Peoples Christian Academy | 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.

J. Bahk

Homeform SK
B.A. - Waterloo University
B. Ed. - York University

Miss J. Bahk: "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! "

D. Sun

Homeform 1B

HBA - University of Toronto

M. Teaching - Griffith University (Australia)

Mrs. D. Sun: "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."

C. D’Eall

Homeform 5A

B.A., B. Ed. - Tyndale University College & Seminary

Mrs. C. D'Eall: "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."

J. Guy

Junior School Vice Principal
B.A., B.Ed. - York University
(PCA Alumna)

Miss J. Guy: "I love my job! I have been teaching at PCA for over 20 years and now am the Vice Principal of the Junior Division. When I was in Grade 5, I was a student at PCA and I prayed to ask Jesus into my heart following a Chapel service. I will never forget the teacher who knelt beside me as I prayed to receive Christ as my Saviour. It was a moment I cherish. She later became a missionary in France and we still keep in touch. Today, it is a privilege for me to pray with students, parents and colleagues, and is one of the many reasons why PCA is a wonderful school and why I love my job."

P. Hui

Homeform JK2
B.A - University of Toronto

B.Ed - Tyndale University

Diploma in Early Childhood Education - Seneca College

Mrs. P. Hui: "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."

T. Kalemkerian

Homeform 3A
B.Sc. (Honours) - University of Toronto
B.Ed. - York University

Mrs. T. Kalemkerian: "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!"

H. Lee

French (JK-Gr. 5)
B.F.A., B.Ed. - York University

Miss H. Lee: "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."

J. Lee

Homeform 4B

B.A. - University of Toronto

B.Ed. - York University

Ms. J. Lee: "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!"

J. Lee

Homeform JK
B.A. - University of Toronto
B.Ed. - Tyndale University
Diploma in Early Childhood Education - Seneca College

Mrs. J. Lee: "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!"

L. Montgomery

Homeform 2B
B.A. (Honours) - York University
B.Ed. - University of Toronto

Miss L. Montgomery: "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."

C. Pires

Homeform 5B

B.A. (Honours) - University of Toronto.

B.Ed - Trent University

Miss C. Pires: "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 a environment that celebrates my love of Jesus."

S. Shin

Lead Teacher, Junior School
B. Applied Arts ECE - Ryerson University
B.Ed. - University of Toronto

Mrs. S. Shin: "Teaching at PCA now for over a decade 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, traveling to places without the light of Christ and of course teaching.

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."

K. Simmonds

Homeform 1A

Ms. K. Simmonds: "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."

B. Siu, Dr.

Music (JK - Gr. 5)
B.Music - University of Philippines
M.Music - Florida State University
B.Ed., M.Ed., Ed.D. - University of Toronto

Dr. B. Siu: "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."

W. Strickland

Homeform 2A
B.CSE - Heritage College
B.Ed - Tyndale University
(PCA Alumna)

Mrs. W. Strickland: "I am so thankful to be teaching at PCA! It is wonderful to be teaching at a school where I am given the honour of sharing my love for God in all that I do. I love that I can show children on a daily basis what Jesus did in my life and how Jesus can change their lives too! I was a student at PCA and so was my husband. We also have our children enrolled in the school. It is important for our children to be in a place where we know teachers love them and love Jesus."

H. Tang

Homeform JK
B.A., B. Ed. - York University
(PCA Alumna)

Mrs. H. Tang: "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."

P. Westacott

Physical Education, Junior School

We travel over an hour in each direction

Why does my family travel over an hour in each direction just to drive our kids to Peoples Christian Academy?

Last year, my son was in a disastrous situation at a public school. On a regular basis, he either had gotten off the school bus and was left alone looking for an unlocked door to get to his kindergarten classroom, or in the evenings, he would be left helpless at the playground unable to find his correct school bus. This had continued for 6 months, until an old bus driver alerted me of her observation--that it was the school's (not my son’s) fault that he was repeatedly left unattended – nobody cares!

Furthermore, my son frequently returned home from his old school with art work celebrating Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Bahá'í’s faith days or themes. He countered my teachings on heaven with the curriculum-enforced concept of reincarnation, yet Christianity was never presented. Christmas was only about Frosty the Snowman or Santa and his reindeer.

In the past half year at PCA, however, the tide has changed. Now, he comes home with Bible verses and interesting materials that have helped him to learn about spiritual truths. His reading has improved tremendously; he enjoys music instruction, and he feels safe on the school grounds. Everyone from the office to the after-school program staff show true Christian care.

Lily K. (PCA parent)
"Having attended PCA all the way from Kindergarten to Grade 12, I was blessed to be nurtured in a godly environment, fostered to grow in my faith and understand the truth of the gospel. Teachers demonstrated what it means it to “take up the cross daily” (Luke 9:23), by instilling truth in their academic lessons, and taking time to support students as if we were their own family – a hallmark of true Christian community. Students were a valued part of this community as we were given voices in our learning, and as partners in planning events, chapel, retreats, social justice/outreach, and even adhoc prayer meetings. My eyes were opened to the opportunity for missions and evangelism, at home or abroad, through our annual Missions Conference and organized missions trips. PCA prepared me with a heart for missions. After graduation, I was able to participate and organize mission trips to East Asia but also challenged me to be a local missionary wherever I was placed. Not only has PCA prepared me for success in my academics at Queen's and UofT, and in my career, I believe that it has given me the foundation to live as “salt and light” in our ever-changing world. - Melody L., '02"

…given me the foundation
It has been a privilege and honor to teach at PCA. Both the students and staff have given me so much support and love throughout my 17 years teaching at PCA. The PCA community supported me with love through the loss of my husband 6 years ago. The enthusiasm of the students for learning has been inspiring! I am grateful to be a part of the PCA community!

Mrs. J. Paas
Hi, my name is Candice Taguibao, I’m in grade 12 and this is my 13th year at PCA. I’ve participated in missions at PCA for 3 years now. In grade 10, I went to Chang Mai, Thailand; last year, I had the privilege of serving in Kolkata; and this year I’m going to Boston with my team. I can honestly say that I’ve grown so much spiritually on these mission’s trips and have learned a lot about myself. I’ve learned how to humble myself before the Lord and have realized the urgency of sharing the gospel to a broken world. But I’d like to share a bit of why I first applied for these missions’ trips, and why I continue to apply. As I finish my grade 12 year, I’ve discovered that life is busy, it’s not easy; in fact, it’s challenging. I’ve been writing a lot of Personal Statement Essays and scholarships for universities recently, and this is my biggest pitch, how I sell myself- that I strive to challenge myself to become the best I can be. That’s why I’m the best candidate: because I push myself to be the best I can be when it comes to academics, athletics, and service in my community. But after a while, this put me in a very selfish position. I was so headstrong in my ambitions that I allowed myself to be tossed around by the chaos of being pulled in so many different directions, instead of looking up in the one direction that actually mattered, and desiring my relationship with my God to strengthen. Now, I'm a very visual person and this is how I picture the Grace of God in my life. So bring your mind close to mine, and imagine with me. It’s dark. And in my ignorance, I'm running down a path, somewhere, anywhere; I don’t really know my destination but I keep going anyways. Full force; full speed. I don't admit it often, but I'm exhausted, tired. I’m panting, I feel dizzy, and the road is closing in on me. But suddenly, when I get crazy (as I often do) and run down this crowded, but lonely road, something really extraordinary happens. I see a new path and it’s like the Lord diverges my road and carves a trail for me. At the end of the trail, I see around me an oasis, a garden! I lift my hands up and God is calling me in. I feel like I’ve discovered something. Here there is rest, peace, joy, and love. To me it’s a secret garden; it’s a secret in that it was so foreign to path that led me here. I’m not panting anymore- with every deep breath, I actually feel alive. There I find green pastures to lie in. There I see how the lilies grow and feel how much I’m loved. There, I find my God, though He was always with me, now I’m with Him. And it’s because He's there with me that I can feel secure, and liberated at the same time. Being with Him gives me so much unexplainable joy, and its mine. It's my garden. It's precious to me. There, in my garden, I’m finally resting. You know, there's this preconception about missionaries: that they're like a holy equivalent to a super sayan. But that's not true. The feet that bring the message aren't the steps of self-reclaimed righteous man; they are feet that are flawed. Yet it is the heart of the message they bring that make their journey worth it- beautiful. In the Bible it says that "Blessed are the feet that bring good news". But the thing is, those feet would not be blessed if it wasn't for the good news they bring. I'm not going on this mission’s trip because I'm perfect; I'm going on this missions trip because I fail. Because even though I have experienced walking with the Lord in my garden, at times I shamefully prefer the dark road I came from. And yet the Lord is so kind to me. After all I’ve done, he loves me so much; and if I was the reason that kept another person from experiencing that love, then I don’t know how to love at all. That's why I do missions. I go on these missions trips so that maybe I can get people who are so desperately mulling down the roads of their life to stop, and come into the secret garden that they may find rest as well, through Jesus Christ. And after a while, when my Gardener sees fit, the secret garden won't be such a secret anymore. So now I’m going to show one of the methods we’ll be using to share this message of love to the people in Boston. So here I have a sketch board which I will tell you a story from the Bible. This tool originates from Open Air Campaigners, the organization we will be working with in Boston. So, pretend with me that you are a group of young children who have come to listen to a story. - Candice Taguibao (Gr 12 student, Athletic Council)

I strive to challenge myself
Once again, we thank God for your commitment and sacrifices for this ministry. May God continue to bless every staff member and volunteer who have endlessly poured out their lives to train the students in God's way. We pray that PCA will continue to grow in numbers as well as be spiritually stronger each and every day. This is a dark and broken world, and there is a great need for God's soldiers in our future generation. Keep up the good work! To Him be the glory!

Alex L. (PCA Parent)