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Diversity stressed at Jack Miner Public School

Jack Miner Public School is an amazing place to be a student.

It’s an excellent community to grow up in, due to its diversity; students come from all over Whitby to be part of the Gifted Program, and together with children from the school’s neighbourhood, they make for a multi-talented and creative group.

Throughout the six-and-a-half years it has been open, Jack Miner has provided its exceptional students with opportunities to nurture their talents and develop new ones.

Sports teams, bands and choirs can be participated in, along with more unique activities, including various dance teams.

Academic initiatives such as math contests are also available to students.

A show usually occurs at the end of each school year, which in the past has ranged from theatrical productions to an environmental fair and fashion show.

Jack Miner is a school of individuals who possess enormous potential.

Opportunity is encouraged for everyone, truly instilling a feeling of community in the staff and students.

Jack Miner is unique in its intellectual, cultural and creative diversity and it is a great place for those who attend it to learn and grow.

Heidi Dienesch is a Grade 8 student at Jack Miner Public School in Whitby.
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There's always something to do at Jack Miner


Apr 7, 2008 By: Melissa Mancini

WHITBY -- There is something for everyone at Jack Miner Public School.

Into athletics? Sports range from basketball to a new dance troupe. Technologically inclined? The Whiz Kids program gets kids who love computers to teach others their skills. Love to read? There’s the Battle of the Books where students compete in trivia contests against other schools. Spelling bee competitions are so intense they keep the administration on the edge of their seats.

“My stomach was in knots, the kids are so intense,” said vice-principal Gail Perroni. “You can just see the concentration on their faces.”

Principal Trudy Collins said they try to cater to all tastes so that every kid has the chance to get involved in something that interests them at the school that houses the gifted program in town.

“This is a very, very busy place, with a lot of different, innovative programs,” said Ms. Collins. “The kids never cease to amaze us in terms of talent.”

Ms. Collins said teachers do everything they can to get everyone involved in something they are passionate about.

And students are excelling at the many extracurricular endeavours they are involved in. One success story is the school’s participation in the American Scholastic Mathematics Association contest where they placed first in Canada and sixth overall.

The choices continue on elective days. These days allow parents and their kids to choose an activity they wouldn’t normally get the chance to try at school, like gymnastics, jewelry-making or ice hockey. The program runs four consecutive Fridays, which allows kids to explore a new hobby without the long-term commitment.

“The school is a wonderful community,” said Ms. Collins. “The parental support is incredible.”

And she said the support from parents and teachers is integral in helping the school accomplish what it does.