On February 22, 2025, the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board proudly hosted the 42nd Annual HWCDSB System Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF) at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School. This annual event highlights our Catholic school system’s commitment to excellence and the dedication, creativity, and scientific knowledge of students in Grades 4 to 12. This year’s fair showcased the innovative work of students in Grades 4 to 8, who with the encouragement and support of their teachers, spent months exploring complex questions, designing experiments and engineering solutions.
This year’s fair featured over 200 outstanding projects. Whether investigating water filtration, the environmental impact of microplastics, or harnessing renewable energy, students pushed the boundaries of their understanding and applied the scientific method to real-world issues.
Board Chairperson Patrick Daly expressed deep gratitude to the 2025 System Science and Engineering Fair Co-Chairs, Jennifer Townsend and Joanna Shamon, as well as all committee members, volunteers, and judges for their dedication to this valuable learning experience. In a special way, he recognized principals, vice-principals, teachers, and support staff for their goodness and dedicated service. Finally in his words of appreciation, Daly acknowledged the loving support of parents for their children throughout the journey to the System Science and Engineering Fair.
He also commented on the urgency in centering scientific learning with our Catholic faith, stating the need to “place Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church at the centre” of students’ education.
Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, Daly emphasized the critical importance of grounding on ethical framework in scientific exploration, reminding students that scientific learning must be rooted in truth and responsibility:
“It is only when scientific work is sustained by ethical responsibility that it is able to be what it is meant to be.”
The event showcased a variety of scientific disciplines, from biology and chemistry to environmental science and engineering. Among the many standout projects was "Microplastics" by Gavin Machado & Robert Jokel from St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Elementary School, which examined the hidden impact of plastic pollution in our environment. Their project shed light on the long-term effects of microplastics on ecosystems and human health.
At St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School, Philip Payette explored an ancient scientific process in “Mummification of an Apple”, testing different substances to understand their effects on preservation. Meanwhile, Finn Duffy & Brody Zona from St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School conducted an innovative "Potato Voltage" experiment, proving that even vegetables can generate electricity and highlighting the potential for alternative energy sources.
Over at St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School, Sydney DiFrancesco & Naomi Andoh tested "Liquid Lifelines", an experiment that determined which drinks help plants thrive best—a study that could have real applications in agriculture and sustainability.
For students interested in engineering and automation, Leo Chimenti from St. Martin of Tours Catholic Elementary School created a "Recognition Robot", showcasing how artificial intelligence and robotics can be used in everyday life.
Director of Education David Hansen spoke to the importance of the SSEF in inspiring young minds and fostering discovery:
“The System Science and Engineering Fair continues to be a beacon of discovery, inspiring young minds to explore the natural and human-made worlds. Our late Pope Benedict XVI told us, ‘Art along with science is the highest gift God has given humankind.’ In your work, as you prepared your scientific or engineering inquiry, you have used your talents and passion to explore this great gift of God.”
He also stressed the connection between science and faith in Catholic education, reminding students that scientific exploration should serve the good of all humanity. As Pope Francis reminds us, this pursuit must especially benefit those who are too often disregarded by society.
This year’s fair concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing the top projects in various categories. While the HWCDSB System Science and Engineering Fair welcomes students from Grades 4 to 8, only those students in Grades 7 and 8 are eligible to advance to the Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair (BASEF), which includes participants from Grades 7 to 12 across the region.
Among the winners were:
BASEF Award (Gold Winner):
Nolan Hoare (St. Joachim CES, Grade 8)
Environmental Awards (Gold Winners):
Robert Jokel & Gavin Machado (St. Thomas the Apostle CES, Grade 5)
Jan Slawoski (St. Patrick CES, Grade 7)
Matthew Mesquita & Eirhen Orosco (St. Patrick CES, Grade 7)
Myles Horzelenberg & Gavin Matheson (St. Joseph CES, Grade 7/8)
These awards highlight the outstanding achievements of our students and their ability to apply science to real-world challenges.
Most importantly, the fair was a celebration of the students—their creativity, curiosity and commitment to learning filled the event with energy and excitement.
We extend our best wishes to the students representing HWCDSB at the upcoming BASEF Science Fair, taking place March 20-22, 2025.
