Peoples Christian Academy | 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.

V. Aspinall

Physical Education, Gr. 6 Homeroom
B.Sc., B.Ed. – University of Toronto
M. Arts – Providence University
(PCA Alumna)

Mrs. V. Aspinall: "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!"

A. Atkinson

Athletic Director
Physical Education/Sociology/
Anthropology/Psychology/Science

B.Sc. – University of Guelph
B.Ed. – University of Toronto

Mr. A. Atkinson: "Peoples Christian Academy has the immense privilege of being able to offer Christian education in today’s broken world. As parents, teachers and educators we must take advantage of this opportunity in order to bring about radical change and healing, not only personally, but also societally and globally. At PCA there are incredibly unique opportunities to build into and support students as they grow in their faith and develop their relationship with Jesus each day.

At PCA I can see the genuine love and care that the teaching, administration and support staff have for each student. They go above and beyond what is expected, inspired by the joy and hope that only He gives."

J. Craig

Music (Instrumental)/ English/ Social Studies
B. Music – University of Toronto
M. Music – University of Southern California
B. Ed. – York University

Mr. J. Craig: "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."

E. Flach

Visual Arts
B.A., B.Ed. – University of Toronto

Ms. E. Flach: "Teaching at PCA is a joy to my heart. First of all because I find pleasure in inspiring students with creative ideas and teaching them artistic skills, which result in many beautiful pieces of art being produced. Most importantly, I love having the freedom to open their eyes to the wonders of the great Creator, whose marvelous works we celebrate through the arts. I further enjoy teaching the History of Western Art in order to give the students the ability to discern which direction society is going since "Art is the mirror of society"."

D. Lau

Technology, Civics/Careers, Biology

B. Sc. - University of Guelph

B. Ed. - Tyndale University College

Mr. D. Lau: "The world we live in is becoming increasingly complicated and complex. Students are constantly bombarded with various opinions of truth which can lead to confusion or further questions. I am thankful that PCA believes in educating the whole child, which allows teachers and students to freely discuss those challenging issues through the lens of the Gospel in a space that is safe and respectful. By taking a holistic approach to education, PCA helps to better prepare students to serve the Lord in various capacities in order to reach all nations for His glory. (Matthew 28:19)"

G. Lee

Math, Science, Gr. 7 Homeroom
B.Sc. - University of Toronto
B. of Ch. Ed. - Redeemer University
M.Sc. - Canisus College

Mr. G. Lee: "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."

J. Lee

Middle School Vice Principal / Guidance Counsellor
B.A. (Honours), B.Ed. - York University

Mrs. J. Lee: "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."

K. Lee

Middle School and Senior School Science / Yearbook-Journalism

B.Sc Honours - University of Toronto

B.Ed - OISE University of Toronto

(PCA Alumnus)

Mr. K. Lee: "As a former student of PCA, I've been so blessed to have been mentored by some of the most caring and God-loving people I know. I believe PCA teachers are called to not only prepare students for whatever challenges the world has for them but to help them thrive in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I believe we are all gifted in some way for the purpose of pointing others to Christ. As a teacher and mentor, my hope is for students to know God and to use whatever they have been blessed with to help others do the same."

G. Li

Music (Vocal) / Band / Geography / Winds
B.Music, B.Ed. – Queens University
(PCA Alumna)

Miss G. Li: "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."

V. Peart

English/Social Studies, Gr. 6 Homeroom
B.A. (Honours) - McMaster University
B.Ed. - Strathclyde University, Scotland

Mrs. V. Peart: "I have been teaching at PCA for 19 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."

E. Philip

Bible
B.A. (Honours), B.Ed. – Queens University
Master of Theology – Tyndale University

Mrs. E. Philip: "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."

D. Westacott

Mathematics, Social Science
B.Sc., B.Ed. – University of Toronto
M.Div. – Tyndale University

Mr. D. Westacott: "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 marvellous 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."

M. Westacott

English / Media / Writers Craft / Literature / Social Studies
Middle School Chapel

B.A. - University of Toronto
B.Ed. - York University

Mr. M. Westacott: "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 three (going on four), family means the world to me. That's really what the PCA community is: a family."

I have been a physical education teacher for about 15 year’s and I am sure I chose that career because of Miss Rose, my PE teacher at Peoples. She made physical education so much fun, which is what I always try to do for my students. Lori Leschisin, Class of 1978 Physical Education Teacher.

Lori Leschisin
Both of our children attended the Peoples School many years ago and we are forever thankful for the positive influence the teachers and staff had in their lives. Thank you.

Dave and Joyce (PCA Parents)
I am a PCA lifer (I went to this school from K-12)! Not only has this school taught me about following Jesus, it has also given me several opportunities to practically live out following Jesus. I had opportunities to serve my local community and also go abroad on short-term mission trips to Senegal, Africa, Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Tijuana, Mexico. These experiences let me see what missionaries do on the field and inspired me to follow suit. One of my favourite things about PCA, however, is the teachers who invested in me, mentored me, and walked with me. I would not be who I am without them, so to those teachers who have also become my friends, thank you for seeing potential in me, being patient with me, and never being short of encouragement for me.

Dorothy Yeung
Two of the PCA students were in their room and one of them was reading her Bible out loud with the book of Proverbs. There was a knock at the door and they answered. It was a lady from the next room who came to thank them for the wonderful Scripture she heard being read. She said the walls are a little thin, but she was so glad because the verses were such an encouragement to her. The two girls excitedly shared the story and they were overwhelmed with joy by their experience. Our Vice Principal reminded them that our job is to simply try to faithfully honour God and He will miraculously use us to accomplish His work.

Testimony from 2016/17 Grade 8 Ottawa Graduation Trip
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