Recently HNMCS robotics has taken the next big steps towards advancing our team’s coding capabilities with the creation of our new Coding Club. So far, our members have started to enter the world of Java; exploring the FRC Shuffleboard interactive display and activating LEDs. We have given our team a head start for the 2025 competition preparations, training students to learn the Java programming language and how to navigate the software design process through concept, iteration and realization. 

In addition to this, new members of the team have also dived into the world of SOLIDWORKS. Developing new technical skills with the guidance of our alumnae and mentor, Yixin Zhang, team members are immersing themselves in new waters. As stated by our rookie grade 9 student, Iris, “SOLIDWORKS is a platform that will be very useful going forward in my life, and a concept that I am excited to expand on. Learning SOLIDWORKS with someone as experienced as Yixin was extremely helpful. I am looking forward to joining the design team next year!” Our team is looking forward to swimming into the new season. Advancing technical skills is an integral aspect of HNMCS Robotics. 

Maya
Business Lead

As part of CIS (Conference of Independent Schools), Holy Name of Mary College School hosted a curriculum leaders conference on May 13, 2024. This conference brought school leaders together to spend a day discussing innovative approaches to learning and think of new directions for independent schools. Embodying inspiration, creativity and strong minds, 7659 HNMCS Robotics upheld the opportunity to present to CIS representatives on behalf of Holy Name of Mary College School. Constructing innovation and discovery rooted in FIRST’s core principles, our team presenters accurately demonstrated the beyond-measurable achievements of our students through the development of skills such as teamwork, leadership, technical, and critical thinking. In addition to this, 7659 precisely communicated the progression of FIRST in the school curriculum through physics and computer science classes. Starring our 2024 competitive robot, Dancing Queen, administrators were amazed by the inspiration and inventiveness of robotics members. 

Maya
Business Lead

On Wednesday, May 15, 2024 HNMCS Robotics hosted its 5th annual Alumnae Chats. Past HNMCS Robotics team members shared their involvement with the team, university experiences, and how being part of FIRST aided them to advance into greater fields of STEAM or business. Our speakers included Veronica Grignano and Sofia Anunciacao. The event was conducted in-person, with multiple students attending to inquire about post-high school life and what comes next.

We look forward to planning next year’s event, hearing from more HNMCS robotics alumnae and learning from their experiences. 

Megan
Administrative Lead

To kick off our FIRST STEAM Week, HNMCS Robotics held a teachers’ robot tournament. Two teachers from each school house (Chara, Electra, Bella, Nashira) gathered to participate in the tournament. The drive team gave a short tutorial before the game started. Through this initiative, the teachers got to experience Crescendo and how to drive the robot. The students at HNMCS from grades 5 to 12 also got to see the robot in action. The gym was filled with spirit and excitement cheering for their houses. A teacher commented, “I was so excited to drive the robot. It seemed really cool!”

On Wednesday, April 24th, students from grades 10 to 12 participated in the HNMCS Senior School Robotics’ STEAM week Math activity. Students in each tap group received a booklet with questions ( 3 questions for grades 10 and 7 questions for grades 11 and 12), where they solved the math problems together but without any teacher assisting.  The winners are: First place, Nashira  11/12, by solving an impressive 6 questions; Second place, Bella 11/12 and a tie for the competing of third place, Electra 9/10 and Chara 9/10. The questions assigned for each grade were all challenging but intriguing. Grade 10 to 12 students worked collaboratively, showing their outstanding math skills, communication skills, and enlightening house spirit.

On Monday, April 29th, all of the students at HNMCS participated in the STEAM week Lava Lamp activity. Members of the robotics team led the event for each group. Using oil, water, Alka-seltzer tablets, and food colouring, the students made cool lava lamps. Students got to learn about the science behind how lava lamps work. This was a great way to end STEAM Week hosted by HNMCS Robotics.

Jona: Communications Lead
Nemine, Sherry: 7659 Members

On Thursday, April 18, 2024, HNMCS Robotics participated in the Spring Cafe hosted at our school. The performance of our operator and driver was fantastic, showcasing all of the new elements incorporated into the robot as we went through the season.

Throughout the evening, the artistic factor of our team was presented during the intermission period, where we sold Lego sets made by our team, and our unique forms of creating not only a science-based club, but an artistic one as well.

We informed the parents of our well-rounded activities at our school and in our community. The night provided opportunities for our new members to interact with the community. As grade 9s, we had the opportunity to share our experiences with the parents, speaking of the robotics team from our own perspective and future experiences we hope to have.

Nemine and Katharine
7659 members

From April 4 – 6, 2024, HNMCS Robotics played at the Ontario Provincial Championship on the Technology Field. 100 teams were at the event and the event centre was full of energy! We met judges and teams from the McMaster and Centennial competitions again! At the event, we did the Engineering Inspiration presentation. On the field, the drive team showed a great performance! This was the first provincial event for the rookies. Rookies said that they had a great experience. Rookies were in all parts of the competition either as scouters, presenters, pit crew, and drive team!

On the other hand, this was the last event of the season for the Grade 12s. All team members successfully fulfilled their roles. The event was a great time for the members to grow in leadership and bond together! We would like to give a special thanks to the mentors, sponsors and parents for their support throughout the season. It wouldn’t have been possible without them! Overall the season was successful, being the captain of Alliance Four and winning the Engineering Inspiration award at Centennial College! 

HNMCS Robotics looks forward to performing the annual Spring Cafe, our first-ever STEAM Week event and Summer Camps.

Jona
Media Lead