Page 22 - AMDSB DAR 2018-2019

Continuous Learning for All
In AMDSB, Continuous Learning for All refers to the ability to continually improve skill set and increase knowledge in order to successfully adapt to a changing world. Learning can transform an individual’s life and allow for more success at school, work and home.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES - Pathways Planning and Supports
Pathways Night: A Pathways Night was held for all students in all Huron and Perth County schools and families of all ages. Pathways Night honours all pathways to future careers. The event at Central Huron SS in Clinton and the Rotary Complex in Stratford featured interactive opportunities and demonstrations from AMDSB board staff as well as community partners. Students and their families learned more about the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), Specialist High Skills Majors and Dual Credit courses available at the high school, as well as the 40 community involvement hours required to graduate. Some local post-secondary institutions were present, along with community partners such as the Home Builders Association.
Superintendent Jodie Baker says, “We realized that we needed to provide additional opportunities to educate students and parents about opportunities in high school and beyond. Pathways Night brings together community organizations, post-secondary facilities and supports in order to prepare students to think about pathways prior to entering high school or while in high school and considering post-secondary opportunities.”
FunTECH was held at Goderich and Mitchell High Schools. Students from AMDSB elementary feeder schools and some intermediate students participated. FunTECH AMDSB was delivered at secondary schools throughout Huron and Perth counties during the school day and the workshops were taught by AMDSB Tech Department teachers and community partners, such as Fanshawe College, with the help of AMDSB Tech student volunteers.
Participating elementary school students are able to select one, 3-hour workshop that introduces them to a skilled trade through hands-on exposure, while working on a related project. At the end of the day, each student walks away with a project or product they have built or prepared themselves. A variety of workshops were offered to the students including Culinary, Cosmetology, Automotive, Robotics, Construction, Sewing and more.
Real Deal on Skilled Trades Event: AMDSB and the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board joined forces with several sponsors to inspire young women (grades 9 to 12) in Huron and Perth counties to consider a career in the skilled trades. Highlights of the event included a delicious dinner, information booths, guest speakers and mentorship. The keynote speaker for the event was Jennifer Green, licensed Industrial Mechanic Millwright.
Students and their parents heard from a panel of young tradeswomen, and had the opportunity to ask about each woman’s career journey and experiences. They found out what they need to begin doing now to pursue their future career goals and be motivated to blaze their own trail as a female in a non-traditional skilled trade. The event was sponsored by Skills Ontario, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), the province of Ontario, and the Four County Labour Market Planning Board.
AVON MAITLAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD | 2018-2019 Director’s Annual Report | 22