Junior School

JK - Grade 5

Welcome to Peoples Christian Academy Junior School

Peoples Christian Academy believes in giving young hearts and minds a strong foundation for life. We see each child as a precious gift of God who requires nurturing and care. Imparting knowledge and values that will serve them a lifetime should begin at an early age.

Children playing outside on a playground

Large paper Mache Wolf Head in front of a red plastic basket

Large paper crayons with children's names listed on them all in a row

Our Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5 students are challenged and encouraged to learn through innovative instruction, our French program begins at JK. There are computer classes for Grades 1- 5, a Learn to Skate Program for Grades 1- 3 and a Learn to Ski Program for Grades 4 – 5, as well as a range of athletic and fine art programs.

Our youngsters also participate in spelling bees, speech meet competitions, chess and various sport team participation tournaments through ACSI. All courses are integrated with a Christian worldview, and students have daily devotions, Bible classes and weekly chapels.

With our accelerated academics, PCA students typically score very high on CAT/4 Tests.

Experience

The Junior School participates in a variety of mission projects each year. During our weekly Chapels we receive an offering that is used exclusively for missions. We support the PCA Middle School missions outreach to the community and the annual PCA Senior School mission’s trip. We also support ACSI sponsored schools in Haiti, Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes, mission organizations that many of our staff volunteer in during the summer, and raise funds for natural disasters around the world as the need arises.
During Chapel we bring in missionaries to talk to the children. This gives them firsthand accounts of the wonderful things missionaries are doing to reach people for Christ. It also gives us an opportunity to support a variety of mission projects.
We want our students to know about and care for others around the world who are in need both physically and spiritually. Jesus said, “Whatever you did to the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40.

Small hands doing school work using a yellow marker

Our Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5 students are challenged and encouraged to learn through innovative instruction. From phonics to French and from visual arts to athletics, students are inspired to explore and learn every day.
Peoples Christian Academy Junior School follow the Ontario Ministry of Education Elementary Curriculum guidelines as outline here. ACSI curriculum and supplements are used with additional materials from a variety of sources to strengthen the overall learning expectations. In addition to the core subjects (Language, Mathematics, Bible, Social Studies, Science), we provide programs in French, Music, Arts, Computer, and Physical Education.
Co-curricular activities include:
Two musicals/ concerts a year Learning to skate and learning to ski in winter
Chess competition
Speech Meet competition
ACSI Track and Field
ACSI Cross Country
Intermural competitions
CAT/4 Result 2016
As an indicator of PCA’s student performance levels vis-à-vis national performance rankings, PCA administers the standardized Canadian Achievement Tests (CAT) each year to two different grades. This year the Grade 3 and Grade 7 classes were administered the CAT4 battery of tests just one month into the year. The exact grade level testing, therefore, was 3.1 and 7.1.
The skills areas that were targeted for Grade 3 were reading, word analysis, vocabulary, writing conventions, mathematics, computation/estimation and spelling. As a class, the Grade 3’s scored a grade equivalent rating of 4.3 (almost grade 5 level!) in 6 of the seven areas.
The Grade 7’s were tested for reading, vocabulary, writing conventions, spelling, mathematics and computation/estimation. Here are our Grade 7 grade equivalent ratings: reading (9.9), vocabulary (9.9), writing conventions (9.9), spelling (9.9), mathematics (9.9) and computation/estimation (9.9).

Students have a wide variety of exciting and educational extra-curricular activities that include:
Art Club
Animation
Chess Club
Korean
Mandarin
Math Skills
Piano/Zither (Guzheng)
Play and Movement
Taekwondo
Table Tennis
Workshop – Robotics & Aerospace
Breakfast & Homework Club (Click here for the Information Sheet and Registration form)
Throughout the year, students participate in ACSI Cross Country, Basketball Tournament and Track and Field Day. In the winter, skating instruction is provided for Grades 1, 2, and 3 and downhill instruction is provided to Grades 4 and 5. Walk-a-thon in the fall, Play Day and Carnival in early summer also bring lots of fun and exercise.

Junior School Faculty

Peoples Christian Academy (PCA) administration, faculty and staff are chosen for their ability to reflect the principles and values as outlined in our Philosophy of Education. These Christian faculty members are highly qualified and dedicated teachers who see their career choice as a ministry to impart Christian values to the next generation of leaders. Faculty and administrative staff participate in devotions and seek to be examples and mentors for the students. A code of conduct for staff is outlined in the appropriate manuals and handbooks. There is a strong partnership with parents to reinforce Christian and family values in the students’ lives. Some of our faculty members are even PCA alumni.

Vice Principal, Junior School
B.A.A., ECE Ryerson
B.Ed, University of Toronto
Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT)
Ontario Principals Qualification Program (PQP) - Part 1
Reading Specialist, Teacher Leadership Specialist qualifications

Teaching and leading at PCA now for almost two decades has been one of my greatest joys and privileges. My own three children have called this school "home" and have benefited from the excellent love, care and discipleship of staff. I have many passions in life which include cooking, time with family and friends, travelling to places without the light of Christ and of course teaching and serving in leadership.

Along with my husband, John, we view life on Earth a drill, as we prepare for a day when our Lord will come in all His glory.

Homeform SK
B.A. - Waterloo University
B. Ed. - York University
I thank the Lord every day for the wonderful school where I can inspire young children to be the best as they can be in all aspects for the Glory of the Lord. I thank the Lord for a work place where I am encouraged and inspired by my colleagues. I thank the Lord for the school where the older students show Christ’s love by serving the younger students. For these reasons and lots more, it is important that I teach at PCA!

Homeform JK/SK
B.F.A. – York University
B.Ed. – University of Western Ontario
Diploma in Early Childhood Education – George Brown College

Teaching is a work of heart. It is joyful, rewarding and meaningful. Each and every day, I feel very blessed to be a part of the PCA family. A place that is full of loving, dedicated and passionate people. It is such a privilege to be able to watch and guide our precious children to grow and mature in their learning and faith.

Homeform 5A
B.A., B. Ed. - Tyndale University College & Seminary
Teaching at PCA feels like more than just a job. It is a calling God has placed on my life. It enables me to work with students in a Christian setting so that, not only am I teaching them the curriculum, I am teaching them about God’s love. I'm helping them on their paths to discover who they want to be as followers of Christ Jesus.

Homeform JK
B.A - University of Toronto
B.Ed - Tyndale University
Diploma in Early Childhood Education - Seneca College
Teaching is like lighting up candles. Children have so much potential, and our job as educators is to inspire them to shine brightly. The Christian-based learning environment that PCA provides allows me to light up children’s candles, and to plant the seeds in children’s lives through daily interactions with them. It is a blessing to watch them grow under the umbrella of God’s love here at PCA.

Junior School Lead Teacher and Resource Teacher
B.Sc. (Honours) - University of Toronto
B.Ed. - York University
Special Education Specialist
My motivation for teaching is that each child is unique, not only capable of learning, but also capable of succeeding. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” (Romans 12:6) I strive to provide the right balance of structure, support, and freedom to encourage and inspire each child in the pursuit of their full potential and development (spiritually, academically, and socially). May each seed planted be used for His glory!

French (JK-Gr. 5)
B.F.A., B.Ed. - York University
The staff that I work with daily at PCA are not only effective teachers, but are also genuine people with strong values. It is my joy and privilege to be part of a staff team that is dedicated to helping students see their own incredible worth, training them in the ways of righteousness, and equipping them to be godly citizens who can impart value to those in their scope of influence.

Homeform 4
B.A. - University of Toronto
B.Ed. - York University
I am grateful to be a part of the PCA family. It is a privilege to work alongside people who are deeply committed to sharing the love of Christ in our world. I love that I can share with my students how God has moved and placed Himself in every single thing that we are learning in class. It is such an honour to see God's daily handiwork in the lives of my students and their families. Truly, God is good!

JK-SK Educational Assistant

Bio coming soon

Homeform 3
B.A., Yonsei University
Master of Teaching, OISE U of T
OCT

What a special blessing it is to be able to teach in a Christ-following community like PCA!My identity as, first and foremost, a Christ-follower, has shaped my identity as an educator.
I am so thankful for an environment where I can pray alongside my students, their families, and fellow colleagues, and it is especially humbling to be able to witness God's hand in transforming the lives and experiences of my students daily at PCA.

Homeform 3
B.A., B.Ed., York University
Working with children is my passion. I love watching my students grow and develop, both academically and spiritually. I am thankful that PCA provides a warm, nurturing community where God is at the centre of all that we do. It is truly a blessing to be part of our school's mission to prepare each child to reach the world for Christ.

Homeform 4
B.A., RECE - Ryerson University B.Ed. - University of Ontario Institute of Technology
It is a huge blessing to be part of the PCA family! God has placed me at this school and every day I am still amazed at what He has been teaching and guiding me through. One of my most favourite songs growing up is based on Proverbs 22:6. "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it." Singing this song and seeing the importance of it is a great daily reminder of why it is important to teach strong Christian values. Teaching the foundations at this age is crucial and I pray that I am speaking God’s words whenever I share His words. Praise God!

Homeform 2
B.A. (Honours) - York University
B.Ed. - University of Toronto
There is a beautiful verse in Psalm 145 that says: “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” As a teacher at PCA, I have the honour of telling the next generation about our amazing God every day at school. I love that I am able to share Christ’s love with the children and direct their hearts toward Him. I believe my role is to prepare and equip students to be leaders in the community who passionately serve God and follow His path of wisdom for life.

BASc.EC (Honours) - University of Guelph
ECE - Guelph- Humber
B. Ed - York University
I love working at PCA. I’ve always had a passion for teaching children. At PCA I get the privilege to teach students as they grow academically and discover who they are in Christ. It is a blessing to work alongside an amazing team of committed individuals that are deeply rooted in the Christian faith. May God continue to bless PCA!

Grade 5 Homeroom
B.Sc. - McMaster University
B.Ed. - Tyndale University
I am so thankful for the opportunity to teach in a community as loving as PCA. I believe strongly in teaching the whole person, to their body, mind, and spirit, not just academically. My goal as an educator is to create an environment where students can take ownership of their learning, grow academically and spiritually, and show God’s love to those around them.

Homeform JK
B.A. - University of Toronto
B.Ed. - Tyndale University
Diploma in Early Childhood Education - Seneca College
Working at PCA is very important to me because I get to work with the amazing teachers who are willing to support each other in God’s name. Also, I am grateful to have the opportunity of working with both Junior school and BASP students so that we can learn and grow together as a Christian community. Seeing those smiles of our students tells me how God is using our school to glorify Him. I am so blessed to have PCA in my life!

Homeform 5
B.A. Honours - University of Toronto
B.Ed - Trent University
Being a teacher has always been a dream of mine because I understood the importance of an education to an individual, but more importantly, I know Jesus is first and above anything else. At PCA, I love that students get to combine their faith and love of Jesus with an meaningful and inspirational education. Not only do the students get a chance to grow in their educational careers but they also have a chance to gain a deeper understanding of their faith. I also love that I get to grow in my faith in an environment that celebrates my love of Jesus.

Homeform 1
B.A. (Honours) - Queen’s University
B.Ed - Tyndale University
I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to teach at PCA and be part of such a strong and supportive community. Children are the future and I believe wholeheartedly that we must instill in them a sense of purpose, love and hope. The most important element of teaching children is providing a safe environment for them to grow and learn, an environment in which they feel free to develop and contribute to their own learning. PCA provides a learning environment intended to foster the development and growth of the whole person (body, spirit, and mind), equipping future generations to reach the whole world for Christ. I am privileged to be part of this amazing mission.

Music (JK - Gr. 5)
B.Music - University of Philippines
M.Music - Florida State University
B.Ed., M.Ed., Ed.D. - University of Toronto
Being a music teacher for the JK to Grade 5 students, I have opportunities to instill in students the love of music through learning about the elements of music, singing, playing the recorder, concert performances, and encouraging students who can play other instruments to serve the Lord with their music talents. Singing in chapel is a highlight for the students and it is a blessing to teach the students songs that glorify our Lord.

Homeform 1
HBA - University of Toronto
M. Teaching - Griffith University (Australia)
I am very grateful for the opportunity to teach at PCA. My schooling started at a Christian school and I value the lessons I learned and friendships I made there. It is important to me to value each student as a child of God while instilling the future generations with strong Christian morals.

Homeform JK
B.A., B. Ed. - York University
(PCA Alumna)
It has been such a joy returning to PCA as a teacher. Teaching at PCA is important to me because I get to continue the legacy which PCA has instilled within me when I was growing up as a student at PCA. I get the incredible privilege of teaching students about loving the Lord and it's been amazing to see how much these students teach me about my own faith.

Music, French, Physical Education (JK-SK)
B.Comm, Agricultural Business - University of Guelph
ECE - St. Clair College
B. Ed. - University of Windsor
MA., Intercultural Studies and TESOL- Wheaton College
Working at PCA brings me great joy because, first of all, as Psalm 8:2 says, "from the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise," and it brings a smile to my face to see this happening every day. Secondly, I am so blessed to work alongside so many other amazing people -- support staff, leadership team, teachers -- everyone is a huge blessing to me!

JK Educational Assistant
Bio coming soon

Homeform 4
B.F.A.- York University
B. Ed. - York University
I praise the Lord for leading me to the wonderful community here at PCA. I am thankful to be able to pray for the students and witness the Lord's work in their hearts and their lives as they mature intellectually, spiritually, physically and socially. I am also thankful to be surrounded by a loving and caring community of staff and parents who intercede for and serve each other faithfully.

Physical Education (Gr. 1- 5)
B.A. - University of Toronto
B.Ed - Trent University
I am so blessed to work at PCA. Having an opportunity to see children grow both physically and spiritually over a number of years is a remarkable experience. Each day is an adventure of lessons, activities, games, recesses and extra curricular events where I am so fortunate to share God’s love with these students by serving them. It is so much more than a job; but a joy for me to enrich this community each and every day.