Middle School Faculty - Peoples Christian Academy

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.

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.”

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. 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.”

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.”

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!”

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”.”

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.”

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.”

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. 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.”

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.”

PCA has been my home away from home for the last 14 years. Being in one place for so long during the most influential period of my life had a lot of impact on who I am.

In Grade 1, my teacher read books to us from a series called Nate the Great. This is actually what sparked my great love for reading…just ask my teachers. My teacher not only inspired my love of literature, but she also led me to Christ.

I believe in Christian education not only because I’ve gone through it, but because I see the difference having a Christian education makes. Growing up at PCA, I’ve heard Bible stories all my life and have memorized Bible verses since before I could understand them. Being older now, I’ve taught Sunday school at my church, and I’ve come to realize that church doesn’t teach children as much as PCA does.

In Grade 6, we memorized a pamphlet titled “Share What You Believe” which was a basic guide to sharing what Christians believe, including Bible verses and references, and a prayer that we could teach to people who wished to become Christians. We also had to recite it in front of the class; Bible verses and all. This gave us a chance to actually practice sharing with one another. In various years of my PCA education, I have also had to write my testimony. This further helped me to learn how to share my faith with others. In Grade 10 and 11, my teacher taught us about apologetics (how to defend Christianity). This was material I had never been taught at church. I have church friends who cannot explain what they believe, much less attempt to defend it. Because of the teaching of all my Bible teachers, I have gained a firm foundation that I will take with me when I leave this year.

As for the students, I met both of my best friends at PCA when we were in elementary school. The friendships I’ve built at PCA are ones that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life.

By: Joanne L (Gr 12 student) April/2010

PCA has been my home away from home

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)

If 4 years of high school is only preparation for 4+ years of university, it has very little lasting value.

PCA helped establish the foundations of my faith. The knowledge I learned in elementary/middle school was great, but I learned how to apply it on an in-depth scale in high school. Church is great, but what’s 4 hours of church a week + 2 hours of fellowship a week when compared to year round Bible studies, discussions on issues of faith and learning to defend one’s faith we received at PCA? PCA is combining school with seminary schooling for your children. PCA taught me to take my faith and make it my own.

Joanne L.

My name is Bryan, I am a senior student who will be going to Boston with a team of 15 in April, 2013. This is my testimony of God’s goodness in my life and how I became a child of God through Jesus Christ.

Like many students at PCA, I grew up in a Christian environment. I was born into a Christian family and attended church and a Christian school my whole life. Growing up was relatively easy and simple for me. I didn’t have any big problems with health or family.

I grew up as a “good” Christian boy and I strived to maintain that persona by reading my bible and praying every morning/night as a routine. I would even carry around a small memo pad to write down significant verses and famous stories in the bible! Because my family would praise me sometimes for being such a “good Christian”, I continued to do good things, read the Bible and pray every day. When I look back, I can tell that a lot of my early Christian life was driven by fear and a reliance on my own moral effort.

In grade nine, I began going to church with some of my classmates and through church and school and my Bible reading, the gospel became more and more real and precious to me. I understood I was a sinner and that the wages of sin is death. I understood that I needed God’ grace and mercy. And I understood that God demonstrated his grace and mercy through his Son, Jesus’ substitutionary and sacrificial death on the cross for me. From then on, I loved the gospel. I loved Christ. I continued to pray, read the bible, and journal.

During these early years in high school, my life changed drastically because of this new relationship with Christ. I would pray with people at school and worship in the hallways without the fear of what people’s thought of me! I wasn’t perfect, nor will I be anytime soon, but I was alive in Christ. Despite sin in my life, God gave me confidence that in repentance of sin and through faith in Jesus, my sins could be separated from me as far as the east is from the west. What a precious and a glorious truth! Jesus paid it all! All to him I owe.

In March, 2012, I went with PCA to India for 2 weeks to serve with and learn from a former PCA student who is working with street children in Kolkata. During this trip, God opened my eyes to see his work and his glory in a different country and in a different culture. God gave me a passion for the homeless on the street as I worked with the street children in Kolkata. This was my first experience with “missions”. I came back from India pumped up to do the will of the Lord in Toronto, but was hindered by exhaustion physically, academically, and even spiritually. I contemplated reading my bible at times and allowed school work to take priority in my life.

However, because of my experience in India, I was able to have a change in my lifestyle in the beginning of the summer that year. A lifestyle of evangelism began in me. Upon returning from India I began going with a few friends to malls, streets in downtown, and even bus rides to share the gospel with complete strangers that we met.

In grade 11, I had taken a World Religions course here at PCA where I learned how different the message of the gospel is in comparison to the religious systems taught around the world. I was able to use what I learned in World Religions class and apply it as I shared the gospel on the streets of Toronto. I found great contentment and joy in sharing gospel! I was able to share the gospel and pray for random people freely during the summer wherever I went! That summer was a season of major growth and maturity for me as a Christian leader.

This school year, God has been bringing me through multiple ups and downs. As a senior student, I am compiled with loads of work! God has been teaching me to surrender to him all of me – including my work, studies, and relationships. And from that, His blessings flow! God is constantly amazing me with the greatness and truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is constantly refining me and making me more like him. Now some people may say, and I might even think myself, “You know, you’re still young and your going to university soon, aren’t you wasting your life living for Jesus?” I would tell them, “No, once you live in Christ, you know there’s nothing better than to live for Jesus.” Now I’m not perfect- not even close. Life is full of ups and downs. Through it all, God is still good and He is faithful. The more I read his word, the more I know the person of Jesus Christ and the more I trust my life in his hands.

– Bryon Lok (Gr 12 student, Student Council President)

God opened my eyes

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