CVDCS students to compete at FIRST LEGO League Provincial Championships

Chelmsford Valley District Composite School’s first ever robotics team will compete in the FIRST LEGO League Provincial Championships at Durham College on January 19, 2025.

To earn their spot, the CVDCS Robotics Flyers 68973, including Anna Charbonneau, Kiian Hannuksela, Dylan Lunham, Landon Massicotte, Gibson Scott and Hunter Thompson, took part in the FIRST LEGO League qualifying tournament in North Bay in December.

Of the 21 teams in attendance, the Flyers were selected as one of six to advance to the provincial championships. For their efforts, they also garnered the Engineering Excellence Award.

“This is a first for many of our students – with some having never done coding or computer programming,” says teacher and coach Cassidy Richter. “Our Flyers have dedicated over 100 hours to learning, researching, designing and honing their skills. We could not be prouder of their perseverance and grit.”

FIRST competitions engage students in the field of STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – and inspire youth to experiment and grow their critical thinking, coding, and design skills.

For the “Submerged” competition, teams of up to 10 students in Grades 4 to 8 will be tasked to design and build autonomous LEGO robots to complete missions on a competition table. Teams prepare robots that focus on solving real-world problems related to the theme such as coral reef restoration, retrieving artifacts from a sunken ship, or exploring a mysterious cold seep.

Teams will compete in three 2.5-minute games. Teams garner points as their robots complete missions or tasks by manipulating objects, activating mechanisms or moving items to designated areas.

Evaluations will be based on four components, each accounting for 25 per cent of the total score. Three components – Core Values (teamwork, inclusion, impact, fun, discovery and innovation), Robot Design and Innovation Project will be evaluated during the judging session, while robot performances will be evaluated during the Robot Game.

“Our team consistently demonstrates the FIRST LEGO League’s core values,” says teacher and coach Lynsey Davidson. “Students are thrilled for the opportunity to represent Rainbow District School Board against the best in the province.”

“On behalf of the entire school community, I extend sincere congratulations to the entire team and wish them the best of success in the upcoming competition,” says Principal Patrick Hopkin. “I would also like to thank coaches Cassidy Richter and Lynsey Davidson for providing students with a learning experience they won’t soon forget. Go Flyers!”

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Media Contact:

Patrick Hopkin, Principal, Chelmsford Valley District Composite School,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-675-0225