The metal shop at Lake Cowichan Secondary School has been reopened for the 2011 -2012 school year and has been a great opportunity to give students more diverse exposure in their educational efforts.
The shop class at LCSS offers a wide range of basic knowledge including woodwork, changing belts and elements in dryers or a timer on a washing machine, and basic car maintenance.
“I am very happy we are doing a lot in the metal shop, says teacher Pascal Pimenta,
“We were shut down but open now. We need to continue to support these programs.” he adds.
Students in shop class range from Grade 9 to 12, but there seems to be the perfect amount of students to get one-on-one time with Mr. Pimenta. They were all very focused in class, coming in and starting work on their projects with no disruption or horse play. When showing their projects, they projected pride in their work.
The woodworking students will be working on a shed for the Community Greenhouse project.The shed will be completed before the end of this school year. There is also a possibility that the students will build sheds for community members that may be interested. Materials would need to be supplied and a small donation to cover costs would assist in further shop projects.
Next semester the students will begin to work on a truck that the school has purchased. This is an exciting project for the kids. It is important to acknowledge the benefit of continuing the Practical Arts program here in Lake Cowichan. Whether it is fine arts, woodwork, or metal, some basic knowledge in these areas is crucial to our students. For some, it may also lead them to a career path not yet considered.