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After many months of hard work, students from the Greater Essex County District School Board’s Enhanced Construction Program have completed the rebuilding of the deck at the historic Simcoe Building, located at the John Freeman Walls Historic Site and Underground Railroad Museum. Originally constructed in 1798, the building’s deck was in need of revitalization after decades of use.
Guests enter the historic site by turning off East Puce Road. After parking, a short walk toward the back of the property reveals the cabin and the newly constructed deck. Turning this corner to take in the beauty and historical significance of the site underscores the importance of preserving and learning from the past. Windsor-Essex residents are fortunate to have such an opportunity in our community, an experience made possible thanks to Dr. Bryan Walls and his family.
This project provided students not only with the chance to strengthen their practical construction skills but also to engage deeply with the site’s powerful historical legacy.
Support for this work came from the Carpenters and Joiners Union Local 494, the GECDSB’s Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program, Milwaukee Tool, and the Walls family.
Today’s visit was also a celebration of additional student achievements! Several GECDSB SHSM students have been working toward completing the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Students participating in the Award are asked to:
- Set SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound)
- Make a positive impact on the lives of others through community service
- Learn valuable practical and social skills for career development
- Take up the challenge of an Adventurous Journey with a team of peers
- Improve an aspect of their physical fitness
Justin St. Pierre (Teacher Consultant, SHSM Programs and Community Outreach) and Trent Durocher (SHSM / OYAP Teacher Support) were proud to present three outstanding students with Bronze Standard pins and certificates for their accomplishment. Congratulations to Ernel Henry, Obai Al-Farra, and Jayden Sturm on this outstanding achievement. The group hopes to recognize several more SHSM students before the end of the 2024-2025 school year.
The GECDSB is excited to continue its partnership with Awards Canada through the Co-curricular Approach Pilot. We look forward to supporting many more students on their journey of personal growth, skill development, and community engagement.
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