Classes

Welcome to Kindergarten!

Kindergarten is an incredibly important year in a child’s educational journey and I have the privilege of helping young learners build a strong foundation for both academic and personal growth. Kindergarten is much more than learning letters, numbers, and how to read and write.  It is a time when children develop confidence, independence, curiosity, social skills, and a love of learning. Through play, exploration, meaningful relationships, and hands-on experiences, children begin to discover who they are and how they can contribute to the world around them. As their teacher, I strive to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where every child feels valued, supported, and excited to learn.  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 the Director of Operations, Gaileen Woytko, at 604-434-5844 ext. 137 or email gwoytko@deerlakeschool.ca.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at kturner@deerlakeschool.ca.

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.

The best way to contact me is by email at btremblay@deerlakeschool.ca.

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.

Feel free to drop me a line at cgordon@deerlakeschool.ca if you have any questions or would like to connect.

Blessings!

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.

Hello, I’m Jacqueline Russell, and I teach K-7 Physical and Health Education and Active Living 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 jrussell@deerlakeschool.ca.

Thanks!

Pastor Marcia Bispo

Welcome to Ms Paula 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 pmerritt@deerlakeschool.ca.

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead filled with learning, growth, and lots of fun!

Welcome to Grade 7. My name is Mrs. Tara Emmons. 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.ca.

Welcome to Grade 8. My name is Mr. Martin Gospodinov, and I am the Grade 8 homeroom teacher. I also teach Grade 8 and 9 Humanities, ELbA, ADST, Bible 8, and Socials 8.