get very different people to sing from the same hymnal. There are four stages to speaking with the “one voice.” Stage One is called “forming.” In this first stage people come together with their disparate voices and agenda and just observe. No one says too much because everyone is trying to “get the lay of the land.” If you have ever been invited to have dinner with people you do not know,

you have experienced this stage. You are hesitant to jump into the conversation or jump on a table with a lamp shade on your head singing your rendition of “I Did It My Way.” The forming stage is staked out with silence and lots of silent filing. We begin to “slot” people as the “king-makers,” the “worker-bees,” the “suck-ups” and the “movers and shakers.” Stage Two is called “storming.” Here is when participants start to take risks. They unzip their lips and actually begin to “bait” each other. The intent in the second stage is to find out where the “fence lines” are in the group. This process includes asking yourself, “What will these people never negotiate?” and “Who will rescue this project if no one wants to do it?” Picking calculated fights is the name of this game. Stage Two will etch out

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the boundary lines for how the chorus will be able to finally find “one voice.” Stage Three is called “norming.” After defining the battle lines, preliminary negotiation commences in Stage Three. The battle lines are breached and divergent minds start to coalesce to find commonality. Stage Three is not always productive. Usually diversity maintains its identity but without the rancor and belligerence that marked Stage Two. Negotiations are civil, but not always productive.

Obviously, the advantage of speaking with “one voice” is the clarity of the message.

Stage Four: “ah ha, salvation has arrived!” In this final stage the lessons learned from the first three stages come to fruition. Here negotiation morphs into accommodation and the “one voice” starts to be heard. Stage Four is when all participants understand they are part of something bigger than themselves. With continual give-and-take, conversations centre on “what is best for our organization and the people we serve.” I think you see where I am taking you. The conference in Victoria was such a fitting physical and emotional illustration of the strength of your “one voice” for pupil transportation in Canada. At the same time, April 2008 was just a teaser for what your associations can accomplish in the future. And, the future is your common language that beckons your “one voice.” Dr. Cal LeMon is the President of Executive Enrichment Inc., a corporate education and consulting firm. Dr. LeMon’s article is based on his Keynote Address to the April 6:25:01 PM 2008 Canadian Pupil Transportation Conference.

THE

SAFE DRIVING

CHAMPIONSHIP: CHAMPIONSHIP Second to None

I

f the Safe Driving Championship were the Indy 500, we’d have ourselves a couple of Canadian heroes. To the students David Field and Adam Kozoil drive to school every day, they already are heroes. The 2008 Ontario School Bus Association’s Safe Driving Championship was held at Hillfield-Strathallen School in Hamilton, Ontario on June 14th. Top drivers across the province competed to be crowned Ontario’s Safe Driving Champion.

Participants are selected through local one-off competitions within their own companies before competing at the Championship. The competition is divided into two categories: a written and a driving test in both the 72-passenger and 20-passenger buses. Participants are required to demonstrate their driving skills and safety knowledge. SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008 •

17

1. Adam Koziol

First Student Canada

2. Phillip Sargent

First Student Canada

3. Mary McTaggart

First Student Canada

4. Terry Bonner

First Student Canada

5. Cindy Martineau

First Student Canada

6. Tanit Komaromi

First Student Canada

7. Karen Horst

Stock Transportation

8. Tracey O’Donnell

Stock Transportation

9. Gladys Hamilton

Stock Transportation

10. Sam Daleo

Hillfield Strathallan

2008 Safe Driving Championship – 20-Passenger 1. David Field

First Student Canada

2. Heather Sudbury

First Student Canada

3. Mark Charnock

First Student Canada

4. Roman Strzelecki

First Student Canada

5. Ann Bagyan

Stock Transportation

6. Bala Thurairetnam

Stock Transportation

7. Linda Millar

Stock Transportation

8. Helen Smith

Sharp Bus Lines

9. Trish Gall

First Student Canada

10. John Bulpitt

First Student Canada

18 • SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008

OSBA President John Sharp and MTO’s Deputy Minister Bruce McCuaig.

Top drivers across the province competed to be crowned Ontario’s Safe Driving Champion. “We are always proud of our drivers,” says John Sharp, President of the Ontario School Bus Association. “They go through intense specialized training and are dedicated to their job. It’s great to set a day aside to meet everyone’s family and have some fun.” Families bring picnics while they cheer on their loved ones. Refreshments and snacks are also provided for all in attendance. The Safe Driving Championship is a social event with an important message: “School buses are the safest vehicles on the road today and our drivers take extreme care on the road.”

THE

2008 Safe Driving Championship – 72-Passenger

First Student Canada driver David Field won in the 20-passenger category and driver Adam Koziol won in the 72-passenger category for the second year in a row. Both winners represented the OSBA at the International Championship in Calgary.

SAFE DRIVING

CHAMPIONSHIP:

OSBA Commissioned Art for Sale Artist: Johannus Boots “The First Day” - Johannus Boots $175.00 (unframed) Image size: 18.5” h x 24” w

Limited Stock Available

On Sale Now! Two fine quality reproductions of original paintings from Ontario Artist, Johannus Boots. This limited edition, individually numbered and signed portrait makes a stunning addition to your office or home, or a treasured gift.

“School’s Out” - Johannus Boots $175.00 (unframed) Image size: 18” h x 27” w

To Order: Contact Elizabeth McQuade: Phone: 416-695-9965 Ext. 21 Toll-free: 1-888-675-6722 E-mail: [email protected] Address: 1 Eva Road, Suite 304 Etobicoke, Ontario M9C 4Z5

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Nordic Ski Elective Program available for up to 80 students in one grade with a maximum of 150 students per day

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Ph. (705) 675-1151 Ext. 2227 E-mail: [email protected] www.laurentian.ca

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Education programs based on curriculum guidelines Footsteps to Penetanguishene - Grade 3 Happy Birthday To Us - Grade 2 For more information call 705-549-2150 or visit www.pencenmuseum.com 13 Burke Street, Penetanguishene, Ontario

20 • SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008

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SIX NATIONS NEW CREDIT MOHAWK CHAPEL Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks built in 1785 519-756-0240 www.mohawkchapel.ca SIX NATIONS FALL FAIR Oldest Aboriginal Fair in Ontario Annually 1st weekend after labor day 519-445-0783 [email protected]

CHIEFSWOOD NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Birthplace & Childhood Home of E. Pauline Johnson

Programs & group tours available Chiefswood Road & Hwy #54 519-752-5005 www.chiefswood.com

SIX NATIONS TOURISM For information on tour packages 1-866-393-3001 www.sntourism.com

GRAND RIVER CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS POWWOW Over 400 dancers from across North America 519-445-4061 www.grpowwow.com

THREE FIRES HOMECOMING POWWOW & TRADITIONAL GATHERING Held annually in August Mississauga of New Credit First Nation Hwy #6 and 1st line 905-768-5147 www.newcreditpowwow.com WOODLAND CULTURAL CENTRE Museum and art gallery Programs and group tours available 184 Mohawk Street Brantford ON 519-759-2650 ext 241 www.woodland-centre.on.cars.ca

Sponsored by SIX NATIONS-NEW CREDIT MARKETING COLLECTIVE for tour inquiries call: Six Nations Tourism

1-866-393-3001 Kim Hill 519-445-4596 email: [email protected] 398087_SixNations.indd 1

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I S L A N D S

Learn, have funn & be inspi inspired. Experience our educaƟonal program designed to encourage youth to do their best. Mot ivat ional introduc t ion

Located between the spans of the 1000 Islands International Bridge Hill Island Lansdowne, Ontario K0E 1L0

Black light theatre show Meet & greet with the cast Interact ive workshop

(613) 659-2335 Open 7 days a week Mid April through October SPECTACULAR VIEW OF THE 1000 ISLANDS AND ST. LAWRENCE RIVER

Famous PEOPLE Players d r e a m s

c a n

c o m e

t r u e

• 130 Metres Above the St. Lawrence River • Buses Welcome • 3 Observation Decks (1 enclosed)

416-532-1137 1-888-453-3385 Ext. 31 [email protected] www.fpp.org

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www.1000Islandsskydeck.com

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• Canadiana and Souvenir Shops

• High Powered Binoculars

• Cheese and Ice Cream Shop

• High Speed Elevator

• Currency Exchange

SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008 •

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field trip marketplace

THE BEST KEPT SECRET

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS ASSOCIATIONS Motor Carrier Passenger Council of Canada .......................................... 14

BUS SALES Pearson Bus Sales Ltd. .............outside back cover

ATTRACTIONS/SCHOOL TOURS Haldimand Museums ....................... 20

CHARTERS/TOURS Sinton Transportation....................... 22 Stock Transportation Ltd. ................. 14

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SUPPLIERS Harper Power Products, Inc..........................inside back cover BUS MAINTENANCE Krown Corporate .............................. 14 BUS MANUFACTURERS Girardin Minibus, Inc. ........................ 3

ENGINES Cummins Eastern Canada, LP ............ 4 EXHAUST SYSTEMS United Muffler .................................... 4 FIELD TRIPS 1000 Islands Skydeck ...................... 21 Doran Planetarium ........................... 20 Famous People Players Dine and Dream Theatre .............................. 21 Hardwood Hills ................................ 20 Laser Quest ...................................... 20 INSURANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT Ontario School Boards Insurance Exchange ..inside front cover

Safely Moving People

MUSEUMS Grey Roots Museum & Archives ...... 20 Haldimand Museums ....................... 20 Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives .................................... 20 NATIVE ATTRACTIONS Six Nations/New Credit Marketing Collective ...................................... 21 OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS Q’Straint ........................................... 22

1-800-947-3839

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www.sinton.com

9/10/08 9:17:59 PM

TRAINING Ontario Truck Driving School 427 Exeter Rd. London, ON N6E 2Z3 Phone: (800) 263-4777 Fax: (519) 858-0920 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.otds.com Training available for Class A, B, C, D, E, F & Z. School Bus Defensive Driving Courses, Air Brake Endorsement. Locations in London, Windsor, Sarnia, Chatham & Niagara on the Lake.

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SAFETY PRODUCT SUPPLIERS Wheel-Check .................................... 14 SCHOOL BUS EXHAUST United Muffler .................................... 4 SOFTWARE EasyBus, Inc. ..................................... 4 TIRES Michelin Tires Ltd. ........................... 13 TRAINING Ontario Truck Driving School ........... 22 TRANSPORTATION First Student Canada ........................ 16

www.harperpowerproducts.com

DRIVING TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGY

www.pearsonbus.com 1 877 794-7670 Ontario

www.autobusgirardin.com 1 800 567-1467 Quebec and Maritime Provinces