An explanation of terms-auto maintenance vs auto mechanics

An explanation from one of the members of the tech department:

"The Ministry of Education start point:
The most recent (senior) Ministry curriculum document lists my subject area as Technological Education, Transportation Technology, College Preparation. That name (Transportation) fits well with the broad based approach to technological education. I understand it is a subject name and not a course descriptor name, and I also understand that course descriptors may be personalized by the school for their calendars, but it is a good place to start conceptually.

How about Auto Mechanics? (as a course descriptor name for the calendar). A mechanic is a person who works on mechanisms - mechanical objects. At one time, long ago, after the death of the horse and before the birth of the computer, transportation technology probably could be described as the use and repair of mechanisms or mechanical objects, mostly. Those folks, mechanics, wandered the earth with their knuckles dragging the ground from the mid to late 1800's until some time in the 1970's on. After that, they either reinvented themselves or they ran screaming in fear and frustration from the Transportation trades. I don't know where they are now - check the jails and the bars. We haven't had any "mechanics" as the primary caretakers of transportation technologies for a long time now. So, that term is out, permanently, unless we all decide collectively to go "Back to the Future".
What about "Auto Maintenance"?:
"Maintenance" sounds like sweeping the floor, washing the car, or maybe even changing the oil, but it sure doesn't sound like modern diagnosis and repair. Truck fleet maintenance (my previous career) involves a series of inspections, service procedures, diagnostics, and repairs. The most complex maintenance procedure I had to do as a Ryder Truck Rental technician was called a "C4" maintenance inspection, and you were given a week to do it. It involved a complete in-frame engine overhaul (new pistons, sleeves, injectors, turbocharger rebuild and on and on, as only one of many steps. This was all "maintenance" - the truck wasn't broken, and the procedure was based strictly on vehicle mileage. Like an oil change is. A little more than a wash and wax, what? That is why the term "maintenance" doesn't ruffle my feathers even a little bit. I do "maintenance" with a great deal of sophistication and pride, and I teach it that way as well.
How About College courses?:
Colleges use two terms commonly to describe their courses. "Service" (about the way we use "maintenance" here), and "Technician". If we all agree to convert from "maintenance" to "service", my response would be '6 of one, 1/2 dozen of the other'. I'm fine with that change, and it fits modern terminology very well.
How about that "technician" thing?. Well, that is the word that has permanently replaced "mechanic", once computers came along and transportation devices started to include a lot more than just mechanisms. For example, the woman who used to be an "automotive mechanic" in the old days would now be called an "automotive service technician". If she fixed trucks, the conversion was from "Truck & Coach Mechanic" to "Truck & Coach Technician". You can see the new trade title includes both College course descriptor titles - "service" (for the car part, anyways) and "technician". In Ontario, "mechanic" lives on as a trade title, like this: "Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic", and "Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic". As you might notice, those trades usually (used to) work on mechanisms, but that too is changing and has changed pretty rapidly so those trade titles aren't really keeping up with the times, either. So, "technician" is thoroughly up-to-date, relevant, cool, and groovy. "

Definitely could not have said this any better. B

a fabulous project

Check out this fabulous project by one of our senior students, Chas Gonchar. He is pictured with Mr. Herbert our Machine Shop teacher. Behind them is the plasma cutting machine we were able to purchase for our Specialist High Skills Major program. B

Education and Career Fair

Again this year, the Upper Grand District School Board and the Wellington Catholic District School Board are teaming up to bring you "Your Future/Your Choice".
This Education and Career Fair will take place on Wed. Nov. 25th at John F.Ross. The event begins at 6:00 pm. There will be over 100 exhibitors from businesses, colleges and local agencies.
The Guest speaker is Dr. Jean Clinton, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist from McMaster University. She is speaking from 8:00-9:00 pm.
Her topic this year: "Inside the Teenage Brain, How boys learn, How girls learn.

Hope you are able to attend this event.

At Heights in the past week we celebrated our Commencement and our Awards Assembly. So glad so many parents were able to join with us in the celebrations and a great big thank you to all of those who helped out with both events.

The front foyer of the school looks particularly festive at the moment with the patio and Muskoka chairs!!!

Enjoy the last of the Fall colours. Midterm reports will be mailed home on Nov. 17th..

B

Assemblies in November

November will be a busy month as we host many guest speakers and work together to make College Heights the best school it can be. It is important that studentsattend our community events as they are great for school spirit and building student commitment to school. Parents are welcome to attend any and all assemblies.

On November 2 we kick off the month with an inspirational visit from Ron Bachman. Ron will be giving the message of positive choices by sharing his experiences. Linemar has sponsored Ron to visit 5 Guelph Highschools and we are thrilled to be chosen. To learn more about Ron please visit his website at www.ronbachman.net .

The Remembrance Day assembly will occur on Nov. 11. I was very impressed by the maturity and patriotism displayed by College Heights students during our assembly in 2008. We were luckyenough to have a surprise visit from a College Heights graduate in full dress uniform for that assembly. He came to be with us shortly before shipping out to active duty in Afghanistan. This year's assembly is shaping up to be an engaging experience for all.

Soon after Remembrance Day we will be having our annual Stand up Against Bullying Day, and hoping to have all students wear pink shirts as a symbol of their commitment to stop bullying. For additional information on the pink t-shirt phenomena check out www.pinkshirtday.ca .
Sharing with us his "Let's Stop Fueling the Bullying" message will be Jim Jordan. Jim's website is www.reportbullying.com .






http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2008/09/11/pink-day.html

Thanksgiving Weekend

It has been a wonderfully busy time here at the school. Interim Report cards went in the mail today and Parent- Teacher night is fast approaching on the 15th of October.
Please take time to review your son or daughter's progress with them and to take a look at our October Newsletter.

It is a great time to look at your son or daughter's chosen pathway here at College Heights and to discuss the option of a High Skills Major diploma with them. Please call Mr. Jans or Mrs. Collins if you have any questions about Specialist High Skills Major.

Our teachers spent their first professional Development day working on Differentiated Instruction. Differentiated Instruction is a philisophical approach to planning and assessment that works to address the needs, interests and readiness of all learners. Staff is also working on integrating more technology into their instruction. We have experts on the Smart Board and our Librarian Ms McFadden is working to assist teachers to integrate Web Casts and other programs into their instruction.

Our Bakeshop has been very busy preparing orders for Thanksgiving. The students and staff prepared the following for our community.

285 pies
190 dozen tarts
100 dozen rolls
250 dozen cookies

It was lots of fun. They even let me decorate cookies.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend with your families. B

Reunion Weekend

What a wonderful Reunion!! Thank you to all who helped out and attended. I was very proud to be the prinicipal of this school.
The car show was terrific, as was the open house, and the dinner at the Holiday Inn fabulous.

Interim Reports are coming home soon. Remember to call if you have any questions. B