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Five robotics teams from the Halton District School Board (HDSB) are at the FIRST Ontario Provincial Championship in Mississauga.
The competing schools include Garth Webb Secondary School (Team 5409), Georgetown District High School (Team 4976), Aldershot School (Team 9263), Oakville Trafalgar High School (Team 1334), and Burlington Central High School (Team 2386). These teams earned their spots at the provincial event by excelling in regional competitions at McMaster University, Nipissing University, University of Waterloo, Durham College, and Newmarket.
The provincial championship serves as a qualifier for the prestigious World FIRST Robotics Championship later in April.
“Many thanks are extended to all of the teachers, coaches, mentors, volunteers and sponsors that provide students with this extremely valuable opportunity that supports the development of critical STEM and technological skills such as manufacturing, electronics, programming, CAD/CAM, pneumatics, design, media and transferable skills such as teamwork, problem solving and communication,” says Veronica Kleinsmith, Specialist High Skills Major Lead at the Halton District School Board.” It has truly been an amazing and enriching experience for our students.”
Notable achievements at regional events include Aldershot setting a world record in the 2025 Reefscape Competition, Burlington Central winning the Spirit Award, and Georgetown District securing their third first-place win. Garth Webb placed first at Nipissing University and ranked among the top twelve teams worldwide, while Oakville Trafalgar won the Team Sustainability Award at McMaster University.
“The FIRST Robotics Competition provides students with an incredible opportunity to showcase their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM),” says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the HDSB. “By engaging in these challenges, students build confidence, problem-solving skills and resilience while gaining practical experience. These competitions play an important role in fulfilling our commitment, as outlined in the HDSB’s 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan, to Learning, Engagement and Achievement by connecting classroom learning to real-world scenarios. As students apply their knowledge to practical challenges, they develop essential skills and explore meaningful career opportunities in skilled trades and technology. I extend my sincerest congratulations to our HDSB teams on your remarkable achievements!”
The FIRST Ontario Provincial Championship is taking place at The International Centre, located at 6900 Airport Road in Mississauga until Saturday, April 5th.
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