Dear Editor:

Every school year, approximately 100 students from St. Marys DCVI take part in the Co-operative Education program. The program allows students a chance to fully immerse themselves in to a particular field of work and develop transferrable skills that help them academically, personally and in the world of work.

It is amazing to see the change in many of these young people as the end of the semester approaches: new skills, newfound confidence in themselves and an ability to speak with adults.

Our program would not exist without the strong commitment of the St. Marys community. We rely on employers to take our students into their business and provide them with meaningful learning experiences, and they never disappoint. From aircraft maintenance to hospital work, farming to hairstyling, our students have so many opportunities available to them.

Thank you to all of our employers for supporting this worthwhile program. You are an integral part of this program, which prepares our students for a successful life after high school.

The following are 2011-2012 St. Marys DCVI Co-operative Education Employers: All Roads Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, Alliance Hockey Stratford, Ausable-Bayfield Conservation Authority, Barista’s, Black Angus Restaurant, Country Corners Rent-All Inc., Czajkowski Creative Carpentry, Damen’s Restaurant, Dan Douglas Electric Inc., Echo-Tech Machine & Tool Ltd., Fawcett Tractor, Foodland, Forman Electric, Fred Toews Electric, Hemstock Enterprises, Horner Stables, Heritage Home Renovations, IFH Designs, Kingsway Hair Salon, MacPherson’s Crafts, Mark Baker, Marziali Garage, Kirkton Vet Clinic, Little Falls Florist, Little Falls Public School, Kingsway Lodge, MCC Contracting, McIntosh Power & Leisure, McPhails Pet & Animal Needs, Mollett’s Desserts, Great Lakes New Holland Tractor; Ontario Gun Services, PB Smith Woodworking, Promechanical, Puppies Everything, Purple Hill Air Ltd., Radar Auto Parts, Reidhaven Farms, St. Marys Daycare, St. Marys Memorial Hospital, St. Marys Museum, St. Marys Rentals, St. Marys Veterinary Clinic, Sensations Salon, Slik Veal Calf Farm, Spring Farms, Stonetown Chiropractic Office, Stratford SPCA, The Hot Spot, Village Craft and Candle.

Jessica Chateauvert, Student Services/Student Success/Co-operative Education, St. Marys DCVI