Since its inception in 1965, the Auckland workshop has brought together top performing students on CEMC math contests from across Canada for a week of challenge, problem-solving, and fun. Known formerly as the Canadian Mathematics Competition seminar, this workshop was renamed in 2010 as the Lloyd Auckland Invitational Mathematics Workshop in honour of Lloyd Auckland, a retired math teacher. Auckland volunteered with the CEMC (then CMC) since 1970 and taught one of the first mathematics classes held at the University of Waterloo.
The CEMC invites top-performing Grade 11 students from our mathematics contests to participate in the Auckland workshop. This year, we had 70 students in Grade 11 from across Canada participate in the program and experience a unique enrichment opportunity that cultivates a national community of mathematicians. The week-long workshop is structured to include engaging lectures, problem-solving sessions and social activities.
A big focus of this workshop is connecting like-minded students. Auckland participants often share that their passion for mathematics can flourish at this workshop, where they connect with a diverse group of students with similar interests. The Auckland workshop seeks to bring together these students, especially students that may not have as much access to enrichment opportunities due to their geographical location.
“Some students come from schools with few enrichment opportunities where the school may not have the resources to provide enrichment programming. This workshop broadens the number of students who can access these kinds of opportunities.”
- Comfort Mintah, Auckland Co-Director
When asked about a highlight of their week, many participants enthusiastically pointed to the group problem solving sessions. Throughout the workshop, participants were divided into small groups and tasked with solving challenging problems collaboratively. These sessions not only sharpened their problem-solving abilities but also fostered key communication skills, as participants worked to explain their reasoning and approaches to their peers. In many instances, participants took on the role of teacher guiding teammates through unfamiliar concepts, which further boosted their confidence. This activity helped participants build belief in their own abilities and learn from one another.
“The Auckland workshop made me realise that there are amazing people and teachers out there that I haven't met yet. The workshop opened my eyes to a wider mathematics community that exists where I’ve made friends and feel more connected than ever before. This group of people helped me with so much during the week and that's when I realised these are my people – who help build each other up. At the workshop, I decided to pursue Math and come to Waterloo based on the lectures I attended.”
- Sophia Sun, Former Auckland participant and Auckland Houseparent
Many Auckland participants attend the workshop to challenge themselves with enriched mathematics problem solving. In addition to daily problem-solving sessions, there are daily lectures in the workshop that cover a wide variety of mathematics and computer science subjects such as The Pigeonhole Principle, The Prisoner's Dilemma, The Travelling Salesman Problem, Digital Images, Math in Space, and Computer Science Problem Solving, many of which are topics which may not have been a part of their high school curriculum. This exposure helps participants better understand the breadth of mathematics and computer science and learn more about their applications.
“I loved the various lectures from widely different areas of math, all taught by professors who are extremely passionate and love what they do! I also loved the more “fun” aspects of this camp which allowed me to meet so many great, like-minded people, really making Auckland feel like a “home away from home.” Not having many math enrichment opportunities at my school. Auckland definitely served as an exciting and valuable opportunity which I definitely won’t forget!”
- Auckland 2025 participant
During the week, students have access to a campus residence where they share meals, play games, and engage in group activities. For many, this is their first experience of living with a roommate. Since the workshop is designed for Grade 11 students, this glimpse into campus life is especially meaningful as they begin thinking about their academic futures. This experience offers not only a glimpse of university life but also expands their perspectives on the diverse career paths that mathematics can lead to.
“Being able to experience life in a university dorm enables students to have a valuable and exclusive look at the feel of being an undergraduate student. It also encourages students to develop even stronger connections outside of their academic sessions”
- Shane Bauman, Auckland Co-Director
At the end of the week, Auckland participants established strong connections with each other that retain outside of their week-long workshop. Since the 2025 edition of the workshop concluded, students have stayed in contact remotely and have even organized virtual game nights.
Watch a recap of the 2025 Auckland workshop here.
Story by James Mason