PVNC Catholic schools take part in provincial skilled trades competition
Three Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic secondary schools and one elementary school took part in the Skills Ontario Competition in Toronto in May.
Both St. Mary Catholic Secondary School and St. Joseph Douro Elementary School participated in the VEX IQ robotics competition where this year’s challenge was “Full Volume” which challenged students to collect blocks and score them in bins.
During the competition, students had the opportunity to work both as a team, and cooperatively with other teams to collect blocks and score as many points as possible. There was also an opportunity to allow their robot to complete the challenge autonomously, solely with a program they had written.
“My favourite part was collaborating with other teams and making a plan before driving,” said Makenna White of St. Joseph CES Douro.
The competition tested students’ resilience, problem solving, and collaboration throughout the day’s challenges. The St. Joseph CES Douro team of Emme O., Makenna W., Emerson R., and Ethan W. placed 4th overall, narrowly missing the podium, while St. Mary CSS team Angelina R, Damian W, Cole N, Thomas L., placed 19th in the province.
St. Peter Catholic Secondary School student Savannah Phillips competed in job skills interviewing which tested knowledge and interpersonal skills. When reflecting on the experience Phillips said, “This has been an amazing experience that I will remember for the rest of my life and I look forward to preparing for the challenge again next year. Thank you to my coach and everyone involved for this opportunity.”
Phillips’ teacher, Andrena Finn, credited the generous businesses and individuals in the community who took the time to provide her with interview preparation, “I am so proud of Savannah for her dedication to this event,” said Finn. “She did an outstanding job and overcame many hurdles.”
Cassandra Martorelli and Lucas MacKenzie from Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School participated in the photography competition.
“The trades are making a comeback,” said Martorelli. “Thousands of students all gathered together to show off their talent and skills in the trades over the course of two days and I was honored to be one of those students. Not only that but I got to represent Holy Trinity and the amazing teachers who devote their time to teaching us these skills.”
The Skills Ontario Competition offers a unique opportunity for top students to demonstrate that they are the best of the best in their field. Over the two and a half days, they turn the heads of their educators, family, friends and prospective employers. Winners are awarded with Gold, Silver or Bronze medals – and some with monetary awards, too – and the opportunity to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition. See below for a summary of the Board’s participation in the competition.