Serving Up Real-World Learning at Paris District High School

Monday, Oct 19, 2026

Students at Paris District High School (PDHS) are getting a taste of what it means to work in the modern hospitality industry.

Class selfie of students in hospitality and tourism class at Paris District High School

This fall marks the first full semester of an updated Hospitality and Tourism program blending experiential learning with industry-recognized certifications and opportunities to serve the local community. The new program offers transferrable skills, insights and professional connection that offer a competitive edge as learners enter their careers. 

"We've grown with the times" says Ryan Rockefeller, Hospitality and Tourism Teacher and Department Head of Technology at PDHS. 

Emphasizing the quick pace and evolution of the hospitality industry, he notes "It's important for students to get comfortable with the equipment that they'll see in entry-level jobs. We have classic tools like grills, gas stoves and steamers, as well as newer technology like Rational ovens and sous vide equipment that lends itself to dynamic trends in molecular gastronomy, for example."

Curry and rice dish

The renovated kitchen and classroom is now a Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH)-inspected food handling service. With the support of GEPH, Grade 11 students have the option to fast-track their learning and write their Food Handling Certificate before graduation.

Like many career paths, hospitality is centered around trust and relationships. Students are developing interpersonal skills in real time through a variety of partnerships. A developing partnership with Chartwell's, which provides dining, catering and cafeteria services for Canadian schools, supports a well-rounded look at jobs in hospitality. A few times per week, students plan, prepare and support the sale of meals sold in the school's cafeteria.

Butter chicken with naan bread and rice

"What we've learned is making a difference," explained Rockefeller, who encourages students to build relationships within the school community. Last year, Hospitality and Tourism learners provided cookies and icing to leadership classes to support feeder school visits. They also provided healthy snacks on the morning of EQAO assessments to prepare Grade 9 students for their evaluations.

"Experiential learning is a bridge between a student's interests and a rewarding career," says Kevin Graham, Superintendent of Education. "When students are immersed in learning, they become active leaders advocates for their future."

Steak over rice

Families interested in learning about experiential learning or Hospitality and Tourism programs can attend a Grand Pathways event. Grand Pathways welcomes students in grades 6 to 12, along with their families, to empower informed decision-making and future-planning for their next steps.

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