AVON MAITLAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
New Agriculture Program for Listowel and Area Students

On Canada's Agriculture Day, the Avon Maitland District School Board is pleased to announce a new agriculture program at Listowel District Secondary School (LDSS).

Students in grades 11 and 12 can enroll in the newly designated Ministry of Education, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Agriculture to connect with industry professionals, hands-on learning and co-op placements. Provincial recognition of the Agriculture SHSM is based on evidence of an established program, strong community and post secondary education partnerships, the delivery of sector-recognized certifications, and a cooperative education component.

This isn't a return to the days of raising livestock in the barn beside the soccer field, or a single academic course. Rather, the school is reaching into the community for real-world opportunities for Ag Major students to learn about current and emerging agricultural technologies and practices across multiple subject areas.

John Kuepfer, program lead and head of co-op, points out that Listowel is the regional hub of one of the most productive and progressive agricultural areas in Canada and that LDSS grads, students and their families have made important contributions to all aspects of the industry, including at the provincial and national levels and beyond. The school has benefitted over the years from those connections, particularly in terms of co-op and apprenticeships.

SHSM programs offer students greater choice for customized, career-focused secondary school learning in a specific sector of the economy that meets their particular interests and talents. Focused learning experiences help students explore, identify and refine career goals and make informed decisions related to post secondary goals. Students are able to recognize the connection between secondary school learning and future employment by establishing relationships and networks in their chosen career field. Students gain confidence in their ability to be successful, improve their skills and work habits, in addition to earning sector recognized certifications leading to a specialized Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

The expansion of the SHSM program in North Perth aligns with the Municipality's focus on the Agriculture sector and the recent announcement of a new Agriculture Science Centre. It also highlights the I AM Prepared' section of the AMDSB Strategic Plan for 2020-2024 that emphasizes the focus on preparing students for their next step by:

• Providing all students and staff with the opportunities to develop the skills needed to thrive in a global world, and
• Providing multiple pathways for success to create the citizens and leaders of tomorrow.

Robert Hunking, Chair of the AMDSB Board says: "We are always looking for additional opportunities for our students as they prepare for their next stage of life. This new program meets the local needs of students and connects the agriculture sector partners in North Perth with prospective future employees."

LDSS has also been recognized in the past for a number of programs that have been designated by the province as providing a breadth of programming that best prepares students for the initial post-secondary transition. The other SHSM programs include Business, Construction, Health and Wellness and Manufacturing.

Kuepfer says the Ag Major program has great potential for helping to promote awareness of rewarding career opportunities that will allow youth to remain in the community as adults, strengthening the industry and addressing a critical need for skilled workers.

The Agriculture SHSM program welcomes additional community partners and sponsors, whether agri-business companies, organizations or producers. Other schools in AMDSB that offer the Agriculture SHSM are Central Huron Secondary School, Mitchell District High School and FE Madill Secondary School.