A Creative Challenge with Cultural Depth
At St. George School, creativity and innovation were at the heart of learning, especially in Mr. Calum MacKenzie’s Grade 5 and 6 classes where digital learning met design, collaboration, and technology. What began as a classroom project grew into a national victory when one of St. George’s all-girls teams was crowned Canadian Champions in Minecraft eSports.
The team’s journey began with the provincial finals at Humber College’s eSports campus in Toronto, where three St. George teams, two all-boys and one all-girls, competed in person against top schools from across Ontario. Their qualifying builds earned them a place among the best of the best, including the top four teams in Ontario and top builders from each of the seven other provinces.
This year’s challenge encouraged students to go beyond competition. The Minecraft world they created was developed in partnership with an Indigenous community and centred on the history of dog-sled racing. The St. George teams designed a historically and culturally rich race track that impressed judges with its attention to detail, creativity, and respect for Indigenous traditions.
Their build demonstrated technical skill, empathy, cultural understanding, and storytelling through digital design. The team’s thoughtful approach earned them high praise and, ultimately, the title of National Champions.
Beyond the Game: Cybersecurity and AI in the Classroom
For Mr. MacKenzie, Minecraft was only one part of a much larger learning picture. His students explored topics such as cybersecurity and the responsible use of artificial intelligence, using AI as both a thought partner and a creative assistant. Through these projects, students learned how to think critically, act ethically, and collaborate effectively with technology.
Deep Learning in Action
The success of the St. George Minecraft teams reflected Deep Learning at the Ottawa Catholic School Board. By combining technology, creativity, and cultural awareness, students developed the global competencies that mattered most in today’s world: collaboration, critical thinking, citizenship, creativity, character, and communication.
Under the guidance of teachers like Mr. MacKenzie, learning at St. George extended far beyond textbooks. It was immersive, imaginative, and deeply connected to the world around them, both virtual and real.