HAMILTON-WENTWORTH CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
HWCDSB staff using 3D printers to create PPE parts

When the City of Hamilton's Emergency Operations Council reached out to the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board in hopes of firing up its 3D printers to create PPE, staff were quick to answer the call.

Under the direction of Superintendent of Education Morris Hucal and Associate Director of Corporate Services Paola Pace-Gubekjian, Manager of Library Services Paola Kontic helped organize the collection and distribution of Board printers to educational staff who volunteered their time and expertise in printing parts needed.

"This year staff were trained to use the 3D printers purchased from Inksmith to support STEM programming with their students," said Hucal. "Now they are supporting frontline workers through the creation of headband straps for surgical masks."

By being fully adjustable, the straps create a custom fit, giving better protection to frontline workers. They also help relieve tension behind the ear due to prolonged mask wear.

The print jobs are being coordinated with the Hamilton Public Library and the coterminous board who are also running a number of their own machines to aid in the protection against COVID-19.

"These are unprecedented times that require all of us to work together to ensure the safety of all members of our greater Hamilton community," said Hucal. "The HWCDSB is proud of its dedicated staff willing to support urgent local needs related to development of PPE."

This is only phase one, noted Kontic. "The plan is to move to phase two where additional printers will be used and a second phase of teacher volunteers will be added to assist in making the needed equipment."

Once printed, parts will be distributed to the City of Hamilton's Public Health team and then to any other healthcare or community organizations in need.

"Many colleagues have described this operation as innovation in action,' real life application of learning,' and an opportunity to be part of a historical event,'" said Morris.