A SMALL SCHOOL …WITH A BIG HEART! The John F. Kennedy Highschool Open House

By Sofia Gamboz

On Thursday, October 9, 2025, crowds of parents, guardians, visitors, prospective students and even former graduated students gathered as John F. Kennedy High School  in St. Michel to  welcome  prospective students and their parents to explore their Open House! Many, gathered to discover and explore wide variety of richness in quality programs and vast selection of unique student services offered. 

All were greeted by principal Harry Michalopoulos and Vice Principal Laura Fiumidinisi with friendly smiles, as administrators and were on hand to welcome, greet and collaborate with any inquiries. Making this Open House Successful, cozy, vibrant and complete, so let’s check out how John F. Kennedy Highschool Stands out.

John F. Kennedy Cheerleading Committee

Just by walking through the John F. Kennedy High School corridors one can quickly get a feel real sense of excitement and inclusion where every student, staff, teachers, volunteers genuinely contribute- to making a lasting difference and fostering caring and harmonious atmosphere where improvement beyond academics is encouraged and apparent in the smiles and nurturing impactful ambiance. 

John F. Kennedy High School’s mission is to empower students to meet the challenges of tomorrow; this can be achieved through creating a respectful and inclusive environment. "àIt is our collective belief that through caring and fostering a nurturing environment, our students can develop the strength and confidence needed to face the world. We strive to create an atmosphere where students are encouraged to refine the skills they possess as well as acquire new skills so they may become lifelong learners," stated Mr. Michalopoulos. 

Programs and Services

Aim High is a program designed to encourage success for small group of students between the ages of 12  to 15 by teaching the curriculum to their current levels of achievement and understanding. Students receive extra care and attention than would in the “regular” stream as they stay with the Aim High teachers for their academic subjects, allowing the teachers to get a full sense of their needs as learners and as people. The students also remain as a unit for all of their subjects, encouraging them to bond with one another and create unity as a class.

Thje Work Oriented Training Pathways (WOTP)  is one of the special programs offered, an alternative course of study which allows students who have experienced difficulties in the past to find success again in school. One of the main goals of the WOTP is to expose students to as many different skills, vocations, trades, and potential courses of study so that students can find the path that best suits them. Another element of the program involves learning to work, prepare for life in the workplace, how to find work and succeed at retaining it, and how to develop the skills and attitude necessary for success in work and in life.

The program involves lots of special projects and initiatives including a healthy cooking program, an art program and community service and volunteer work component. Students of the WOTP go on to find success in a wide variety of fields and areas.

John F. Kennedy High School offers enriched mathematics starting at the Secondary IV level. In order to be considered for the Scientific Program, students must have achieved a minimum requirement of 75 percent global average in mathematics at the Secondary III level.

John F. Kennedy also offers Pre-Calculus and Calculus upon completion of the Secondary 5 Scientific Mathematics program. Both Pre-Calculus and Calculus are accelerated programs and are offered as supplementary enrichment programs.

The school also has two fully equipped Mac labs which allows to offer each level advanced courses in Multimedia and computer technology. Students real enjoy and get sense and passion of multimedia. The Athletics teachers and coaches train developing athletes to be disciplined, responsible, respectful, and dedicated to excellence. They aim to teach students that while skill level and game knowledge are important, so are attitude, effort, concentration, commitment, and a willingness to learn. JFK’s athletes develop a sense of pride in winning, as well as a sense of fair play, good sportsmanship, and compassion, which in turn enhances dedication and school pride. Making JFK Highschool Athletics dream! Something to see and experience firsthand. 

   Student Services 

Wow! One can spend entire day just visiting vast array of services available to students, something one can only wish we had in our formative years: whether its guidance and counselling, student council, teachers, tutorials, spiritual animation, breakfast programs, snack-shack, cafeteria services, JFK Library, JFK Clubs and the thrift shop run by Childcare workers,  volunteers and students. This provides a place where students can pick up some trendy clothing and apparel. Go to their website for more.