Networking Meets Super-computing: Ethan Waldie

Raspberry Pi Matrix

As part of our Technology Department's emphasis on innovation and project driven student centered learning, I have been encouraged to follow through on my desire to investigate super-computing. We have begun to design and build a low cost super-computing system and will use it to further our understanding about larger scale super-computing technologies. The goal of the project is not to simply build something with more computing power, but rather build something that realistically models the ways in which large scale supercomputers operate. To do this, however, we needed a lot of individual computers - getting our hands on 64 desktops PCs would have been very expensive. It is for this reason that we selected the Raspberry Pi as our technology platform. It is a small, low power, and low cost computer that has all of the networking and computing capabilities that we need for our investigation.

Laboratory Network Layout

                In order to connect the Raspberry Pi’s together and allow them to collectively solve problems, we chose to use something called a Message Passing Interface (MPI). This is an industry standard protocol that dictates how programs running on separate computers can communicate.

Mandelbrot Fractal

                We then were ready to go about prototyping an 8 node super-computer. To test the process, we utilized a problem that could be easily split up in to several parts allowing each node to work independently. We selected a program that uses abstract algebra to compute an image known as the Mandelbrot fractal. We then ran a series of experiments to test one of the most basic theories of super-computing and that is the idea that eventually overtime as you add more and more nodes there will be a point where the advantage of adding more nodes will be negligible.

Performance Increase with Additional Raspberry Pis

                 Eventually we want to work toward building a 64 node system that could be used to demonstrate  the principles of super-computing and allow students to try their hand at programming on a distributed computing cluster. Our intention is to equip the larger system with an array of LED lights that would allow us to visualize exactly what the computer is doing and let us visualize computing in real time.

Watch our video for a more in-depth explanation.

THANK YOU CO-OP EMPLOYERS FOR GIVING OUR STUDENTS VALUABLE EXPERIENCE

A & I Automotive

Accel High Rise

Construction Ltd.

Active Green & Ross

Back Alley Film Productions

Bathurst-Dundas Dental Centre

Bento Miso Media

Brown’s Sports & Cycle

Canadian Forces

Carleton Village Junior and Senior Sports and Wellness

Carstar Collision

City Dental Center

Computation Ltd

Computronic Corporation

Dan Lim Photography

Deverlin Developments

Do It Right Plumbing/Heating

Dog Lounge

Dr Generosity (Restaurant)

Dr. Carolyn Poon Woo & Associates

Elford Floral Design

Exhibition Place

Fits Toronto

FormalWill.ca

Future Shop

FutureWatch Environment & Development Education

Goodlife Fitness

Gossips Hairstylists

H & M

High Park Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine Clinic

High Park Village

Highland Equipment Inc.

Howard Junior Public School

Humbercrest Public School

Inova Diversified Inc.

iPro Realty Ltd., Brokerage

Islington Golf Club

John G Althouse Middle School

Keele Street Public School

Kennedy Public House

Koss Aerospace Ltd.

La Perla Salon & Spa

Lambton Park

Community School

Liberty Grand

Liuna Local 506

Mango Moose Media

Martino Brothers Collision CSN

Matt Mysak Inc.

Medieval Times

Midas Auto Service Experts

My Dogs Daycare & Boutique

Mysak Realty Inc.

National Home Services

Nice Clothing

Old Mill Cadillac

Chevrolet Buick

Park Lane Plumbing Ltd.

Parkdale Junior and Senior Public School

Perth Avenue Junior

Public School

Perth Early Learning

Primaris Management

Princess Margaret Hospital

Proper Reserve

Pushpa’s Aesthetics

Ready, Set, Fetch

Rona Home & Garden

Rona Lansing

Royal Canadian Yacht Club

Runnymede Healthcare Centre

Sherwood Digital Copy & Print

Shoppers Drug Mart

Sport Check

St. Clement Catholic School

St. George’s Golf and

Country Club

Stacey Electric Co.

Sweet Flour Bake Shop

Swiss Chalet

System Fitness

Tailwaggers

Tangerine Photography

Thatchannel.com

The Moro Group Builders Inc. (TMG Builders)

The Old Mill Inn & Spa

The Queensway Machine Products Ltd.

The Students Commission

Toronto Police Service 

Toronto Transit Commission

Toronto Western Hospital

Union Electric

University Health Network

Villa Restaurant

Wajax Power Systems

Wal-Mart

Wilcox Sign Company

YMCA

Zayouna

And A Special Thanks To Our Co-op Employers

"We couldn't do it without them," says Coop Teacher Anita Vrh.
Vrh is a member of the Western Tech Coop Department and she has placed hundreds of students in work environments over many many years. Coop work placement allows Western Students to earn high school credits while gaining practical experience in the working world. Vrh's job is to match the right student with the right employer and ensure that the relationship is positive for both parties.

"We have incredible commitment from the business community. They really support us and they trust us. It's a great act of faith for a small business owner to take on a student trainee and allow them into a business that they've spent a lifetime developing. We've got to make sure that the students that we provide are exceptional and appreciate the value of the experience that we're providing."

Western Tech is still looking for employers to accept students into their businesses. If you know of a business that could provide valuable work experience for a WTCS student, please call the Coop offices at 416 393-0500.

Below is a list of the special employers that have already allowed Western Tech students into their businesses and work environments. We'd like to offer a very special thanks to our sponsors!

Skilled Trades Showcase a Big Success !!

Once again, the Transitions Committee from WR9 put on a spectacular Skilled Trades Showcase for the 6^th straight year in order to grow awareness of Tech programs across the TDSB.  This year’s event was held at Central Commerce Collegiate Institute on May 22-23, 2013, and was specially geared for Grade 7 students.  And, boy did they have a lot of fun!

Four TDSB high schools (Western Tech, Central Tech, Central Commerce and Eastdale) provided 20 exciting hands-on workshops for the students to sink their teeth into.  Literally, in some cases, because there were Culinary seminars where the students created some tasty treats for themselves. They also had a chance to fly Robot helicopters, play Space Invaders using their own dance moves to control the game, and in general participate in activities from Technology areas like Automotive, Architectural Design, Bike Repair, Carpentry, Communication Tech, Construction, Cosmetology, the aforementioned Culinary, CyberARTS, Electrical, Fashion, Plumbing, Robotics and Welding. 

Eric Halling, the Curriculum Leader of Robotics at Western Tech, said the Showcase was “a great experience for both our student presenters as well as the grade 7 guests. It's hard to believe that our students come with more impressive and innovative engineering feats each year."

Each of the high schools informed, entertained, and amazed over 500 Grade 7 Students and the students came away completely energized about the possibilities that Technology programs bring to their experience, whether as a focus area (like one of the Trades) or as a valuable practical addition to their academic studies (especially in a field like Engineering).  They have a lot more information to consider now as they make decisions about high school next year in Grade 8. Kudos to Sandra Brombal and her team from WR9 (Gabrielle Boudreau, Allison Conroy, Robin Holmes-Smith, Effi Kapoulis, Harry Quon and Tony Rende) for doing a great job and a special thanks to the folks at Central Commerce for hosting the event this year.

Greetings from Camp Power Your Future 2013!

Western Technical-Commercial School has chosen to provide a summer camp opportunity for all incoming grade 8 students. This news was originally released at our Incoming Grade 9s Spring Orientation meetings but knowing that all new students and families could not be present at those information sessions we are re-posting the message here. 

The camp is called Power Your Future 2013 and it runs from July 2nd to July 26th . 

REGISTRATION HAS BEGUN!  If you are an incoming grade 8 student and wish to register then complete the on-line form at http://wtcs.ca/pyf.  This camp is exclusively for WTCS incoming grade 8s. Please read the information posted at http://wtcs.ca/pyf. Carefully read the details of the camp attendance policy. We must adhere to the Board policy hence will not have the flexibility to accommodate for extended travel/absences as we had hoped. 

Please note that you must complete the on-line registration form for camp Power Your Future by May 30th to ensure your spot.

For those of you who choose to sign up, I look forward to meeting all of you again at the mandatory Camp Orientation evening on Thursday May 30th at 7pm in the school auditorium. Keep an eye on your e-mails; there will be more information to follow.

When you sign-up expect to receive a confirmation e-mail.

Power Your Future Camp registration will be closed as of June 12th, 2013. At that point in time we will focus our attention to the camp activity preparations.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail.

Have a great day!

Eric Halling

Site Lead and Camp Director

Power Your Future 2013

Western Technical-Commercial School

PowerYourFuture2013@gmail.com

Camp Muskoka

Last week was our Camp Muskoka leadership foray into the beautiful black-fly infested forests outside of Gravenhurst, where 70 campers basked in the warm sun, fired arrows as an army of aspiring archers, scaled a 30 foot rock wall like budding navy seals, and enjoyed various leadership games and activities. 


The brave - which was nearly everyone - were also in the water for an afternoon of swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Special thanks to Ms McNeil for again organizing an amazing learning opportunity where many new friendships were made and leadership understandings developed. Way to go Western leaders for showing the way to the next generation!

The Rise of Public Art ... as seen by Western Tech Cyber-artsys

Grade 9 CyberARTS students enjoyed a tour of downtown architecture and public art (including Joe Farfard's pasture of cows outside the TD towers) on their way to an afternoon tour and workshop at the Design Exchange on May 14.

Another Successful Robotics Campaign at Western.

Robotics at Western has emerged as a flagship program at the Toronto District School Board. Consider the facts:

•       Western Technical-Commercial School is Specialist High Skills Major Certified in Robotics Manufacturing (a unique supplemental certification offered through the Ministry of Education)
•       10 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Awards in the past 10 years
•        1 Best Student Run Pit
•        2 Safest Pit
•        5 Gracious Professionalism 
•        2 Gold Medals – First Place Regional Champions representing the T.D.S.B. at the FIRST World Championships of Robotics

·    

      The word is getting out that our Robotics Program is flourishing – This chart shows how the program has expanded the past 4 years. The number of students in the graph represent the number of grade 8’s entering Western into the reserved Robotics pathway.

    

      The team is presently gearing up for a Skilled Trades Showcase promoting Robotics to elementary students. Our presentations are well received, getting the highest ranking from  elementary students as per the T.D.S.B. Research and Data Collection Department. 

     

      Great engineering and innovation happens at Western!

SUMMER SCHOOL REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

TDSB SUMMER SCHOOL – REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!


MAKE AN APPOINTMENT IN GUIDANCE TO REGISTER

FOR A LIST OF SCHOOL LOCATIONS CHECK THE WEBSITE http://www.tdsb.on.ca/_site/ViewItem.asp?siteid=200&menuid=1288&pageid=954

DATES AND TIMES:

• Tuesday, July 2 - Friday, July 26

• Monday - Friday

• Full Credit Courses: 8:45 am -3:30 pm

• Remedial/Transfer/Tutoring: 8:45 - 11:45 am / 12:30 - 3:30 pm

Students will be assigned to either the morning or afternoon session

FULL CREDIT COURSES
Most full credit courses are open to all students who have earned 12 credits, with the pre-requisite, by June 28, 2013.

Please note that for ENG 4U1 and OSSLC students must have earned 26 or more credits by June 28, 2013.

REMEDIAL COURSES
Remedial courses are for students who completed the course during the school year and earned a final mark of at least 35 percent, but less than 50 percent.

MATH TRANSFER:
The Math Transfer course for students who successfully completed Grade 9 Applied Math.

Please note: Courses are not guaranteed to run and locations may change. Please check the website between June 30 and July 1 to confirm final course offerings and locations.

New this year! Tutorial Help FOR GRADE 9 AND 10 MATH AND ENGLISH

We are thrilled to be offering tutorial help this summer. Students will benefit from small class instruction with a qualified teacher.

Students can attend tutoring from a single week, or up to four weeks. Students are encouraged to bring work they completed during the school year to address specific areas for improvement. TDSB students must register through their home school.

Best in Ontario, #2 in Canada and 34th in the World!

Congratulations to Connor McBrine-Ellis (team captain) and Ethan Waldie for their excellent standing at the World Championships of Computer Networking. In preliminary events they ranked #2 in Ontario - qualifying Connor and Ethan for the World Class Championship broadcast live over the Internet and hosted by CISCO.

On Friday May 3rd at the U.S. and Canada Theater Finale, they were up against thousands of elite networking students from all over the globe. Our boys kicked it up a notch and competed with valor during the two hour exam (a combination of theory and practical assessment). Western Tech's final ranking was 1st in Ontario, 2nd in Canada and 34th in the World - North America Division. Congratulations Connor and Ethan! ... and congratulations to Jesse Noordegraaf and Bradley Tenbrinke from British Columbia who were the #1 ranked Canadian team. 

An historical footnote: 
Two years ago we competed at the same competition. David Au and Henry Tieu ranked 24th in the World. David is at U of Waterloo doing a coop placement at Zynga and Henry is at U of Toronto in Life Sciences. 


So you want to know what Connor and Ethan do in their elective classes   - Computer Networking  (TEN) and Engineering Robotics (TEJ)? Connor was an instrumental part of the in-house online course selection software development team and is now programming enhancements to our school website.

At Western we encourage students to innovate and develop skills as they apply science to solve real world problems . Connor is following in the footsteps of another Western Tech graduate who pioneered our first "in-house developed" course selection software. That student, Gregory Lever-Fraser was just hired by Google (our third alumni to be plucked across the border by the information technology powerhouse) and is on his way to San Francisco where he promises to spread the news regarding the hot-bed of innovation happening right here at 125 Evelyn Crescent Toronto Canada! 

Not to be outdone, Ethan is working on a prototype for a 64 node supercomputer utilizing proper parallel processing algorithms. For this project we are looking to secure funding from a few sources, one of which is the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Ethan is researching, programming and contributing to the grant proposal writing team. Fortunately, Connor has graciously offered to write an administrative console for the prototype taking one responsibility off Ethan's plate. 

You’ll have the opportunity to read more on both of these projects in June as the masterful and innovative pieces of engineering unfold. 

Well done Western Tech Computer Networking students.