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.”

I am so blessed to be in PCA because I have an opportunity to serve both in Canada and out. This year I had the chance to go on the sandwich run for the purpose of spreading the gospel to the homeless in downtown Toronto. It was at this event that I felt God calling me to do something more. Soon after the sandwich run the mission’s team was recruiting members and I felt God calling me to participate. I know I’m not the perfect example but I want to point people to Christ who is prefect. During the training I have been partaking, I have grown stronger in my walk with God. Being surrounded by many strong believers, spending time in prayer with them and hearing their testimonies has been really encouraging and it will be a high school memory I will cherish. I want to come back from Orlando with a stronger desire to serve God and to be bolder about my faith.

Edwina James

Thanks for all the advice and counselling… the teachers have been a very important part of my life. I can’t thank them enough for all they taught me about various subjects, faith, life and everything else in between.

Middle School Graduate

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

Dear PCA,

From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to sincerely thank each and every teacher, parent, student, and everyone else from PCA who gave us and continues to give us support and prayer through this difficult time. I am so grateful to have placed my children in a school where such strong relationships are built. I can sleep well knowing that I have made the right decision having my children go to a school that not only gives an excellent education, but great long-lasting friendships, and a solid Christian foundation. I know that the faculty and friends that my children meet at PCA will all influence them in some way for the future, and I am not worried. PCA is like family to me, and I am so thankful for each and every one of you.

Sincerely, Kenneth Y. and Family

Passionate and caring spirit

One day when my 7 year old daughter and I were on the road, we heard sirens from an ambulance. When I was looking for where the ambulance was coming from, I noticed my daughter was bowing down her head. I asked, “Are you scared?” She said, “No, I am praying. Teacher said, “when we hear ambulance passing by, that means someone is in trouble. We shall pray for the people involved.” I thank PCA for instilling a passionate and caring spirit in my child.

Carol L. (PCA parent)