Cliff Head leans against the school bus he drives for the Prince Albert Catholic Schools. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

By Ian Gustafson

More than a job

Province celebrates School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

Oct 21, 2019 | 6:01 PM

In Saskatchewan, Oct. 21 isn’t just election or flu shot day; it’s also School Bus Driver Appreciation Day as part of Education Week.

According to a media release from the Saskatchewan government, it is meant to recognize the important work school bus drivers do every day.

Prince Albert school bus driver Cliff Head said he has been driving for 15 years during his retirement.

“It’s just a fun thing and I love doing it,” he said.

Over the years Head said he has stayed in touch with past students and their parents.

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“Yesterday we were out for groceries and I happened to meet this woman that was working in the Co-op and she said, ‘oh Cliff it’s you, do you remember driving my girl?’ I said, ‘yeah right from kindergarten through to grade eight.'” The woman noted Head had driven her daughter right through the whole school now she’s in high school.

Head told paNOW he was looking for something to do during retirement and would encourage every retired person to do the same.

“Just the daily activities really it’s an easy job and I like the charters that go with it both in town and out of town and you meet different people at different times and it’s fun,” he said.

The job isn’t always sunshine and rainbows and Head admitted it can be a tough job sometimes.

“When the school gives them treats on certain days, they’re a little hectic going home. You just get used to the extra noise that’s all,” he said.

Head drives for the Prince Albert Catholic Schools and he gets to know the students throughout the year.

“I see them every day, you get to know them by name, and you greet them every morning and say goodbye every night,” he said. “Periodically, they ask questions and we answer them to the best of our knowledge.”

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Ian.gustafson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @iangustafson12