Janice Gruchy: My professional journey at the Academy for Gifted Children – P.A.C.E. began in 1999 when I was hired as a Grade 6 homeroom teacher. From the start, I fell in love with the students and the vibrant school community, and I was determined to immerse myself in every facet of school life. Beyond my teaching responsibilities, I eagerly took on roles such as coaching, directing school concerts, supporting the office, delivering workshops, and launching engaging initiatives like Spelling Bees, French contests, Festival of Words, Dance concerts, Public Speaking competitions, etc. I willingly participated in overnight field trips, further deepening my connection with our students and sharing in the incredible learning that was being offered outside the confines of our classroom walls. Over the years, my dedication to refining my craft and understanding the inner workings of the school grew steadily. I explored all aspects of school operations - from policy development to evolving approaches to student discipline - while teaching every grade from 1 to 8 and tailoring my methods to meet the diverse needs of our gifted learners. Eventually, I transitioned into administration as Vice Principal, a role that allowed me to focus on curriculum development, discipline strategies, and school-wide organization, while supporting our teachers, students, and families with compassion and dedication. In 2019, I was deeply honoured to be named the school’s Director. I continue to be inspired by our close-knit community, its unwavering commitment to excellence, and the shared joy in our ongoing achievements.
Reflecting on your own experiences, what were some of the inspirations, like teachers, mentors, books, etc., that had an impact on how you approach your work now?
JG: The movie Mary Poppins instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of a firm but fair approach to discipline, teaching me that kindness and structure are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary forces. Mary Poppins’ character—gracefully authoritative yet endlessly nurturing—shaped the way I approach my work today. Her blend of high expectations and whimsical encouragement guides me, especially when working with bright students and passionate staff, where a simple redirection often requires carefully chosen words that create space for personal growth and self-reflection. I've learned that identifying the root of a problem, rather than rushing to solutions, ultimately yields the most impactful results. The saying, “a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down,” is more than a charming lyric; it’s a guiding principle I apply when navigating conflicts, supporting families, and mentoring new staff. A cheery disposition and steady calmness build trust and allow our community to turn to me not just in celebration but also in times of challenge. While academic success remains central to our school's philosophy, I firmly believe that taking the time to, for example, "fly a kite" in the great outdoors is essential for sustaining mental health and overall well-being.
What resonates most strongly with you about the history and mission of your school?
JG: What resonates most strongly with me about the history and mission of our school is its unwavering commitment to nurturing the whole child—intellectually, socially, and emotionally—through a differentiated curriculum tailored specifically to meet the needs of gifted learners. At P.A.C.E., we recognize that gifted children often possess unique characteristics that require more than just academic rigour; they need high-powered learning experiences that challenge their minds while fostering emotional resilience and self-awareness. Our mission to enhance student abilities through greater depth and breadth of instruction, rooted in methodologies specific to gifted education, aligns deeply with my educational philosophy. It is incredibly rewarding to work in an environment where gifted students are not only understood but celebrated, and where they can thrive free from harassment or intimidation. Educators at P.A.C.E. are thoughtfully trained to channel students' academic strengths, harness their leadership potential, and build their confidence through enriching opportunities in academics, fine arts, athletics, field studies, technology, and regional and national competitions. The school's success, reflected in its national rankings in math, science, robotics, French, and writing composition, is a testament to its dynamic and supportive learning environment, which serves as a springboard for students to pursue and achieve their future goals with confidence and purpose.
What strategies does the school rely on to equip students for navigating both academic and personal challenges?
JG: At P.A.C.E., the strategies we rely on to equip students for navigating both academic and personal challenges are varied and unique. As a magnet school for gifted learners, our differentiated curriculum, which emphasizes greater depth and breadth of instruction as well as an acknowledgement of the need for compassion and kindness, is tailored to the unique needs of gifted learners. Our mission extends beyond academic excellence, aiming to address the social and emotional development of each student through methodologies specific to gifted education. We recognize that these students require not only intellectual stimulation but also structured opportunities to build resilience, empathy, and moral character. Through continued emphasis on choice, multi-disciplinary collaboration, competition, critical thinking, and creative problem solving, we cultivate learners who are confident, focused, and capable of tackling complex problems with logic and creativity. To further support academic success, our teachers are available to provide additional help during and following school hours. Our mandatory homework period following the academic school day reinforces the much-needed time management, organization and prioritizing skills required for success. Leadership development is woven into the middle school experience through student participation in programs such as Student Council, Peer Tutoring, Reading Buddies, and extracurricular assistant roles, all designed to foster responsibility and interpersonal growth. At P.A.C.E., we prioritize creating a safe, respectful environment where kindness is non-negotiable and where meanness or rudeness have no place. Our commitment to developing students who are not only academically capable but also emotionally intelligent and morally grounded ensures they leave our school with the tools to make wise decisions, adapt in the face of adversity, and care for their mental health and well-being. We are looking to groom true global citizens. With a strong foundation in the core academic disciplines, complemented by robust offerings in fine arts, athletics and computer programming, we provide a balanced, nurturing atmosphere that celebrates and supports the whole child.
What are the families like at your school? And how does your school approach the partnership with the parents?
JG: Our families are truly wonderful. They are invested in their child’s academic and personal pursuits and demonstrate trust in the staff and support of the school’s endeavours. Time and time again, we receive testimonials from parents, and the most common compliment is how grateful they are for providing an environment that has allowed their child to flourish. Parents are thrilled to learn that our school nurtures questioning and curiosity through inquiry-based learning, provides an unparalleled level of support for their child’s unique talents and interests, and invests wholeheartedly in bringing out the very best qualities in their child. Our open-door policy allows for as much communication as wanted between the home and the school, whether it be through email, phone calls, or in-person meetings. Our parent-teacher interviews provide an opportunity for more in-depth feedback, and our social media platforms allow for transparency with respect to classroom activities and school-wide projects – all of which are greatly appreciated. The partnership between parents and the school is one built on mutual respect and a common goal: happy, well-rounded kids.
Could you speak a little about your approach to resolving conflicts or misunderstandings between parents and the school?
JG: Open communication and transparency are the cornerstones to avoiding misunderstandings. A willingness to invest the time needed to resolve conflicts in person and in a timely manner helps to reassure families that we have their child’s best interests at heart. Offering a flexible and creative approach garners trust and further cements accountability on both sides. Demonstrating compassion, actively listening and ensuring perceived fairness for all allows those involved to devise a plan that will be effectively managed and consistently applied. Following up with students and their families post-strategy meetings ensures that the families are not left wondering how their concerns are being addressed. Being experts in the field of gifted education with many years of experience helps to alleviate parental fears and secure their confidence in the school to effect positive changes and sustainable resolutions.
What advice would you offer to parents starting the school selection process?
JG: For parents beginning the school selection process for their gifted child, it is essential to look for a challenging academic program coupled with an environment that aligns with their child’s unique learning style, personality, and emotional needs. Gifted children, who often exhibit traits such as emotional sensitivity, perfectionism, ethical awareness, a keen sense of humour, and relentless curiosity, require more than just academic challenge; they need a school that nurtures their social and emotional development as well. At P.A.C.E., all students have been formally identified as intellectually gifted through a psycho-educational assessment, placing them in the top 5% in innate intellectual ability. What sets us apart is our holistic approach to gifted education, providing differentiated instruction that engages advanced minds through deep inquiry, creative problem-solving, and spirited academic competition. Our students thrive in a respectful, judgment-free environment where intellectual curiosity is encouraged and individuality is embraced. We believe that addressing the affective domain - meeting the social and emotional needs of gifted learners - is just as vital as supporting their cognitive growth. Parents should look for a school that offers opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and creativity while also employing educators who are trained to recognize and respond to the unique traits of gifted children with empathy and expertise. Visiting schools, observing classrooms, and understanding a school’s values and philosophy are key steps in ensuring a nurturing and challenging environment that empowers gifted students to reach their full potential with confidence and excitement.
