Week of April 7, 2025

Student: Reilly Hall, Grade 12

Placement: Captain R. Wilson P.S. (Grade 1 Classroom) 

My main tasks/responsibilities include:

• Doing one on one work with students who need a little bit of extra attention

• Helping students complete any unfinished work

• Counting mailbags

• Handing out Gems (classroom Currency)

• Watching students to make sure they are following classroom expectations

• Helping the teacher in any way I can

• Photocopying and printing documents for class activities

The most important skills I’ve learned include:

• What my expectations are as a co-op student

• Time management

• Organization

• How to help and interact with the grade 1’s

• How to use the photocopier / printer

Last year I took co-op and I absolutely loved being a kindergarten teacher and being a grade 1 teacher has taught me a lot of patience and emotional regulation. I love getting to be a part of a student’s day and knowing I taught them something that really makes an impact in their lives!

To see what else the Co-op Crew has been up to, please follow us on Instagram @GWSSCoop

Week of December 9, 2024

Student: Ciana Robillard, Grade 11

Placement: Perri’s Cabinetry

My main tasks/responsibilities include:

• Use tools and machines

• Build cabinets and parts for kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms with different materials

• Do proper measurements 

• Cutting materials

• Sanding materials

• Read drawings and plans for houses

• Keep workspace clean and tidy

• Follow health and safety procedures

I think the most important skill at my placement is reading the drawings/plans for the house to get the measurements for cabinets and parts for furniture. This is an important skill because all the materials that get cut for building depend on the measurements taken from the drawings/plans.

For post-secondary, I currently want to study architecture. Working at my placement has allowed me to experience the different types of materials and tools that are used when building. Also, visiting job sites has allowed me to see the finished products that are the physical representations of the drawings and plans for the house.

Week of November 11, 2024

Student:  Gavin Kerr, Grade 12 

Placement:  Technoid Inc.

My main tasks/responsibilities are:

• Building PCs

• Keeping a clean work area

• Packing deliveries

• Testing PCS

• Setting up windows

• Getting deliveries

The most important skills I have learned:

• Building PCS

• Accomplishing all assigned tasks

• Paying attention to detail in order to not make errors

• Meeting goals and deadlines

How Co-op has helped to make future Pathways decisions and plans for post-secondary:

I'm probably going into tech or PC related fields so this definitely helps a lot. I have already learned a lot about PCs in terms of both hardware and software. I am a lot more comfortable around PC parts now which will help when I work somewhere that has PCs.

Week of November 4, 2024

Student:  Aaisha Hassan, Grade 12

Placement:  Mayor Rob Burton's Office (Mayor of Oakville)

In my role at the Mayor’s office, I engage in a variety of tasks that develop both my communication and analytical skills. A significant part of my responsibilities involves writing and contributing to newsletters, ensuring key updates are presented clearly and effectively. I also review official city reports, providing feedback from the "average person’s" perspective to make the content more accessible to the public.

I participate in discussions with the Mayor about issues impacting today’s youth, offering insights to ensure that youth voices are represented. Additionally, I assist with speech writing for key events, contributing to the structure and tone of the Mayor’s addresses. A critical part of my role is reviewing and critiquing city officials' documents to enhance their clarity and effectiveness. This hands-on experience allows me to better understand the complexities of public service and municipal governance.

Through my co-op, I’ve developed key skills in professional writing and communication by crafting newsletters and speeches, as well as critical analysis by reviewing city documents from both technical and public perspectives. Collaborating with the Mayor on youth-related issues has enhanced my leadership and teamwork abilities, while providing constructive feedback on official reports has improved my ability to offer thoughtful critiques. Additionally, balancing multiple tasks has strengthened my problem-solving and adaptability, equipping me with valuable skills for future academic and leadership roles.

My co-op experience has reinforced my passion for law, politics, and public service by giving me firsthand insight into government operations and policy-making. Working closely with the Mayor and reviewing official documents has deepened my interest in advocacy and critical analysis, confirming my desire to pursue studies in law and political science. This role has also shown me the value of strong communication skills, which I plan to further develop in post-secondary education, helping me prepare for a career where I can make a meaningful impact on my community.

This was the ‘Council Safety Meeting’ Where all the MPP’s and MP’s of Oakville were present. I got to meet Anita Anand which was so cool! I sat in during the whole meeting and got to hear about really important stuff that the government is doing to keep us safe.