Support 3D Printing at LHS 

At our final School Council meeting on June 12, 2025, Mr. Brock Bourgase, ACL of Business and Communications at Leaside High School, gave a compelling presentation on the potential integration of 3D printing technology into our school’s curriculum. His vision was strongly supported by our outgoing and incoming School Captains, who also attended the meeting.   Click here to see the presentation

Currently, LHS does not have any 3D printers.

Mr. Bourgase joined LHS from Northview Heights SS, where six 3D printers have been successfully used for many years. He shared numerous examples of how 3D printing can be incorporated into a wide range of subjects—including Business, Science, and Math. At his previous school, students used 3D printers for culminating tasks, STEM initiatives, and regular classroom assignments.  He also noted that while some LHS students have tried to access 3D printers externally, those experiences have had limited success.

Mr. Bourgase is deeply passionate about the educational value of this technology and is eager to champion its use at Leaside. A number of teachers have already expressed interest in integrating 3D printing into their courses if the school acquires the necessary equipment.

To support this exciting initiative, the School Council is launching a final fundraising campaign before the end of the school year.
Our goal is to raise $5,000 

to purchase :

3D PRINTER: $3,000

DESKTOP COMPUTER: $1,000

OTHER SUPPLIES: $1,000

ensuring that students can begin using the technology when they return in September.

We understand that not everyone may be able to contribute right now, but if you are interested in this initiative and in a position to donate, all donations over $25 are eligible for a tax receipt.

To donate, please visit: DONATIONS

Complete the information under “Gift Information”.  The School and Initiative have been preselected.

Your support will directly enhance student learning opportunities at LHS—and is sincerely appreciated. 

Breakdown of the $5,000

There are multiple items that make up the $5000.   

• 3D Printer - $3,000

• Dedicated computer - $1,000

• Supplies - Filament, tools etc - $1,000

Additional information around the safety of using 3D printers:

Equipment Safety: The tip of the nozzle (where the plastic comes out) heats up to 230 degrees to melt the plastic filament. As long as students do not touch hot surfaces (which are clearly marked by stickers on brand new printers), they will be safe.

Do not remove the print right after the print is finished. Some parts, including the platform, nozzle and the printed item may be hot. Allow 5-10 minutes for the equipment to cool down. 

Filament Safety: Local vendors use a non-toxic filament that does not produce fumes. It is commonly called PLA (Polylactic Acid). 

PLA starts to deform at 40-50 degrees. Another filament that is similar is called PETG (most water bottles are made out of PET). It is not toxic and deforms at 55-65 degrees. 

FIlament is softer than other types of plastics (like a car or consumer goods) and does not produce fumes during the production.