Student Transportation Services of Brant Haldimand Norfolk experiencing shortage of school bus drivers
Shortage causing delays in scheduled services, interested individuals encouraged to apply
Student Transportation Services of Brant Haldimand Norfolk (STSBHN) is advising that a shortage of school bus drivers is affecting school bus operations in the Counties of Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk as well as the City of Brantford. Similar to many school boards across Ontario, the shortage is impacting some schools and families through delays in scheduled services.
STSBHN is working with the three local bus companies to try to minimize the impact on students by splitting routes and re-assigning stops.
Parents are encouraged to sign up for delay and cancellation notifications on the STSBHN parent portal (transinfobhn.ca) or download the Delays app (supported by Apple and Android devices, visit stsbhn.ca/faqs for “how to” information). A list of bus delays is also posted daily on the STSBHN website.
“We appreciate the close to 400 caring professional school bus drivers who service our community and support the education sector; they are the backbone of the services we provide.” says Philip Kuckyt, Manager of Transportation Services for STSBHN. “We hear from our drivers about how school bus driving is a challenging, rewarding and fulfilling part-time career in protecting the safety of our students and getting them to school ready to learn. Our families appreciate and rely on our school bus drivers to deliver their children to and from school safely.”
Kuckyt acknowledges that he and his staff are aware of the impact this driver shortage is having on families and appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding during this challenging time.
The bus driver shortage is currently impacting all parts of the region, and STSBHN is working to support the recruitment of new drivers. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the following bus companies to see if becoming a professional school bus driver is a good fit for them:
- First Student Canada: 905-648-1386
- Sharp Bus Lines, Brantford: 519-751-3434
- Sharp Bus Lines, Simcoe: 519-426-0050
- Voyago Transportation: 519-787-2202
STSBHN is a transportation consortium providing home to school transportation services to students of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, Grand Erie District School Board and Conseil Scholaire Catholique MonAvenir.
For additional information, please contact:
Philip Kuckyt
Manager of Transportation Services
515-751-7532
Healthy Bites Success for Graham Bell-Victoria Students
Graham Bell-Victoria School has been presented with a GOLD award of recognition and achievement in the Healthy Bites Program. The staff and students have worked hard and enjoyed the “fruits” of their labour as they have now been recognized with GOLD!
Throughout the year, Sonia Martin, school health nurse with the Brant County Health Unit, has lead our staff and students in a variety of healthy eating awareness activities. These included a Mystery Fruit and Vegetable contest, a trivia question in the monthly newsletter, and healthy fruit and vegetable snacks every Friday. These tasty treats, prepared by the grade 4-5 class were a big hit and helped us learn about the benefits of eating healthy.
Next year the program will be expanded to Healthy Steps and Healthy Bites, a program in which we will learn about and practice healthy eating and healthy activity. Congratulations, Graham Bell!
Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification
The Grand Erie District School Board recognizes the importance of school success for Aboriginal students. Our dedicated staff members are committed to improving services and programs for Aboriginal students attending school in the Board.
With a goal to improve the school experience for all Aboriginal students, the Board encourages the development of strong partnerships with Aboriginal families, communities and organizations, both on and off the reserve.
Through the Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification process, Aboriginal parents and students will have access to additional support services, including educational, social, and emotional supports that focus and foster Aboriginal identity, culture and values.
There are three categories of Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification – First Nation, Métis, or Inuit.
Your child may bring a GEDSB Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification form home or if not, you can contact your child’s school to receive a form. You can also, visit the Aboriginal Education section under the Program tab at www.granderie.ca for more information and a copy of the Voluntary Self-Identification form.