osba annual magazine 2008
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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
SCHOOLBUSOntarioOCTOBER 2008 VOLUME 17
ONTARIO
SCHOOL BUS ASSOCIATION
Working with Ontario School Boards for safety in our schools!ONTARIO SCHOOL BOARDS’ INSURANCE EXCHANGE
is a non-profit, member-owned insurance program for OntarioSchool Boards. OSBIE has been a leader in Risk Management forOntario School Boards since 1987.
From transportation safety, to accident prevention on theplayground, OSBIE’s risk management programs are a valuableresource for schools across the province.
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FOR INFORMATION:
Tel: 1-800-668-6724
Web: www.osbie.on.ca
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4 • SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008
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Published annually by:
Naylor (Canada), Inc.2 Bloor Street W., Suite 2001Toron to, ON M4W 3E2Tel: (416) 961-1028Toll free: (800) 461-4828Fax: (416) 924-4408www.naylor.com
Published for:Ontario School Bus Association1 Eva Road, Suite 304Toronto, ON, M9C 4Z5Tel: (416) 695-9965or 1 (888) 675-OSBAFax: (416) 695-9977Email: info@osba.on.cawww.osba.on.caRichard 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 GordonWriter: Megan SpadaforaPublisher: Elena LangloisProject Manager: Kim DaviesSales Manager: Kim DaviesBook Leader: Mark HawkinsSales Representatives: Ainsley Tyler, Brenda Ezinicki, Cheryll Oland, Dawn Stokes, Donna Fidelak, Jennifer Jandavs-Hedlin, Meaghen Foden, Pat Johnston, Teresa Niessen, Wayne Jury, Marketing: Amanda EverettLayout & Design: Naylor (Canada), Inc.Advertising Art: Dana Marleau
THE OSBA AND DIRECTORS 2007-2008The 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 cus-tomers as parents, school boards and the Ontario government.
Publication Agreement Number: 40064978PUBLISHED OCTOBER 2008/SBU-A0008/7236
C O N T E N T S
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1517
1922
MESSAGESMessage from John SharpPresident, OSBA
Message from Richard DonaldsonExecutive Director, OSBA
OSBA Directors 2008-2009
FEATURESGreetings 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
OSBA Commissioned Art for Sale
Index to Advertisers
OCTOBER 2008 VOLUME 17
SCHOOLBUS Ontario
SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008 • 5
Ontario Minister John Milloy (second from right)
with Waterloo area school bus drivers.
MESSAGE FROM
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.
JOHN SHARPPresident, OSBA
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 effi cient 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 fl ux. 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
O n behalf of the OSBA, I am pleased to
introduce the 2008 issue of School Bus
Ontario.
RI CHARD DONALDSONExecutive Director, OSBA
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 fi rst 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 effi cient
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
unifi ed 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
PHOTO UNAVAILABLE
President
John SharpSharp Bus Lines,
Brantford
Vice-President and Director,
District 5
Angus McKayStudent Transportation of Canada,
Guelph
Treasurer
Jim McGillMcGill Enterprises Ltd.,
Corunna
Past President and Director,
District 4
Stan SintonSinton Transportation,
Barrie
Director, District 7
Mike CaseyFirst Student Canada,
Ottawa
Director
John ChapmanNewry Coach Lines,
Atwood
Director, District 2
Pat Dwyer Schumacher Bus Lines,
Schumacher
Director, District 8
Michael HealeyValley Bus Lines,
Kemptville
Director, District 3
Daniel JoanisNorthway Bus Lines,
Val Caron
Director
Larry LacroixLaurent Lacroix Bus Lines,
Chapleau
Director, District 6
Gord TaylorStock Transportation,
Newmarket
Director, District 1
Gordon McTaggartExcel Coach Lines Ltd.,
Kenora
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.
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 …
by creating new and dynamic industry
standards and relationships
in Success …
by confronting today’s challenges
and preparing for tomorrow’s
opportunities
OUR VISION IS TO EXCEL
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.
MISSION STATEMENT
OSBA DIRECTORS 2008-2009
THE OSBA AND DIRECTORS2008-2009
8 • SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008
SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008 • 9
Greetings
JIM BRADLEY
FROM ONTARIO’S
MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION,
E ach day, school buses
carry more than 800,000
students across Ontar-
io. 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 in-
dustry 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 transporta-
tion 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.
In addition to roadside inspection blitzes, our enforcement
offi cers are active throughout the year, inspecting thousands
of buses to make sure both drivers and vehicles meet our ex-
pectations. This job is made a lot easier thanks to the many in-
dividuals and operators in the
Ontario school bus industry
who demonstrate their com-
mitment to safety excellence
in their everyday work.
Looking to the future,
Ministry staff members are
currently working on a num-
ber of bus safety initiatives,
such as a proposed regula-
tory 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 con-
tinue to play a key role in addressing today’s school bus safe-
ty 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.
Ontario’s school buses and drivers consistently rank
among the safest in North America.
10 • SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008
BUILDINGBRIDGES
One Operator’s Community Initiative during School Bus Safety Week
By Christine Johnson
School 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 essen-
tial 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 pre-
cious 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 profi le, creating some last-
ing community partnerships and also
boosting bus safety awareness in the
process. The following examples illus-
trate how Sinton Transportation works
towards these goals.
To celebrate Ontario School Bus
Safety Week in October 2007, Sinton
Transportation partnered with the Ma-
cLaren Art Centre to host a school bus
poster contest. Utilizing the expertise
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 in-
dividual submissions to group efforts,
from kindergarten to grade eight, from
detailed images to the very simplistic.
For an entire week, a Sinton Transpor-
tation 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 Educa-
tion 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 par-
ents 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 Ma-
cLaren’s “Van Gogh” workshop, where
they spent an enjoyable afternoon cre-
ating clay gargoyles followed by lunch
at a local McDonald’s restaurant.
From the many excellent entries, 13
were selected for inclusion in a 2008
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 im-
portant rule of not pushing or shoving
at the bus stop. As the class wrote on
their entry, “At each pick-up or drop-
off 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
Children and parents tour the “bus gallery”
during the opening reception for Sinton
Transportation’s calendar project.
SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008 • 11
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 re-
sponse was over whelming and en-
couraging. 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 Sin-
ton, President of Sinton Transporta-
tion 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 Direc-
tor of Safety and Education.”
I again called upon the ex-
pertise of the MacLaren Art
Centre, which put me in touch
with an artist-in-the-school
program at Barrie North Sec-
ondary School. Sean William
Dawson, an artist from the
Beeton area, has been work-
ing with Ken Colvin, the auto
body shop teacher for the
past few years. They’ve been
painting taxis for a local com-
pany. 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 com-
pany’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 fi rst meeting with the
class, I explained the project and ev-
eryone was excited to start brainstorm-
ing ideas. Together, we decided on the
concept of a road weaving through nu-
merous 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 stu-
dents, who were marked for their ef-
forts. I dropped in every other week to
check on the progress and to also chat
with the students. I felt it was impor-
tant for them to interact with their “cli-
ent.” When asked what was the biggest
lesson learned, without skipping a beat
all responded “patience.” Guests – in-
cluding representatives from the Ma-
cLaren Art Centre, the participating
high school, school board and proud
parents – were invited to a grand open-
ing at our yard for the offi cial unveil-
ing. Then began the fun part…driving
the vehicle around town!
I enjoy building bridges with our
community. It not only raises our pro-
fi le but also, and most importantly,
allows us to get our valuable mes-
sage 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 artwork of the Grade 2/3 class at St. Charles School graced the cover of the 2008 Sinton
Transportation calendar.
The end result! Definitely eye-catching
and fun to drive around town. Not only
can people see me coming but going
as well!
12 • SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008
TRANSPORTATIONTHE
ONTARIO’S FASTEST GROWING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY
APRIL 2009
F or the past 10 years, the Ontario Transportation Expo
(OTE) has attracted transportation industry buy-
ers 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 reputa-
tion 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 On-
tario Motor Coach Association (OMCA)
and the Ontario Public Transit Association
(OPTA), believe this annual trade show is
valuable to the Ontario transportation sec-
tor. 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 in-
teract. 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 knowl-
edge of the latest advances in the industry.
Hands-on workshops are interactive and
provide networking opportunities. The 2008
keynote speakers, Mike Duffy and Jim Car-
roll, delivered unforgettable presentations
offering insight and knowledge to industry
professionals.
“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 defi nitely worth it in the
long run.”
The OTE is not all work and no play. Attendees are in-
vited to relax and enjoy dining and entertainment experi-
ences and attend social functions throughout the evenings.
SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008 • 13
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 Ameri-
can 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 offi cials 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 sup-
pliers face to face, developing solutions to current and future
business problems and fresh ideas to meet upcoming challeng-
es. The show is a monster brainstorming session for industry
professionals to create solutions, receive practical tips and im-
prove customer service.
Suppliers have the opportunity to introduce new products
and provide demonstrations to a large group of industry lead-
ers. 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 envi-
ronment to attract an audience.
The OTE provides the opportunity to become familiar with
innovative products and services in the industry. Owners, man-
agers 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 effi cient 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 info@ote.com.
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Become Nationally Accredited: What you get
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MCPCC Accreditation of your Training Program positions your drivers to become publicly recognized for their Training and Performance as Certified Professional Bus Operators
Learn how to become Accredited www.buscouncil.ca
Certified National Performance StandardsTaking the Transportation Experience into the 21st Century
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To share your comments and/or concerns,
email Megan Spadafora, Communications Specialist
at mspadafora@osba.on.ca.
SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008 • 15
ing lessons and I am not pleased with
the way our pilot is handling this ma-
chine. 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 fi rst benefi t 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 bot-
tom line of any organization. One of
those principles was, “Break down bar-
riers between departments by encour-
aging problem solving through team-
work, 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 fi nal
number of any organization’s spread-
sheet.
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!”
FINDING THE“ONE VOICE”
By Dr. Cal LeMon
T he languages, ethnic back-
grounds and geographic loca-
tions 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 Confer-
ence in beautiful Victoria, British Co-
lumbia in April of this year.
Led by an effective coalition, the
Canadian Pupil Transportation Net-
work Committee, this group of student
transportation leaders vaulted over
thousands of miles and regional differ-
ences to blend their stories into “one
voice” about safe, reliable pupil trans-
portation in Canada.
This was no small feat. I work with
organizations and corporations that
have never crafted a common agenda
or language. Canadian pupil transpor-
tation professionals are to be congratu-
lated for not only structuring an excel-
lent conference but also providing their
“one voice” leadership.
To enlarge on my keynote address,
therefore, I will outline in this brief ar-
ticle both the purpose and practice of
fi nding the “one voice” in Canadian
pupil transportation.
Obviously, the advantage of speak-
ing with “one voice” is the clarity of
the message. When I fl y 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 passen-
ger were to stand and loudly announce
at 36,000 feet, “I have taken seven fl y-
Canadian pupil
transportation professionals
are to be congratulated
for not only structuring an
excellent conference but
also providing their “one
voice” leadership.
16 • SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008
You are right, it is not a business but
it is an organization and organizations
are made up of fl esh 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 pro-
ductivity, will suffer.
Well, if speaking with “one voice”
creates safety and productivity, the ulti-
mate question is how to get very differ-
ent people to sing from the same hym-
nal. There are four stages to speaking
with the “one voice.”
Stage One is called “forming.”
In this fi rst stage people come to-
gether 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 conver-
sation or jump on a table with a lamp
shade on your head singing your rendi-
tion of “I Did It My Way.”
The forming stage is staked out with
silence and lots of silent fi ling. We be-
gin to “slot” people as the “king-mak-
ers,” 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 ac-
tually begin to “bait” each other.
The intent in the second stage is to
fi nd 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 fi ghts is the name
of this game. Stage Two will etch out
the boundary lines for how the chorus
will be able to fi nally fi nd “one voice.”
Stage Three is called “norming.”
After defi ning the battle lines,
preliminary negotiation commences
in Stage Three. The battle lines are
breached and divergent minds start to
coalesce to fi nd commonality.
Stage Three is not always produc-
tive. Usually diversity maintains its
identity but without the rancor and
belligerence that marked Stage Two.
Negotiations are civil, but not always
productive.
Stage Four: “ah ha, salvation has arrived!”
In this fi nal stage the lessons learned
from the fi rst three stages come to frui-
tion. Here negotiation morphs into ac-
commodation 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
fi tting physical and emotional illustra-
tion 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 2008 Canadian Pupil Transportation Conference.
Obviously, the advantage of
speaking with “one voice” is the
clarity of the message.
... our nation’s largest and leading contractor of full service student transportation ....Transforming student travel to ensure a safer and better way to each and every school day.
A Safer And Better Way To The School Day
First Across Canadaand First Across Ontario
www.firststudentcanada.com
398720_First.indd 1 8/29/08 6:25:01 PMPlease support your advertisers
SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008 • 17
SAFE DRIVINGTH
E
CHAMPIONSHIPCHAMPIONSHIP: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 Hillfi eld-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 com-
petitions within their own
companies before compet-
ing at the Championship.
The competition is divided
into two categories: a writ-
ten and a driving test in
both the 72-passenger and
20-passenger buses. Partici-
pants are required to demon-
strate their driving skills and
safety knowledge.
18 • SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008
2008 Safe Driving Championship – 72-Passenger
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 Hillfi eld 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
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 Champi-
onship in Calgary.
“We are always proud of our driv-
ers,” 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. Refresh-
ments 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.”
Top drivers across the
province competed to be crowned
Ontario’s Safe Driving Champion.
SAFE DRIVINGTH
E
CHAMPIONSHIP:CHAMPIONSHIP:
OSBA President John Sharp and MTO’s Deputy
Minister Bruce McCuaig.
“The First Day” - Johannus Boots $175.00 (unframed) Image size: 18.5” h x 24” w
OSBA Commissioned Art for Sale Artist: Johannus Boots
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.
Limited Stock Available
Contact Elizabeth McQuade: Phone: 416-695-9965 Ext. 21 Toll-free: 1-888-675-6722 E-mail: emcquade@osba.on.ca
Address: 1 Eva Road, Suite 304 Etobicoke, Ontario M9C 4Z5
“School’s Out” - Johannus Boots $175.00 (unframed) Image size: 18” h x 27” w
Johannus Boots is a Canadian artist, currently residing in Apsley, Ontario. To view his biography and previous and current collections visit www.johannusboots.com.
To Order:
ArtForSale_Ad.indd 1 9/17/08 7:56:01 PM
20 • SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008
fiel
d tr
ip m
arke
tpla
ce
Ph. (705) 675-1151 Ext. 2227
E-mail: plegault@nickel.laurentian.ca
www.laurentian.ca
201018_Doran.indd 1 9/18/08 6:39:39 PM
Your place for Outdoor
Education!Enjoy a day of Outdoor Education and Physical Health with Hardwood
Ski and Bike
New! Outdoor Education for grades 1 to 8, Fall and Spring;
Two modules to choose from for every 12 students up to 120 students per day.
Nordic Ski Elective Program available
for up to 80 students in one grade with
a maximum of 150 students per day
Half Day or Full DayCall to book your outdoor
experience today.
1 800 387 3775www.hardwoodhills.ca
394482_hardwood.indd 1 8/13/08 9:16:50 PM398487_Laser.indd 1 9/8/08 10:20:02 AM
397603_Grey.indd 1 8/21/08 11:00:06 PM
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
397117_Penetanguishene.indd 1 9/10/08 10:25:50 AM
SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008 • 21
field trip marketplace
THE BEST KEPT SECRET
CHIEFSWOOD NATIONAL HISTORIC SITEBirthplace & Childhood Home of E. Pauline JohnsonPrograms & group tours availableChiefswood Road & Hwy #54519-752-5005 www.chiefswood.com
GRAND RIVER CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS POWWOWOver 400 dancers from across NorthAmerica 519-445-4061 www.grpowwow.com
MOHAWK CHAPELHer Majesty’s Royal Chapel of theMohawks built in 1785519-756-0240www.mohawkchapel.ca
SIX NATIONS FALL FAIROldest Aboriginal Fair in OntarioAnnually 1st weekend after labor day519-445-0783www.snas@bfree.on.ca
SIX NATIONS TOURISMFor information on tour packages1-866-393-3001www.sntourism.com
THREE FIRES HOMECOMING POWWOW& TRADITIONAL GATHERINGHeld annually in AugustMississauga of New Credit First NationHwy #6 and 1st line905-768-5147www.newcreditpowwow.com
WOODLAND CULTURAL CENTREMuseum and art galleryPrograms and group tours available184 Mohawk Street Brantford ON519-759-2650 ext 241www.woodland-centre.on.cars.ca
SIX NATIONS NEW CREDIT
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: kimhill@tworivers.ca
398087_SixNations.indd 1 8/28/08 9:37:38 PM
Learn, have fun &n & be inspiinspired.
Famous PEOPLE Playersd r e a m s c a n c o m e t r u e
Experience our educa onal programdesigned to encourage youth to do their best.
M o t i v a t i o n a l i n t r o d u c t i o n
B l a c k l i g h t t h e a t r e s h o w
M e e t & g r e e t w i t h t h e c a s t
I n t e r a c t i v e w o r k s h o p
416-532-1137 1-888-453-3385 Ext. 31famouspeopleplayers@bellnet.ca www.fpp.org
390630_Famous.indd 1 9/18/08 6:54:27 PM
1 0 0 0 I S L A N D S
Located between the spans of the 1000Islands International Bridge
Hill IslandLansdowne, OntarioK0E 1L0
(613) 659-2335Open
7 days a weekMid April
through October
SPECTACULAR VIEW OF THE 1000
ISLANDS AND ST. LAWRENCE RIVER
www.1000Islandsskydeck.com
• 130 Metres Above the St. Lawrence River • Buses Welcome
• 3 Observation Decks (1 enclosed) • Canadiana and Souvenir Shops
• High Powered Binoculars • Cheese and Ice Cream Shop
• High Speed Elevator • Currency Exchange
22 • SCHOOL BUS ONTARIO 2008
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
ASSOCIATIONS
Motor Carrier Passenger Council of
Canada .......................................... 14
ATTRACTIONS/SCHOOL TOURS
Haldimand Museums ....................... 20
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SUPPLIERS
Harper Power Products,
Inc. ......................... inside back cover
BUS MAINTENANCE
Krown Corporate .............................. 14
BUS MANUFACTURERS
Girardin Minibus, Inc. ........................ 3
TRAINING
Ontario Truck Driving School427 Exeter Rd.London, ON N6E 2Z3Phone: (800) 263-4777Fax: (519) 858-0920E-mail: training@otds.comWeb: www.otds.comTraining 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.
BUS SALES
Pearson Bus
Sales Ltd. .............outside back cover
CHARTERS/TOURS
Sinton Transportation....................... 22
Stock Transportation Ltd. ................. 14
ENGINES
Cummins Eastern Canada, LP ............ 4
EXHAUST SYSTEMS
United Muffl er .................................... 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
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
SAFETY PRODUCT SUPPLIERS
Wheel-Check .................................... 14
SCHOOL BUS EXHAUST
United Muffl er .................................... 4
SOFTWARE
EasyBus, Inc. ..................................... 4
TIRES
Michelin Tires Ltd. ........................... 13
TRAINING
Ontario Truck Driving School ........... 22
TRANSPORTATION
First Student Canada ........................ 16
396974_QStraint.indd 1 8/22/08 1:38:57 PM
Safely Moving People
1-800-947-3839 www.sinton.com
399174_Sinton.indd 1 9/10/08 9:17:59 PM
DRIVING TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGY
www.harperpowerproducts.com
337530_Harper.indd 1 7/19/07 4:29:30 PM
www.pearsonbus.com1 877 794-7670
Ontario
www.autobusgirardin.com1 800 567-1467
Quebec and Maritime Provinces
400715_Pearson.indd 1 9/18/08 6:34:45 PM
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