Avon Maitland students advance to Provincial round of Skills Ontario Junk Drawer Races

From left to right Edwin Froud, Angus Queen, Aiden Mills-Rastin absent Ben Kissler. Eagle 2.0 from South Perth Centennial Public School also came in first at Regionals and Provincials with their Paper Glider plan.

By Wendy Lamond

Some very creative minds received recognition when their skills got put to the test with some hands-on building by Skills Ontario that included Junk Drawer Races and Skills competition. The students who participate and represent their schools start at a regional level and are given opportunities to explore skilled trades and technology. The Junk Draw Races are divided into grade levels. They work together to design, build and test creations using regular household items. The top three placements at the Western Regional level go on to provincials.

“These results highlight the incredible creativity and problem-solving skills of our elementary students” said Jodi Froud, OYAP Recruiter with the Avon Maitland District School Board. “Through initiatives like the Junk Drawer Races, students are introduced to hands-on learning that builds confidence, teamwork, and an early awareness of the skilled trades and technology pathways available to them.”

On May 4 and 5 in Toronto, students are competing at the Skills Ontario Competition. There will be 52 students from AMDSB taking part.

The interest has grown for the Skills Ontario Competition amongst the students, and it is exciting for them to showcase their skills with the hopes of going on to the provincial level where there are hundreds of students that take part with thousands in attendance.

The Regional Level Winners of the Junk Drawer Races

Robot Walker (Grades 1-3)

• Gold - Little Falls Public School, Pink Flowers

• Silver - Little Falls Public School, Glam Rock

• Bronze - Little Falls Public School, Super Bros.

Paper Glider Plan (Grade 6)

• Gold - South Perth Centennial Public School Team #1- Eagle 2.0

The Provincial Level Winners of the Junk Drawer Races

Robot Walker (Grades 1-3)

• Gold - Little Falls Public School, Pink Flowers

Paper Glide (Grade 6)

• Gold - South Perth Centennial Public School Team #1 - Eagle 2.0

The Pink Flowers team consisted of Hani Ahmad, Adalynn Vanderburg, Layla McVeeny and Penny White. Their proud teacher Julia Silcox shared, “The Pink Flowers demonstrated perseverance and innovative design, this team rose to the challenge proving that creativity, risk taking, determination, and hard work can turn ideas into gold.”

The South Perth Eagle 2.0 team was Edwin Froud, Angus Queen, Aiden Mills-Rastin and Ben Kissler. Science teacher Michelle Stemmler was very proud of the boys and how well they did. “I am so proud of the dedication Aiden, Angus, Ben and Edwin brought to this project. They tested ideas, learned from setbacks, and kept improving their designs like true engineers. Winning 2 gold medals is a testament to their perseverance and hard work.

Good luck to the AMDSB students that will be participating in the Skills Ontario Competition in May.