they supported him when they thought he may not be returning at the beginning of the school year.

Shirley Nusum has been driving students of Berkeley Institute home in his bus along the route between the school and St. George's for about two years.

When he announced in June that he may not be continuing the job, one student gathered her friends together to write and sign a letter of thanks.

In all, the letter bore 21 signatures when it was sent to the Hamilton Bus Terminal and, when he received it, Mr. Nusum said he was "touched''.

He explained why he felt it necessary to bring this story to the attention of The Royal Gazette .

"If you look in the news these days you hear all sorts of stories about kids that are getting into trouble. I just wanted to tell this story because it proves that these are some really good kids.'' Mr. Nusum wanted to make it clear that he was returning to drive the school bus again this year but also that their support and kindness was greatly appreciated, adding: "I love them for that''.

He said: "As a bus driver, sometimes I feel a bit like a baby sitter. Over the years I've really got to know the kids and I've come to really care about them.

"In my bus, we developed a sort of two way respect. They respect me and I respect them. It's a really nice relationship.'' Mr. Nusum said the letter they sent to him was a perfect example of that friendship.

But he added: "Although I am quite forgiving if they lose their ticket or they don't quite have enough change, there have been times when I've made it clear that too much foolishness will not be tolerated.'' He went on to describe an incident when three boys were messing around and making too much noise.

"That time I stepped on the brakes hard and said `If you don't stop it you can get out right here and end up walking home'.'' Apparently this worked and Mr. Nusum said: "After that they realised I meant business and I never had any more problems from those kids.'' A bus driver for about six years, Mr. Nusum takes care to make his job all the more fun and rewarding.

At Christmas time he takes candy canes along for the students when they board the bus.

He also described a time when he felt he "really wanted to do something for the kids''.

"One day on the bus journey I stopped at C-Mart and gave the kids $50 to split between them so they could buy a packet of chips and a soda each.'' Mr. Nusum added: "Of course I knew they were going to eat on the bus but I said `There better not be any trash on the floor when you're done'. After they had all gone I went back to look and I have to say there was not one piece of garbage anywhere to be found.'' The bus driver said that it was just this sort of respect and care that made him enjoy his job so much.

He added last week: "I'm really looking forward to seeing them when I start again.''