At Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI), English teacher Joe Wermie has created a space where students can explore their love for writing outside of the classroom's formal structure. The PCI Writers Club, which Wermie founded, currently has 11 members ranging from Grade 9 - 11 and has become an outlet for students who may not fit into more traditional groups like sports teams. The club allows non-athletic students to connect through their shared interest in writing, giving them the freedom to experiment with different forms of self-expression.
"I wanted to create a group for students who weren't as interested in athletics, a place where they could explore and share their own stories."
The club has provided students with a sense of community, where they are encouraged to express themselves, from traditional writing to spoken poetry. Many students have seen personal growth through their involvement in the club, discovering new things about themselves and their creativity.
One of Wermie's favourite stories involves a student who initially attended the club just to observe. After two years, he confidently presented a spoken poetry piece to the group and, inspired by the experience, decided to pursue writing as a career. He is now attending the University of Winnipeg and studying writing.
The impact of the club is also reflected in student achievements. Wermie highlighted a student who won a local Remembrance Day writing contest and placed in the provincial top three. Many students have also found that the less formal nature of the Writers Club allows them to be more open and expressive, helping them break free from the structured classroom writing.
Wermie’s hope and vision for the club is clear: he wants students to tell their own stories whether it's digitally or with pen and paper and discover more about themselves in the process.
"There are countless stories to tell, and I want to give students the chance to share them in their own unique way."