Throughout the year, HNMCS Robotics lived out the Felician theme, “Widening Our Tents”, by creating opportunities that expanded learning beyond the classroom and welcomed students of all ages into STEM. Through outreach education competitions and mentorship, the robotics program helped build an inclusive community rooted in collaboration, service and shared growth.
Summer Camp 2025
The year began with the HNMCS Robotics summer camp held from July 28 to August 1. Students in grades four to eight were introduced to robotics and coding using LEGO SPIKE robots. Campers learned key programming concepts such as line following and sensor use before applying their skills to FIRST LEGO League challenges. The week ended with a showcase for families, allowing students to proudly demonstrate their work and inspiring many to continue exploring STEM.
ConnectED 2025
As the school year continued, robotics strengthened its connection to education and service through the ConnectED project.
Computer science students partnered with a school in the Northwest Territories to teach younger students how to code using Scratch. In November, HNMCS students also learned directly from students at Mangilaluk School in Tuktoyaktuk who shared insights into their culture, daily life and environmental challenges. This exchange widened students’ understanding of Canada and highlighted the value of learning through connection and mutual respect.
STEMley Cup 2025
On November 1, 2025, members of the robotics team competed at the STEMley Cup in Hamilton alongside 27 other teams. Students worked together in a variety of roles, including driving scouting strategy and pit support, gaining valuable experience and teamwork skills. During the event, team members also attended a Women in STEM workshop, which reinforced the importance of inclusion, representation and perseverance in technical fields.
EmpowHER 2025
Throughout October and November, HNMCS Robotics hosted a series of EmpowHER events, with the goal of promoting STEM among middle-school girls.
Through workshops, participants learned the fundamentals of programming using LEGO robots and SPIKE Prime (block-based programming software). Each one introduced a mission-based challenge where students worked in small groups to land their robot on Mars. Along the way, they traversed obstacles that required creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Our events included EmpowHER Part 1, EmpowHER Part 2, and EmpowHER Girl Guides. Part 1 was a simpler mission, whereas Part 2 introduced more complex challenges, enabling students to deepen their programming skills.
Girls from middle schools across the GTA and the Mississauga Girl Guides group participated in these events. With older students mentoring younger participants while encouraging independence and equal contribution, EmpowHER fostered a supportive and inclusive environment for girls to explore the exciting world of STEM.
FIRST LEGO League Tournament 2025
In December, HNMCS Robotics hosted its fourth annual FIRST LEGO League tournament, welcoming 21 teams from across Mississauga for the UNEARTHED season. The event emphasized gracious professionalism, teamwork and collaboration as teams competed and supported one another. By opening the school to the wider community, the tournament created a space where students could learn from each other and celebrate STEM together.
Business Brunch 2025
During the year, 7659 Robotics continued its long-standing tradition of co-hosting the annual Business Brunch with 1360 Robotics.
For the past eight years, this event has connected students with professionals from fields such as banking, technology, accounting and corporate operations. By sharing diverse career experiences, speakers helped students feel more confident about post-secondary pathways and encouraged them to explore new possibilities.
Engineering Career Night 2025
As students prepared for life after high school, events such as Engineering Career Night further widened their perspectives. Hearing from engineers across multiple disciplines helped students understand that STEM careers are creative, impactful, and shaped by collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving.
Conclusion
Through all of these experiences, HNMCS Robotics consistently widened its tent by welcoming new voices, building connections and sharing knowledge across communities. By combining education, mentorship and service, the program has left a lasting impact, encouraging students to move forward with confidence, curiosity and a commitment to inclusion and leadership.
HNMCS Robotics Team 7659 