FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2002

Bayside Secondary School receives $5,200 Clarica grant
Students and staff who are part of the NetSolutions program at Bayside Secondary School are thrilled to have received a $5,200 grant from Clarica Life Insurance Company to support the school's endeavours in the study of structures and mechanisms.

Paul Pickard, the teacher who runs the NetSolutions program, submitted an application to Clarica in May and recently received word that the school will be awarded the grant. "The money will be used to defray the costs associated with high school students hosting workshops for elementary school students to enhance their studies in Science and Technology," he says.

Students in the NetSolutions program participate in a variety of projects and partnerships with other schools and community groups to solve authentic problems using technology, and to develop leadership skills. Under the guidance of NetSolutions students, elementary students have the opportunity to design, manufacture and test structures or mechanisms.

NetSolutions students write computer programs that simulate the structures and mechanisms built by elementary students. The culmination occurs when the actual results of the experiments are added to the computer program, allowing students to refine their designs.

Students and staff at Bayside are excited that Clarica has chosen to support their efforts.

For information contact:
• Ron Harris, Principal, 966-2922
• Paul Pickard, NetSolutions, 966-2922
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 966-9491 x2354