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."

"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
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)
PCA nurtured so many spiritual leaders who are now serving in churches (including our church) and other places of the world. Our kids also got strong and solid Christian education here.

Priscilla and Jonathan (PCA Parents)
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.
At Peoples Christian Academy, elementary students are involved in Bible class and/or morning devotions. Not only do students learn about God’s Word and Biblical principles, they also have a time of prayer. Prayer requests are brought forth before the throne of God. Weekly chapels are held, songs are learned, Christian videos are shown, guest speakers are invited, principal/teacher/class led chapels where Biblical foundations are established take place. A community of spiritual caring takes place spontaneously where students may ask teachers to pray for their families, or teachers will pray for the needs of the students and families if these requests were known. I myself was a recipient of the prayer support provided by students and their families. I broke my wrist in January 2010. When the school learned about this incident, prayer support from the class devotions, family devotions, and individual student’s prayers all poured in. Parents/students would ask me how I was and it was not uncommon to hear parents tell me that they were praying for me during their family devotions. One parent told me her daughter prayed for me everyday. When my father went home to be with the Lord in 2000, again it was the students’ self-made condolence cards and their messages, Bible verses that brought comfort. A student once made a card for me and wrote “God loves you and may God bless you” He drew a picture of a big cross and smaller crosses. I followed up with this student because I knew he came from a non-Christian family. I asked if he knew Jesus and if he believed in Jesus. He answered affirmatively. He told me it was in grade one and he mentioned the teacher’s name, when he made the decision to believe in Jesus. Children are so receptive to God’s salvation. We have heard testimonies of students accepting the Lord in their elementary school years. Ultimately, bringing up a child is still the responsibility of parents. In a Christian school environment, teachers continue to work with parents in bringing up children who will revere and honour the Lord. - Mrs. Siu (Elementary School Teacher)

One parent told me her daughter prayed for me everyday.