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Tim Wood and Catherine Taylor, Prince of Wales Public School
Building the future: Skilled trades in the classroom
At Prince of Wales Public School, Grade 7/8 teachers Tim Wood and Catherine Taylor are providing students with a practical look at the skilled trades.
Supported by OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) special project funding, these projects specifically encourage girls to explore technical careers through hands-on construction.
In the past two years, they have focused on real-world application through two major projects:
Vanity construction
Students built a full-scale wall with integrated electrical and plumbing. The project featured a female electrician-in-training as a guest mentor to provide professional insight.
Mobile kitchens
This year, students are assembling culinary carts for school-wide use. The project includes collaboration with the Eastside Secondary School manufacturing class, which provided custom-cut stainless steel.
These projects go beyond the basics. They cover tool safety and use as well as helping students build the confidence and technical literacy needed for high-demand industries. Thanks to Tim and Catherine, Prince of Wales Public School students are seeing the trades as a viable and rewarding path forward to a bright future.
Operational Excellence
Julie Kezar, Executive Assistant for Student Services, manages logistics for professional development, parent sessions and public events using detailed checklists. Her organizational skills and process innovation ensure consistent, high-quality experiences for staff and the community.
Empowering students
As Frankford’s Learning Support Teacher, Julie Newman creates a supportive environment for students. She leads reading and numeracy interventions and organized the Rotary Math Competition, helping students gain foundational skills and confidence for high school. Her commitment to real-world learning and positive relationships makes her an invaluable presence in the school community.