A total of five FIRST robotics teams from the Halton District School Board (HDSB) will compete at the FIRST Ontario Provincial Championship in Mississauga April 2-5. Schools participating include Garth Webb SS (Team 5409), Georgetown District HS (Team 4976), Aldershot School (Team 9263), Oakville Trafalgar HS (Team 1334) and Burlington Central HS (Team 2386). The HDSB held the FIRST kick off in January at Burlington Central HS with more than 250 people in attendance.
Each HDSB team qualified for the provincial competition based on their results from taking part in regional competitions, including those held at McMaster University, Nipissing University, University of Waterloo, Durham College and in Newmarket. This provincial competition is a qualifier for the World FIRST Robotic Championship to be held later in April.
"Many thanks are extended to all of the teachers, coaches, mentors, volunteers and sponsors that provide students with this extremely valuable opportunity that supports the development of critical STEM and technological skills such as manufacturing, electronics, programming, CAD/CAM, pneumatics, design, media and transferable skills such as teamwork, problem solving and communication," says Veronica Kleinsmith, Specialist High Skills Major Lead at the Halton District School Board. It has truly been an amazing and enriching experience for our students."
"The FIRST Robotics Competition provides students with an incredible opportunity to showcase their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)," says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the HDSB.
"By engaging in these challenges, students build confidence, problem-solving skills and resilience while gaining practical experience. These competitions play an important role in fulfilling our commitment, as outlined in the HDSB's 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan, to Learning, Engagement and Achievement by connecting classroom learning to real-world scenarios. As students apply their knowledge to practical challenges, they develop essential skills and explore meaningful career opportunities in skilled trades and technology. I extend my sincerest congratulations to our HDSB teams on your remarkable achievements!"
Established in 2001, FIRST Robotics inspires young people to be leaders and innovators in science and technology by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills to inspire innovation and foster self-confidence, communication and leadership.
Achievements at the regional competitions included:
- Aldershot School (Team 9263) received its first blue banner. The team was part of the alliance that scored a new world record for points in a single match in the 2025 Reefscape Competition.
- Burlington Central HS (Team 2386) won the Spirit Award at the McMaster University Competition.
- Georgetown District HS (Team 4976) won the Humber District Event, their third 1st place win as a team.
- Garth Webb SS (Team 5409) placed first overall at the Nipissing University regional competition, winning their second gold medal of the season and earning a place in the top twelve teams in the world. They also received the Excellence in Engineering Award.
- Oakville Trafalgar HS (Team 1334) competed at McMaster University, earning a spot in the third place alliance and winning the Team Sustainability award for environmental impact and continuity.
HDSB 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan
The 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan sets direction and prioritizes the collective actions of all students, staff, families and community members. This plan ensures our efforts as an organization are aligned and coordinated to support more than 67,000 students, 11,000 staff and the broader HDSB community. The six commitments identified in this four-year plan intersect and overlap to ensure that we take a cohesive approach to fulfilling its objectives.
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