Learning Through Experience
At St. Pius X High School, students in the Inclusion classroom spent their school days running a small business, managing orders, baking fresh treats, and learning customer service before lunch. Through SPXpresso, a student-led coffee and baking initiative, they blended education with empowerment, faith, and community.
Born from a simple idea and rooted in Catholic values, SPXpresso showed what was possible when students were given opportunities to learn by doing, to open doors, build bridges, and nourish new beginnings.
How It Started: A Spark in the Classroom
SPXpresso began as a creative classroom project thanks to teacher Monica, who recognized an opportunity for her students to gain practical experience and build meaningful connections. With her guidance, the class started by offering coffee and treats to staff, laying the foundation for a thriving, student-run program.
When teacher Jennifer Currie and Educational Assistant Rita Barnes joined the initiative, SPXpresso gained new momentum and a reputation for its delicious baking. With support from the Social Entrepreneurs Program (SEP), the team secured funding that helped them expand their vision and bring their business to life.
Skills That Went Beyond the Classroom
Students in the Inclusion class took ownership of every aspect of SPXpresso. They brewed coffee, designed menus, took orders, handled food preparation, and served customers with care. More importantly, they developed transferable skills such as time management, communication, food safety, and teamwork that would serve them long after graduation.
This initiative became a strong example of how the Ottawa Catholic School Board continued to Be Innovative, meeting students where they were and equipping them with the tools to thrive.
From Ottawa to Montreal: A Milestone Moment
The SPXpresso journey reached new heights when the team travelled to Montreal for a special year-end trip. For many students, it was their first time travelling independently, a milestone that reflected their growing confidence and independence.
The experience was more than a celebration. It represented growth, courage, and community, showing that every student deserved the chance to shine.
Sharing Their Story with the Community
SPXpresso students showcased their business at Untapped, a city-wide event that highlighted student entrepreneurship. They represented their school with professionalism and pride, proving that meaningful learning could happen far beyond classroom walls.
Their journey came full circle when they presented SPXpresso to Director of Education Tom D’Amico, incoming Director Mary Donaghy, and the OCSB senior leadership team, a proud moment that reflected what it meant to Be Community and Be Well.
Nourishing New Beginnings, One Cup at a Time
SPXpresso became much more than a coffee cart. It was a living example of what happened when students were seen, supported, and celebrated. It embodied the OCSB commitment to inclusive education, innovation, and Catholic values, reminding everyone that the smallest ideas could lead to the biggest transformations.
At the Ottawa Catholic School Board, learning was not limited to textbooks or classrooms. It was found in connection, creativity, and courage, one coffee, one conversation, and one student at a time.
