Warden Francois Landry, left, is joined by a pair of NDDHS students, Design and Technology instructor Scott Currie and North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser at the robotics competition.
WINCHESTER, Ontario - North Dundas District High School (NDDHS) shone once again as students gathered for another exciting robotics competition, highlighting the school’s rapidly evolving role as a technological leader in rural eastern Ontario.
The event drew energy from the school’s cornerstone innovation hub, Studio 138, a state-of-the-art tech design lab that has become synonymous with hands-on learning in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing.
Students from schools in our region, as well as the Ottawa area, attended the March 4 event.
Studio 138 — led by Design and Technology instructor Scott Currie — has been steadily expanding its capabilities thanks to targeted investments and a forward-thinking educational philosophy. The lab features cutting-edge tools including 3D modeling stations, digital drawing technology, 3D printing equipment, and growing resources in automation and robotics. Currie emphasizes that the program’s goal is to empower young learners to become “future innovators, creative problem solvers [and] skilled entrepreneurs” through immersive, real-world technology experiences.
Recent funding, including multiple $45,000 L.E.A.F. grants, has accelerated the school’s ability to integrate robotics and automation into its curriculum, allowing students to apply STEM concepts in authentic, industry-connected ways. These grants directly support new tools in robotics, automation systems, and AI-enhanced design processes—substantially elevating opportunities available to rural students.
The competition showcased the confidence and creativity that this programming fosters. In a region where access to advanced technology education can be challenging, NDDHS is proving that rural schools can lead the way in innovation. By spotlighting robotics and high-tech learning, the school is not only enriching student pathways but also positioning rural youth at the forefront of future-ready skills development.