PRESS RELEASE
Pukekohe East School Farewells Bus Driver Judy Shutt after 30 Years Service

~~ Opportunity knocks for someone new to take the wheel of Pukekohe East’s historic school bus service ~~

Pukekohe, NZ – 6 May 2013 – Pukekohe East School will soon bid farewell to its long-time school bus driver Mrs Judy Shutt. Judy is retiring next month after nearly thirty years at the wheel.

Pukekohe East School Principal Merillees Nichols said, “Judy has been a familiar face driving our school bus for three decades. Buses and routes have changed but it’s always Judy in the driving seat, greeting children by name and waving to parents. She will be greatly missed in our school community.”

The Pukekohe East School Bus service was the first cooperatively-owned school bus in New Zealand and is thought to be the only one still operating. It was established in 1946 when a group of parents formed the Pukekohe East School Bus Society and altered a Ford V8 van to carry 16 children.

Bus models have evolved and today more than 50 children catch the school bus to and from Pukekohe East School. Teachers also make good use of the school bus for educational class trips.

“I started driving in 1984 and I have loved every day since,” said Judy. “I have enjoyed seeing the children grow, some into parents of present pupils at the school. It’s the perfect job for someone who relates well to children and likes to get out and about.”

Judy is retiring at the end of June and Pukekohe East School needs a new driver for its special historic bus service. The lucky person will need to have or get the appropriate licences. Hours are Monday to Friday during term time, from 8am to 9am in the morning, and in the afternoon from 3pm to 4pm, plus occasional day excursions. It would be possible for two people to job-share. For example one driver might choose to work mornings and the other in the afternoons, or they might work alternate days. Anyone interested in the bus driver position may contact the school office – phone 238 8708.

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