E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l
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 is important to make these first impressions positive and lasting. In our kindergarten class we are loved and valued for our unique gifts. We are challenged to try new things and stretch our brains. We are supported in areas where learning is difficult for us. We learn to care for ourselves, our families, our community and our amazing world. If you have any questions please 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
Hello! My name is Mrs. Bobie Tremblay and I am the Grade One teacher. I am a huge proponent of play and outdoor learning. My favourite part of our learning is Forest Days, a child-led and play-based day each week that uses nature as a classroom, not just a field trip, allowing children time to explore and learn naturally. I am excited about the new opportunities that this year and your children will bring to my classroom.
The best way to contact me is by email at btremblay@deerlakeschool.ca or you can leave a message at 604-434-5844 ext. 106
Grade 2
Welcome to Ms. Nadica Paunovski’s class! I am the Grade 2 teacher and I am so excited to get to know my new students and their families! I am excited to take my class on new learning adventures this year. In my class every child is valued as a unique, special, and talented individual. As Pablo Picasso stated “Every child is an artist…” I believe that every child needs to be recognized and supported to grow. They need opportunities to discover and express themselves. I look forward to all the collaborative learning and fun educational opportunities that await us! I enjoy working with parents to help foster students' academic, emotional, and spiritual growth. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me by email, npaunovski@deerlakeschool.ca.
Grade 3
Welcome to Grade 3! My name is Leanne Ho 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 lho@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 and I'm excited for a wonderful learning adventure ahead. I'll be fostering your child's curiosity, encouraging questions, critical thinking, and creative expression. Our classroom will be a safe, inclusive space where each student's unique perspective is cherished. Collaboration between school and home is vital for your child's success this year. If you need anything, feel free to reach out at kturner@deerlakeschool.ca. Let's make this year amazing together!
Grade 5
Welcome to 5th Grade!
Hello, everyone! I'm Mr. Gordon, and I'm thrilled to be your 5th-grade 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 classroom discussions where every voice is heard and valued. We’ll also integrate lessons from the Bible to guide us in 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 for any questions or communication for the future. Blessings!
Grade 6
Welcome to Mr. Lester Lorenson'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 llorenson@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, and I am 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.
French 5-7; Socials 4; Careers 6; Art 6
Mrs. Rachelle Friesen:
My name is Rachelle Friesen and this year I will be teaching French to Grades 5 through 9, as well as Socials 4, Careers 6, and Art 6. I am very excited to be using the AIM program (Accelerative Integrated Methodology) to teach French. This program uses gestures, drama, music, dance, and storytelling to help students learn a foreign language rapidly. I look forward to hearing your students express themselves in French from the first lesson using high-frequency vocabulary learned in visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic ways. We are going to have so many fun learning adventures ‘‘en francais” this year! Please feel free to contact me by email at rfriesen@deerlakeschool.ca.
Music K-5
My name is Mrs. Debbie Silva and I love teaching Music and Art to students of every age! My specialties are singing and piano, but in Music classes we also explore improvisation, ensemble work with various percussion instruments, choreography, and performance. Grades 3-5 will also use recorders and ukuleles in class. I enjoy mentoring students in creative visual experiences as well, and Art students experiment with many art mediums and styles. You can
contact me at dsilva@deerlakeschool.ca.
PE & Health K-7, Health Education and Active Living 11, 12
Ms Brittany Dobbin
Hello, I’m Coach Brittany, and I teach K-7 Physical and Health Education and Active Living for grades 11 and 12. I’m dedicated to inspiring students to embrace a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle that encompasses not just physical fitness but also spiritual, mental, and social well-being. In my classes, I foster a dynamic and inclusive environment where students can explore the joys of movement, build meaningful connections, cultivate resilience, and develop a deeper understanding of their overall wellness. My goal is to empower students to make informed, mindful decisions that support their holistic health and well-being, both in and beyond the classroom. I look forward to working with your student(s) this year!
Chaplain
H i g h S c h o o l
Mr. Martin Gospodinov: Grade 8 Home Room, Humanities 8/9
Mr. Marc Andrade: Grade 9 homeroom, STEM 8/9
Ms Brittany Dobbin: Active Living 11/12
Mr. Byron Emmons: Band 6-10; Careers 8; Service and Leadership 8; Composition and Production 11/12
Mr. Esmon Emmons: PE/Health 8/9; Bible 11; Auto Tech 11; Woodworking 11/12: Co-Athletic Director
Mrs. Dawn Jakovac: Secondary Vice Principal; Academic Advisor; French 11, Social Justice 12; History 12; Careers 11/ 12
Mrs. Loretta Knopp: English 10-12; Socials 10; Theatre 11; Bible 12
Ms. Kianna Mohns: Bible 10; Science 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: Music K-5; Visual Arts 6, 11/12; Reading Specialist
Mrs. Rachelle Friesen: French 8; French 9
Mr. Warren Friesen: ADST 8; Earth Science 11; Careers 11; Foundations of Math 11; Foundations of Math 12; Physics 12