osba annual magazine 2008

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4/c

pg. 1

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

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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: [email protected] 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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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.


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.


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


Pat Dwyer Schumacher Bus Lines,

Schumacher


Michael HealeyValley Bus Lines,

Kemptville


Daniel JoanisNorthway Bus Lines,

Val Caron

Director

Larry LacroixLaurent Lacroix Bus Lines,

Chapleau


Gord TaylorStock Transportation,

Newmarket


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



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.


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.


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!


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.


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 [email protected].

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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.


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


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.


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: [email protected]

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


fiel

d tr

ip m

arke

tpla

ce

Ph. (705) 675-1151 Ext. 2227

E-mail: [email protected]

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


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 [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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. [email protected] 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


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: [email protected]: 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

osba annual magazine 2008

Documents