Middle School — Peoples Christian Academy

Middle School

Grades 6-8

Caring for the Whole Person.

PCA Middle School is a positive and dynamic place for students in Grades 6-8. We recognize the importance of these transition years that move our children from elementary school to high school. Therefore, our focus is to develop them holistically in areas of academics, spiritual life and leadership development.

Two teenage boys running on the school gym-natorium court

Pretty Teenage girl smiling at the camera

Two young girls standing on either side of their teacher smiling at the camera

The faculty in the PCA Middle School care deeply about every student and forge a partnership with parents through effective communication. Teachers reinforce the importance of education and coach the students along their journey, while encouraging them to take ownership of their own academic success. Through this supportive process, Middle School students are well prepared to meet the demands of high school.

Middle School offers leadership opportunities through student council, intramurals, chapel participation and sports teams. Many students, under the guidance of teacher mentors, develop event planning skills, public speaking and many other essential life skills throughout their time in the Middle School. The Outdoor Education retreat, held early each year, helps cement relationships and creates an open and accepting environment where each student is valued.

As a Christian School, the heart of our mandate is the development of each student’s spiritual life. Through chapel, students and teachers worship together and receive Bible exposition with meaningful life applications. A strong Bible program, which is an essential part of the curriculum, further develops biblical knowledge and daily living. Mission initiatives such as sandwich runs, Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and other fund raising efforts provide additional opportunities for the students to have a broader view of the needs in our world. Daily encounters with “teachable moments” spark many personal conversations about life and faith. Teachers and students foster life-long relationships that continue to allow for on-going spiritual encouragement.

Experience

Camera looking up at a large wooden cross on the gym wall

Together, the Middle School students and teachers form a vibrant Christian community within the larger PCA community. The teachers form close relationships with the students and become spiritual counsellors and coaches. Such a relational environment fosters respect and accountability, and serves to promote the growth of well-rounded Christian character on the part of the students. Living, working and praying together, they have countless opportunities to grow in Christ-likeness.
It is our desire at PCA that our students develop a heart for missions. This has been a priority since its origin under the leadership of Dr. Oswald J. Smith. This year, Middle School students followed the footsteps of their seniors to start a sandwich run. They have been to downtown once to deliver some home-made sandwiches to people who are experiencing homelessness. In the coming months, they have planned to go again to visit the needy and deliver sandwiches and warm winter accessories. The winter accessories were generously contributed by the Junior School families.
During Bible classes, students study the Bible in detail. From Genesis to Revelation, our goal is to help young minds to understand God’s words and let His words speak to each one of them.
At chapel, students praise the Lord together with the teachers. They share testimonies and have Bible exposition and reflect on how to apply biblical principles in life. PCA is privileged to have faculty, who have been long time youth workers and pastors, to instruct and inspire. Many of the students participate in leading worship. We are pleased to see many of our alumni involved actively at their churches as worship leaders.
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22 (ESV)

Three young boys sharing a school laptop doing school work

At Peoples Christian Academy Middle school, students are inspired to learn through innovative instruction. From hands on science experiments to book reports, students think deep and wide every moment.
All courses in the PCA Middle School are taught from a Christian perspective and follow the Ontario Ministry of Education Elementary Curriculum guidelines as outline here.
Teachers will often teach beyond the guidelines where applicable and appropriate to provide enriched learning experiences for the students. All textbooks are taken from the Ontario Ministry of Education Trillium List which contains the books approved for use in Ontario schools. Teachers also supplement the textbooks with specifically designed material to strengthen the overall learning expectations. We believe it is important to follow Ontario Ministries guidelines as closely as possible during Grades 6-8 so students are prepared for the rigors of their future high school education.
In addition to the core subjects (Language, Mathematics, Bible, Social Studies, Science), we provide programs in French, Music (instrumental and vocal), Arts and Physical Education.
Co-curricular activities include:
Two concerts a year
Outdoor Education
Spelling Bee competition
Speech Meet competition
Ski Day
ACSI Track and Field
ACSI Cross Country
ACSI Sports tournament (Basketball, Volleyball)
ACSI Science Fair
Grade 8 Graduation trip

Pre-teens running on the gym-natorium basketball court during gym class

The total learning/growing experience in the Middle School incorporates both structured curricular programs and extra-curricular opportunities. Students enjoy a wide variety of such options through which they develop their skills, knowledge and talents as they grow in character. Under the leadership of coaches, students plan and organize events and assume leadership positions such as team captains, student council members and house captains. The following list indicates the quality and diversity of Middle School extra-curriculars:
ACSI Cross Country
ACSI Sports Tournament (Soccer, Volleyball and Basketball)
ACSI Science Fair
ACSI Speech Meet Competition
ACSI Spelling Bee Competition
ACSI Track and Field
Art Club
Animation and Comic Books
Chess Club
Christmas and Spring Concerts
Grade 8 Graduation Trip
Intramural between Four Houses
Korean
Mandarin
Math Skills
Orchestra
Outdoor education
Piano
Programming
Ski Day
Student Council led activities
Table Tennis
Workshop – Robotics & Aerospace
Worship Teams

Middle 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, Middle & Senior School
B.A. (Honours), B.Ed. , York University
M.Ed., University of Toronto
Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT)
Ontario Principals Qualification Program (PQP) - Part 1
Guidance and Career Education Specialist

I love that PCA exists to educate the whole person—body, mind and spirit with equal emphasis and excellence. There is a wonderful rapport of genuine respect and care shared between teachers and students. We are a tight-knit community with an environment where students can and want to learn. PCA students and alumni are living proof that it is possible to receive a premium, high quality academic education while growing in character and in faith.

Physical Education
B.Sc., B.Ed. – University of Toronto
M. Arts – Providence University
(PCA Alumna)
Teaching at PCA is important to me because it's my home. I graduated from PCA and returned as a teacher to continue to be a part of the PCA family. The students are eager to learn which makes my job very enjoyable! Because both teachers and students have the same faith, we share each other’s goals and challenges. I am grateful for the privilege of sharing life with the PCA family!

Guidance / English / Social Studies / MS/SS Resource Teacher
B.A. (Honours) – University of Waterloo
B.P.S. in Education – University of Niagara
Being back at PCA is a testament to God’s perfect timing. Through the learning experiences, conversations, and moments of joy that happen each day with my students and colleagues, I am reminded of just how good our God is. It is a privilege to be part of a community that feels like family and to teach such wonderful young minds.

B. Design - OCAD University
Geologist, Gemology Institute of America
B.Ed - Western University
I love this faith in Jesus Christ and God is the heart of everything we do at PCA. It truly motivates and inspires me every day to work with so many incredible teachers and students. As an art teacher, I have the privilege and joy of helping students express their individuality and uncover the beauty of God through art.

Science and Technology, Math, Health and Physical Education
B.A - University of Iowa
B.Ed - Tyndale University
What a blessing it is to work at PCA, a place where students are built up in the Lord and prepared spiritually and academically for the world. It is an honour to be part of a community that is rooted in spiritual truth, upholds high academic standards and spurs students on toward love and good deeds. I am grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside the wonderful students at PCA as they grow and discover God's gifts and plans for them.

Social Studies, English, Grade 6 Math
B.Ed - Thompson Rivers University
It is such a blessing to work in a place that loves God and seeks to build up children to be strong and capable adults. PCA is a fun and engaging work environment, and the commitment to God in all aspects of life makes coming to work a joy.

Music (Instrumental)/ English/ Social Studies
B. Music – University of Toronto
M. Music – University of Southern California
B. Ed. – York University
In 1723, Johann Sebastian Bach reminded his students at St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, that “the final aim of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” As a music teacher at Peoples Christian Academy, I have the great pleasure to be able to pass on Mr. Bach’s inspired words to the young students who attend this school. In over two decades of teaching music, it is here at PCA where I find this truth is realized to its fullest. It is for this reason that I am blessed to be able to teach at PCA and share the joy of making music, giving glory and honor to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

MS Teacher

Bio coming soon

Physical Education, Grade 7 Homeroom
B.A, B. Ed - Calvin College
OCT, Special Education Specialist

I believe teaching is not just an occupation, it is a calling. It is a privilege to interact with students each day and to be able to use my God-given skills and talents to engage them in learning about His world. I am blessed with the opportunity to be a positive role model and prepare my students for a life of faith as followers of Christ. As a devoted Christian teacher, I know that love is the most powerful force. It is love that changes students’ hearts. Demonstrating real, genuine love to every student is what I strive to do each day. This is my first year at PCA and it is such a warm community of parents, students, and fellow staff members. I am so blessed to be a teacher at this school.

Lead Teacher, Middle School
B.Sc. - University of Toronto
B. of Ch. Ed. - Redeemer University
M.Sc. - Canisus College
Teaching at PCA gives me opportunities to encourage students to see the Lord as master of all areas of their lives, present and future. They need to be diligent in all they do, in all areas of their lives, not for pleasing parents or teachers (who are people), nor for preparing to live more comfortable lives (for self), but for honouring the Lord now, and for preparing to honour Him better in the future.

Grade 7/8 Science & Technology, Grade 8 Homeform
B.Sc. & B.Ed - York University
It is such a blessing and honour to serve at PCA. Alongside our amazing PCA family, I get to do my part in being the salt and light of the world, loving one another and building each other up. It's especially exciting to be teaching Science & Technology because it's a subject that embraces our curiousity of life and the advancement of it, and the more you dig deeper, you realize God's love and fingerprints in everything! God is sovereign and He has good plans for us. Therefore, we can revel in the Good News!

Science and Technology
B. Sci (Honours) & B. Ed - Queens University
Teaching at PCA has been a great joy! I consider being a teacher to be an honor as we partake in modeling what Christ modeled to us as our Rabbi and teacher. I take teaching Bible and Social Studies as being a great responsibility to disciple and walk alongside our young scholars in the faith. It is so critical that we encourage the next generation to think critically about the world and seek God to build His kingdom here. Every day I find myself thankful to be apart of a community built on Christ, knowing that He is our cornerstone and so we are not easily shaken.

English, Social Studies
Grade 6 Homeroom
B.A. (Honours) - McMaster University
B.Ed. - Strathclyde University, Scotland
I have been teaching at PCA for 20 years. It has become a second home for me. My PCA family continues to be there for me through the joys and the sorrows of life. It is a place where you feel loved, encouraged, challenged and safe. There is nothing greater than teaching a concept in class, with passion, and seeing your students' eyes light up and the “light bulb” moments happen. It is truly a blessing to teach here and help our students academically, socially and most importantly spiritually. There have been many times when my students have taught me important lessons about life and our Lord, and for that I am truly grateful.

Bible
B.A. (Honours), B.Ed. – Queens University
Master of Theology – Tyndale University
Working at PCA is so important to me, because the lives of our young people are so precious and the task of raising Godly children in today's society is increasingly daunting. Most children will spend more waking hours a day at school than at home. It is so critical that we are entrusting our children during this time to people who love the Lord and who will faithfully impart to them Biblical truths and values. It is such a privilege to be part of a ministry that seeks to do just that.
I personally see the fruit of PCA's ministry as my own children come home from PCA with worship songs and Bible stories on their lips. I know that what they are learning at home is being daily reinforced in a loving, Christian environment that will provide a solid foundation for life.

Music Director, Geography
B.Music, B.Ed. – Queens University
(PCA Alumna)
Working at PCA has been a testament of God’s sovereign power. As a previous student of PCA, never in my wildest dreams, would I imagine teaching alongside my previous teachers. It has been such a blessing to serve alongside teachers that once taught me. PCA is a tight-knit community, where teachers strive to not only teach through Christian education, but also live it out. Students that come into PCA come from a variety of backgrounds. I have the privilege and honour to serve the youth of our school moulding and stretching them to be sent out as the men and women that God has created them to be.

Grade 7 Homeroom
Honours B.A., University of Toronto; Master of Teaching (MT), University of Toronto
Having the opportunity to serve at a school like PCA has been a privilege for me. Being able to freely share my faith with our staff and students has truly been an amazing experience. I look forward to teaching our students about the history and geography of the world, while also sharing how our God is at the center of it all.

English, Bible, Middle School & Senior School Resource Teacher
B.A. (Hons.), B.Ed. - York University
M.Div. (Clinical Counselling) - Tyndale University
Special Education Specialist
Serving at PCA has been answered prayer. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to work with students in the classroom and on an individual basis. My journey to PCA has been guided by God and has led me down a unique path. I completed my B.Ed degree alongside my undergraduate degree and pursued my Master's to begin a career as a psychotherapist. However, God called me back to teaching and allowed me to apply my newfound skills to develop a unique teaching philosophy. As an educator, I believe that all students are uniquely created in God's image, and it is my duty to help them achieve their full, God-given potential. My greatest joy in teaching comes from being able to meet students where they are and walk alongside them in their journey toward greatness. There is nothing more fulfilling than witnessing the moment when a concept "clicks" in a student's mind. PCA emphasizes not only academic excellence but also a genuine transformation of the heart, encouraging both students and faculty to keep their eyes on Jesus.

Physical Education
B.A., B.Ed - York University
Being on staff at PCA has been an incredible experience and gift from God. I have the blessing of not only educating and equipping students with academic skills and knowledge, but the opportunity to mentor and make disciples for His kingdom. God has continued to humble me through PCA as I am constantly reminded that my role as an Christian educator goes beyond classroom management, and curriculum. This is truly a gospel-centered community and while teaching the gospel is important, at PCA I am able to live it out and walk with my students on their spiritual journey. It is my prayer that as I continue my career that my love for the students would be rooted in my love for Christ, and that I would teach in a manner that exalts Christ.

Math
B.Sc. (Honours) - York University B.Ed. - University of Toronto (PCA Alumna)

PCA allows me to build Christ-centered relationships. As a science teacher, I have the opportunity to point my students to the wonder of creation by demonstrating the care and design that God has invested into all life. As a journalism teacher, I recognize that both truth and beauty are rooted in God’s character. So, too, my students must pursue both truth and beauty in their reporting of school events and in the design of our publications. The process of producing the yearbook provides students with the opportunity to explore God’s faithfulness in our school.

Grade 7 Homeroom
B.A. Honours and B.Ed - Queens University
Being a teacher at PCA means being caught by the eagle’s wings. It is an act of trusting in the Lord for
everything I will need as a teacher and entrusting God with students’ lives. It is witnessing God’s
promises in motions and taking steps to be apart of it.

Mathematics, Social Science
B.Sc., B.Ed. – University of Toronto
M.Div. – Tyndale University
It is true that I absolutely love Mathematics, but my life-long passion is sharing life together with teens! PCA is a wonderful place to encourage, equip and empower teens as they pursue their future and the call of God in their lives. There are countless opportunities to “tell the next generation the marvelous things God has done.” I am overwhelmed each day by God’s faithfulness in bringing me back to PCA after being away for 23 years.

English, Media, Writers Craft, Literature, Social Studies,
Middle School Chapel
B.A. - University of Toronto
B.Ed. - York University
As Christians, we need to go where God calls us; I feel truly blessed to have been called to teach at PCA. Teaching here allows me the opportunity to serve God by serving the next generation, to love the students as He first loved me. As a husband and a father of four, family means the world to me. That's really what the PCA community is: a family.