E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l (K-5)
Kindergarten
Welcome to Kindergarten!
My name is Mrs. Heather Gagnier, and I’m very excited to be working with our wonderful kindergarteners. Kindergarten is your child's first introduction to formal education, and it’s important to make these first impressions positive and lasting.
In our kindergarten class, each child is loved and valued for their unique gifts. We are challenged to try new things and stretch our brains, and we are supported in areas where learning may be difficult. We learn to care for ourselves, our families, our community, and our amazing world.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at hgagnier@deerlakeschool.ca.
Our Kindergarten is a full day program. Here is a Kindergarten daily schedule so that you can understand what we are learning each day!
For more information about our program and to book an appointment to review our application process, please contact Director of Operations, Gaileen Woytko at 604-434-5844 ext. 137 or email gwoytko@deerlakeschool.ca.
Grade 1
Welcome to Grade 1!
Hello, my name is Mrs. Leanne Ho, and I am so excited to be the Grade 1 teacher this year! First grade is such an important and exciting step in a child’s learning journey. Together, we will explore new ideas, build essential skills, and discover the joy of learning through hands-on experiences.
In our classroom, students will be encouraged to try their best, grow in confidence, and celebrate their unique strengths. We will also spend time exploring the outdoors and learning from the world around us. Most importantly, our classroom will be a safe, caring, and fun environment where kindness and respect are always a priority.
I look forward to working closely with you to support your child’s growth and success.
Please feel free to reach out to me via email at lho@deerlakeschool.ca, or you may also contact me at the school at 604-434-5844 ext. 106.
Grade 2
Welcome to Ms. Nadica Paunovski’s class!
I am the Grade 2 teacher, and I’m so excited to get to know my new students and their families! This year, I look forward to taking my class on new learning adventures.
In my classroom, every child is valued as a unique, special, and talented individual. As Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist…” I believe that every child deserves to be recognized and supported as they grow. They need opportunities to discover and express themselves.
I’m excited about all the collaborative learning and fun educational opportunities that await us! I also enjoy working with parents to help foster students' academic, emotional, and spiritual growth.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me by email at npaunovski@deerlakeschool.ca.
Grade 3
Welcome to Grade 3!
My name is Mrs. Cassandra Cautivar and I am excited for a wonderful year. I am looking forward to working with you and being a part of your child's learning journey. We will explore the outdoors and what it has to offer. Students will be encouraged to challenge themselves to step out of their comfort zone to learn and grow in their own abilities. My classroom will be a fun and safe environment where respecting others is a priority.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have via email ccautivar@deerlakeschool.ca or you may also contact me at the school at 604-434-5844 ext 104.
Grade 4
Welcome to Grade 4!
I’m Ms. Karri Turner, your child’s homeroom teacher, and I’ll be guiding them through Humanities this year! I’m thrilled to share that Mrs. Bobie Tremblay will be teaching STEM, bringing her own creativity and expertise to our classroom adventures.
Together, we’re excited to create a wonderful learning journey where curiosity is nurtured, questions are encouraged, and each student’s unique gifts are celebrated. Our classroom will be a safe and inclusive space, filled with opportunities for critical thinking, collaboration, and creative expression.
I deeply value the partnership between home and school, and I look forward to working alongside you to support your child’s growth and success.
If you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at kturner@deerlakeschool.ca.
Grade 4 STEM and Outdoor Learning K-5
Hello! My name is Mrs. Bobie Tremblay, and I am thrilled to be stepping into a new role this year at Deer Lake School as the Outdoor Learning Teacher. We’re excited to expand our outdoor learning program to include all classes from Kindergarten to Grade 5. Not all classrooms have four walls—this year, we’ll be using nature as our classroom!
Weekly experiences will include curriculum-based activities tailored to each grade level, covering a variety of subjects and learning styles. When I’m not outside learning with classes, I’ll also be teaching STEM subjects for Grade 4.
I’m looking forward to the new opportunities this year will bring and to learning alongside your children.
The best way to contact me is by email at btremblay@deerlakeschool.ca.
Grade 5
Welcome to Grade 5!
I'm Mr. Chris Gordon, and I'm thrilled to be your Grade 5 homeroom teacher. I have a deep passion for the outdoors—whether it's rock climbing, trail running, hiking, or simply watching birds in their natural habitat. When I'm not exploring the great outdoors, you might find me strumming my guitar or planning my next travel adventure.
In our classroom, I believe in the power of holistic education. I encourage collaboration, group projects, and lively discussions where every voice is heard and valued. We’ll also integrate lessons from the Bible to guide us in both our learning and personal growth.
Together, we'll explore, learn, and grow in an environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning.
Feel free to drop me a line at cgordon@deerlakeschool.ca if you have any questions or would like to connect.
Blessings!
Music K-5
As a K–12 Music and Art teacher, I feel incredibly blessed to share my passion for creativity with our students every day. I specialize in singing and piano, and I love guiding students of all ages and experience levels as they discover their unique gifts and grow in confidence. Music and art are essential parts of a complete, holistic education. They nurture not only skills and knowledge but also creativity, discipline, and joy. As we explore the arts together, we are reminded that God is the ultimate Creator, and since we are made in His image, we are called to create as well. Whether a student is just beginning or has years of experience, my goal is to provide a welcoming space where everyone can learn, express themselves, and shine. Together, we celebrate the beauty of music and art as part of God’s design for us all.
Please feel free to contact me by email at dsilva@deerlakeschool.ca if you have any questions.
Ms. Brittany Dobbin
Hello, I’m Coach Brittany, and I teach K-7 Physical and Health Education, Active Living 11 and 12, ADST 9, and Marketing & Promotion 11. As a Physical and Health Education teacher, I am committed to creating a safe, fun, and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and supported. I offer a wide variety of games, sports, and activities to ensure that all students have an opportunity to explore different ways of being active and build upon their physical literacy (the development of the motivation, confidence, competence, knowledge, and understanding to participate in physical activities throughout one's life) year after year. I take a holistic approach to health education, supporting student growth across the physical, mental, social, and spiritual domains to foster lifelong wellness. I look forward to working with your student(s) this year!
Feel free to reach out to me at bdobbin@deerlakeschool.ca.
Thanks!
Director of Spiritual Care
Pastor Marcia Bispo (Maternity Leave 2025-2026)
M i d d l e S c h o o l (Grades 6-8)
Grade 6
Welcome to Mr. Geoffrey Merritt's class! I am the Grade 6 homeroom teacher and I am thrilled to welcome you all to Grade 6 this year! It’s going to be an amazing journey, and I can’t wait to get to know each of my new students and their families. This year, we’ll embark on exciting and challenging adventures in learning together. The growth and progress we’ll achieve as a team will be nothing short of inspiring!
I’m eager to collaborate with you to support your child’s academic, emotional, and spiritual development. Your involvement is a vital part of our success, and I’m here to work alongside you every step of the way.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or thoughts—email me anytime at gmerritt@deerlakeschool.ca
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead filled with learning, growth, and lots of fun!
Grade 7
Welcome to Grade 7. My name is Mrs. Tara Emmons. I am part of the Spiritual Care Team and the Grade 7 homeroom teacher. This is the year we focus on CHOICE. There is great power and responsibility in our choices; we will explore how this gift can grow us, challenge us, and help us become the people we are designed to be. God has placed us together for such a time as this. Let the adventure begin!
The best way to contact me is by email, temmons@deerlakeschool.
Grade 8
Welcome to Grade 8. My name is Mr. Martin Gospodinov and I am the Grade 8 homeroom teacher. I also teach Humanities 8 & 9; Bible 8; Art 8, and Socials 7 and 10.
H i g h S c h o o l (Secondary - Grades 9-12)
Mr. Marc Andrade: Spiritual Care Team; Grade 9 homeroom; STEM 8 & 9, Bible 9; Art 9; Service & Leadership 9
Ms Brittany Dobbin: Active Living 11/12, ADST 9, Marketing and Promotion 11
Mr. Byron Emmons: Band 6-10; Careers 8; Service and Leadership 8; Music Composition and Production 11/12
Mr. Esmon Emmons: PE/Health 8/9; Bible 11; ADST6,8 Woodworking and Furniture building 11/12: Co-Athletic Director
Mrs. Dawn Jakovac: Secondary Vice Principal; Academic Advisor; French 11, Careers 12; History 12; Social Justice 12
Mrs. Loretta Knopp: Bible 12; English 10-12; Foods; Drama
Mr. Lester Lorenson: WPM10; French 8-10; FOM11; WPM 12; Physics 12
Mr. Geoffrey Merritt: Physics 11
Ms. Kianna Mohns: Science 10; Bible 10; Life Sciences 11; Chemistry 11 & 12; Anatomy & Physiology 12;
Mrs. Molly Ryden: Math 10-12; PE 10; Careers 10; Co-Athletic Director
Mrs. Debbie Silva: Art Studio 9-12