Meet our Staff

Certified Teachers (OCT)

Mr. Michael | Principal
Mr. Michael Principal

It is my sincere pleasure to be a part of the OVS team. Working alongside experienced teachers and support staff who are all committed to providing a thriving educational environment for our students is a distinct honour.

I started in education as a mathematics teacher after graduating from the Faculty of Education. After years of teaching high school math, I became a Department Head of Mathematics, Vice-Principal and Principal in the York Region DSB.

My passion turned to eLearning when it became clear that there are many students whose needs cannot be met in a day school. After a year of planning, I implemented eLearning in York Region with great success and was appointed Principal of its Virtual Schooling program.

Beyond education, I have spent many years as a volunteer with the Canadian Diabetes Association at the local, provincial, and national levels. In my spare time, I love to golf, camp, garden and do woodworking.

Let us all remember the quote by Carl W. Buechner:

They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

Ms. Sunny Sang | Director of Greater China Region
Ms. Sunny Sang Director of Greater China RegionRead More
Ms. Leitch | Arts Teacher
Ms. Leitch Arts TeacherRead More
Dwayne Matthews | Head of School, Innovation & Partnerships
Dwayne Matthews Head of School, Innovation & PartnershipsRead More
Mrs. Lakhani | Business Teacher
Mrs. Lakhani Business TeacherRead More
Ms. Humphreys | English Teacher
Ms. Humphreys English TeacherRead More
Mr. Lewis | Business & Social Science Teacher
Mr. Lewis Business & Social Science TeacherRead More
Ms. McDonnell | English Teacher
Ms. McDonnell English TeacherRead More
Msr. MacDonald | French Teacher
Msr. MacDonald French TeacherRead More
Mme. Veneruz | French Teacher
Mme. Veneruz French TeacherRead More
Mr. Dyck | Math Teacher
Mr. Dyck Math TeacherRead More
Ms. Kennedy | Math Teacher
Ms. Kennedy Math TeacherRead More
Mr. May | Math Teacher
Mr. May Math TeacherRead More
Ms. Milburn | Math Teacher
Ms. Milburn Math TeacherRead More
Ms. Farooq | Science Teacher
Ms. Farooq Science TeacherRead More
Mr. Wiebe | Science Teacher
Mr. Wiebe Science TeacherRead More
Ms. West | Science Teacher
Ms. West Science TeacherRead More
Ms. Kocheff | History Teacher
Ms. Kocheff History TeacherRead More
Ms. Cuzner | Social Science Teacher
Ms. Cuzner Social Science TeacherRead More
Ms. Atkinson | Arts Teacher
Ms. Atkinson Arts Teacher
Hobbies: You can usually find me in my studio painting, photographing and playing around with ideas on my iPad. I am an avid traveller and love exploring art and cultures around the world. I also enjoy hot yoga, writing, hanging out in cafes and chatting with my art students around the world.
You are the artist of your life. Don’t give the paintbrush to anyone else. – Chriag Arora
Mr. Hila | Arts Teacher
Mr. Hila Arts Teacher
Hobbies: When I’m not at work, I love being outdoors in nature, meditating, reading, running, writing, playing sports, and being with friends and family.
“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.” — Shunryu Suzuki
Ms. Allonby | Business Teacher
Ms. Allonby Business Teacher
Hobbies: I love being immersed in nature and I adore animals. I love walking my two pugs in the nearby forest and basking in the beauty of creation. I also enjoy travelling and experimenting with new foods.
"In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” - Unknown
Ms. Eleveld | Business Teacher
Ms. Eleveld Business Teacher
Hobbies: I love to travel anywhere and everywhere and I have many hobbies to keep myself busy. I love to read, sew, paint, and binge watch Netflix. To stay active, I like to go for long walks with my family, stand-up paddleboard, and play hockey.
"It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” - Albus Dumbledore
Ms. Pe | Business Teacher
Ms. Pe Business Teacher
Hobbies: Outside of teaching, I love to travel and explore new places, as well as experience a variety of different cuisines from all over the world. I love to cook and bake, and it would be my ultimate dream to one day travel and stay in different places while learning the culinary arts of those regions.
And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it. –Paulo Coelho
Ms. Pegg | Business Teacher
Ms. Pegg Business Teacher
Hobbies: I love nature, spending time with my family, and entrepreneurship. You'll often find me out riding bikes and hiking in the mountains! For inspirational fun, I watch Dragons Den and listen to Guy Raz’s “How I Built This” podcast.
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. - Edith Wharton
Ms. Polsinelli | Business Teacher
Ms. Polsinelli Business Teacher
Hobbies: Outside of the classroom, I enjoy getting outdoors, swimming and doing crafts.
You can only become accomplished at something you love. - Maya Angelou
Ms. Cooke | Communications Technology Teacher
Ms. Cooke Communications Technology Teacher

Hobbies: I'm passionate about the outdoors and love spending time hiking mountains or camping in the forest. At home, I'm surrounded by books and spend time reading and watching movies. I'm also constantly being bothered by my two cats!

"Failure is not the outcome, failure is not trying. Don't be afraid to fail." -- Sara Blakely
Mr. Kee | Computer Science Teacher
Mr. Kee Computer Science Teacher
Hobbies: I play Apex Legends, Dungeons and Dragons, and complicated miniature board games. I used to work in engineering but I'm still passionate about it. I own many 3D printers, a ton of Lego and a wide range of robotics and microcontrollers.
Do. Or do not. There is no try. – Yoda
Mr. Reid | Computer Science Teacher
Mr. Reid Computer Science Teacher
Hobbies: A few of the things I enjoy doing, outside of teaching Computer Science, are photography, playing chess (both online and over the board), reading Science Fiction / Fantasy (Wheel of Time Series), scuba diving (PADI certified), the occasional fishing trip (catch and release), and world travel (whenever possible).
Anything worth learning is usually hard, and therefore worth giving it your all.
Ms. Dever | English Teacher
Ms. Dever English Teacher
Hobbies: I love playing all sports and spending my summers at the cottage!
"Hustle beats talent when talent doesn't hustle"
Ms. Di Sebastiano | English Teacher
Ms. Di Sebastiano English Teacher
Hobbies: In addition to being an avid reader, I also love painting, hiking, travelling and most importantly playing with my cat. When I'm not enjoying one of these hobbies you can find me cooking up a storm in the kitchen... mostly Italian cuisine!
There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid. - L. Frank Baum
Mr. Escobar | English Teacher
Mr. Escobar English Teacher
Hobbies: If I’m not exploring nature and learning about local wildlife, I’m probably getting lost in a comic book or manga.
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” ~ Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mr. Ford | English Teacher
Mr. Ford English Teacher
Hobbies: As a certified Trainer and Coach for Baseball Canada, I have come to realize the importance of putting the needs of others first. In my free time, I love hiking, keeping fit and all outdoor activities.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. – Nelson Mandela
Ms. Kavcic | English Teacher
Ms. Kavcic English Teacher
Hobbies: I enjoy travelling the world and immersing myself in different cultures. When I'm not travelling, you can find me cycling or hiking with my four-legged friend, Buddy. I can also be found curled up on the couch reading a good book.
Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory. - Dr. Seuss
Ms. Malcho | English Teacher
Ms. Malcho English Teacher
Hobbies: When I'm not reading, kayaking, spending time with loved ones or researching arbitrary topics, I am keeping the movie theater in business thanks to my love for nachos and films.
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.
Ms. Mathieu | English Teacher
Ms. Mathieu English Teacher
Hobbies: Besides my adoration for teaching English, I love spending time with my family, gardening, and hiking with my doodle dogs. I also enjoy reading all types of novels on the beach hence I am passionate for travelling. My favourite destinations so far have been Japan, Spain, and Scotland. Hopefully, I will continue to discover many other travel destinations soon.
Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom. - Oprah Winfrey
Mr. Murphy | English Teacher
Mr. Murphy English Teacher
Hobbies: In my spare time, you will find me in the gym improving my strength and physique, or in the pool going for a swim. People say I live at the gym. Living a healthy lifestyle is a big part of my life. I also like to read, play video games, and watch retro movies.
Never, never, never give up. – Winston Churchill
Mr. Persad | English Teacher
Mr. Persad English Teacher
Hobbies: I enjoy teaching English and reading.
Failure is my enemy. – Pundit Hari Prashad
Ms. Petrone | English Teacher
Ms. Petrone English Teacher
Hobbies: Besides my love for teaching English and inspiring my students to envision a world where they can create the impossible, I love taking long walks with my family while talking about ideas. I also enjoy reading as many books as I can while sipping coffee.
“Education is not just about putting information in. We have forgotten that it, in fact, begins in the child’s heart.” Vince Gowmon
Ms. Ironside | English Teacher
Ms. Ironside English Teacher
If I am not cuddled up reading a good book in front of a fire -- I am hiking a mountain and taking in the marvels of the world. Life is short: Carpe Diem
"I want to be in the arena. I want to be brave with my life. And when we make the choice to dare greatly, we sign up to get our a***s kicked. We can choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can’t have both. Not at the same time.” - Brene Brown
Ms. Mackenzie | English Teacher
Ms. Mackenzie English Teacher

I really enjoy reading, drawing, and hiking with my dog! I love taking pictures while I’m out in nature, especially during the summer and fall. My favourite way to relax is by re-watching beloved sitcoms or seeing a scary movie.

"Fiction and essays can create empathy for the theoretical stranger” - Barbara Kingsolver
Ms. Keenan | English Teacher
Ms. Keenan English Teacher
Some of my hobbies include reading, video games, and dance! Along with teaching humans, I am also very passionate about dog training. Willow, the light of my life, is my rescue dog from Mexico, she is very afraid of the world, and when I'm not teaching I am working with her to help her become confident and successful in this big world!
"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” - Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Mr. Rita | English Teacher
Mr. Rita English Teacher
I enjoy travelling, reading, and spending time with friends and family. When I am not learning and teaching, you will find me playing piano or learning new instruments, going on hikes, or directing my local community theatre’s newest productions.
“The purpose of a good education is to show you that there are three sides to a two-sided story” – Stanley Fish
Ms. Sturino | English Teacher
Ms. Sturino English Teacher
Hobbies: My hobbies include travelling the world, cooking and baking – I try at least 3 new recipes a month; fitness and health are passions of mine, and I love to learn. Family and friends are dear to my heart.
The journey of a thousand miles begin with one step. – Lao Tzu
Msr. Bello | French Teacher
Msr. Bello French Teacher

Hobbies: During my free time, I like to follow the world news, travel and share my skills with others in different domains.

"The school should always aim to give its students a harmonious personality" - Albert Einstein.
Msr. Ballestin | French Teacher
Msr. Ballestin French Teacher
Hobbies: In my free time, I like hiking and fishing with my family.
"Children don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." John C Maxwell
Mme. Brooks | French Teacher
Mme. Brooks French Teacher
Hobbies: In my free time, I love reading, hiking, cooking and spending time with loved ones. I also love traveling and learning about other cultures.
“Sometimes it is the people no one can imagine anything of who do the things no one can imagine.” ― Alan Turing
Msr. Gauthier | French Teacher
Msr. Gauthier French Teacher
Mon passe-temps favori est le piano. Écouter du classique, spécialement Bach, ou d'en jouer calme mon hyperactivité! Aider les élèves dans ce domaine m'apporte beaucoup et quand une personne me dit: "Merci Monsieur, vous m'avez vraiment aidé'', c'est comme une forme de salaire.
Mme. Jimenez | French Teacher
Mme. Jimenez French Teacher
Hobbies: I love reading, watching TV and traveling. There is always so much to learn from others. To stay active I like to go on long walk with my family, especially now that the weather is getting warmer.
“You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” - A.A. Mine
Ms. Dionne| French Teacher
Ms. Dionne French Teacher
I am passionate about sharing my skills in different domains. I enjoy the outdoors and cabin life with my two sons, coaching hockey and downhill skiing, singing in a choir and learning new graphic design tricks.

"Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did."
-H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Ms. Bruce| French Teacher
Ms. Bruce French Teacher

I am passionate about languages, travel, wellness, the environment, and is focused on helping students develop a love of learning. In my free time I love running, pilates, yoga, horseback riding, scuba diving, and swimming.

"Today is a perfect day to feel proud of yourself"
Mme. Mechlinski | French Teacher
Mme. Mechlinski French Teacher
Hobbies: I am a passionate educator of languages including French and German. I love travelling and spending time outdoors. My favourite activities are hiking, skiing, biking, kayaking and camping.
“A different language is a different vision of life” - Frederico Fellini
Mme. Shea | French Teacher
Mme. Shea French Teacher
Hobbies: When I am not teaching, I am spending time with my kids, travelling, and quilting.
One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world. - Malala Yousafzai
Ms. Choi | Korean Teacher
Ms. Choi Korean Teacher
Hobbies: I love dancing, watching movies, learning about diverse cultures/languages, and traveling (I’ve been to 15 countries around the world!)
“All students can learn and succeed, but not in the same way and not in the same day.” - William G. Spady
Ms. Li | Mandarin Teacher
Ms. Li Mandarin Teacher
Hobbies: Outside of classroom, I love spending time with my daughters. Our garage got changed to an art studio. We do paintings, crafts and creative all types of home decorations there. In addition, I enjoy outdoor activities, swimming and playing accordion.
“You will either step forward into growth, or you will step backward into safety.” Abraham Maslow
Ms. Aggarwal | Punjabi Teacher
Ms. Aggarwal Punjabi Teacher
Hobbies: I enjoy travelling, reading books and spending time with my friends and family. In my free time I also like to cook different types of food. “Education must not simply teach work - it must teach life” - W.E.B. Du Bois
Mr. Bates | Math Teacher
Mr. Bates Math Teacher

Hobbies: I have enjoyed teaching for 30 years. In my spare time, I enjoy working on renovation projects.

“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” Mark Van Doren
Mr. Berardi | Math Teacher
Mr. Berardi Math Teacher
Hobbies: In my free time I enjoy playing/watching hockey, soccer, listening to music, fishing, and spending time with friends and family.
If you don’t sacrifice for what you want. What you want becomes the sacrifice – Jay Shetty
Ms. Reddy | Math Teacher
Ms. Reddy Math Teacher

Hobbies: Listening to music, spending time with family, travelling and reading inspiring books

Ms. Cockburn | Math Teacher
Ms. Cockburn Math Teacher

Hobbies: I enjoy being active, camping and the outdoors. I play hockey, volleyball, golf and tennis. I love adventures and being a teacher.

“The meaning of life is to find your gift, the purpose of life is to give it away.” Pablo Picasso 
Ms. Bertolo | Math Teacher
Ms. Bertolo Math Teacher
Hobbies: I enjoy teaching yoga, mathematics and mindfulness meditation.
“All of man’s problems stem from his inability to sit quietly in a room by himself.” - Blaise Pascal
Mr. Bolt | Math Teacher
Mr. Bolt Math Teacher
Hobbies: I enjoy woodworking projects and walking my dogs in the woods.
“Mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.” – Albert Einstein
Ms. Chaudhari | Math Teacher
Ms. Chaudhari Math Teacher
Hobbies: I love travelling and learning about other cultures. I speak 4 languages and have visited 7 countries and counting! I also enjoy jogging, hiking, and kayaking.
Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think. – Albert Einstein
Mr. Currie | Math Teacher
Mr. Currie Math Teacher
Hobbies: I enjoy golfing, reading and watching sports on TV.  I have officiated basketball for over 40 years at various levels of competition. 
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. – John Wooden
Ms. Dhillon | Math Teacher
Ms. Dhillon Math Teacher
Hobbies: As much as I love travel and adventure, I also enjoy simple things like a hot cup of coffee and a great book!
Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.
Ms. Garcia | Math Teacher
Ms. Garcia Math Teacher
Hobbies: I love to travel, try international cuisines, crochet, and take my dog out on epic adventures (to parks).
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. – Maya Angelou
Ms. Hansen | Math Teacher
Ms. Hansen Math Teacher
Hobbies: I love to travel and spent two years living in China and travelling all over Asia at the start of my teaching career. Thailand has been my favourite place so far.
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. – C.S. Lewis
Ms. Lai | Math Teacher
Ms. Lai Math Teacher
Hobbies: Outside of teaching, I enjoy cooking. Collecting and trying out different tasty recipes is one of my favorite things to do in my leisure time. Until now, I have tried recipes for Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, Dutch cuisines and, of course, Canadian cuisines!
"Whether you think you can or you can't, you are right - Henry Ford"
Mr. Luu | Math Teacher
Mr. Luu Math Teacher
Hobbies: I love Tiny Home design and builds, travelling, and culinary experiences.
Change your thoughts and you change your world.- Norman Vincent
Ms. Madukayil | Math Teacher
Ms. Madukayil Math Teacher
Hobbies: I love going on walks outdoors, and travelling.
Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care – John C Maxwell
Mr. McKenzie | Math Teacher
Mr. McKenzie Math Teacher
Hobbies: I enjoy reading and debating. I try to stay active by running and playing basketball whenever I have the opportunity.
One of history’s few iron laws is that luxuries tend to become necessities and to spawn new obligations. - Yuval Noah Harari
Ms. O’Neil | Math Teacher
Ms. O’Neil Math Teacher
Hobbies: I love to travel, I spent a lot of time travelling around Europe when I taught in England for two years. I enjoy board games and paddle boarding.
Why worry? If you’ve done the very best you can, worrying won’t make it any better - Walt Disney
Ms. Patel | Math Teacher
Ms. Patel Math Teacher
Hobbies: In addition to my love for teaching and connecting with students, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, travelling, watching movies and dancing.
‘Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn’ - Benjamin Franklin
Mr. Ruth | Math Teacher
Mr. Ruth Math Teacher
Hobbies: I play hockey in my free time and enjoy being in the outdoors.
‘Success isn’t overnight. It’s when everyday you get a little bit better than the day before. It all adds up.’ - Dwayne Johnson
Ms. Neelands | Math Teacher
Ms. Neelands Math Teacher
Hobbies: I really don’t enjoy cooking meals…but I love to bake cakes and cookies. I find that it allows me to be creative. I also enjoy sewing, scrapbooking, and floral arranging.
‘Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.’ - Thomas A.Edison
Mr. Hughes | Math Teacher
Mr. Hughes Math Teacher
‘There's always magic in the air. ’ - Peter Gabriel
Ms. Gul | Math Teacher
Ms. Gul Math Teacher
My hobbies are painting, reading and watching movies.
‘I want to leave the world as a better place than I found it’ - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ms. Shpit | Math/IT Teacher
Ms. Shpit Math/IT Teacher
Hobbies: Math is both my major and my passion. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy running engineering, robotics and math help clubs. In my spare time, hiking, skiing and spending time with friends make my life complete.
Ms. Gheorghiade | Computer Science Teacher
Ms. Gheorghiade Computer Science Teacher

Hobbies: While not teaching and taking a break from technology, I like playing scrabble and tennis.

“Obvious’ is the most dangerous word in mathematics.” - Eric Temple Bell.
Ms. Altenhof | Science Teacher
Ms. Altenhof Science Teacher
Hobbies: Outside of the classroom, I enjoy running, playing tennis, gardening and working out with my husband and twin sons. I love spending time outdoors whether it is at a beach or in the woods.
My favourite quote is Theodore Roosevelt’s 'Man in the Arena' Speech
Ms. Aggarwal | Science Teacher
Ms. Aggarwal Science Teacher
Hobbies: I love animals, traveling and learning new things!
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela
Ms. Archer | Science Teacher
Ms. Archer Science Teacher
Hobbies: Inspired by the outdoors, you can always find me planning my next travel adventure or hiking with my sidekick (dog), Bruce! In my spare time I love candle making and spending time with friends!
Mr. Beaumont | Science Teacher
Mr. Beaumont Science Teacher
Hobbies: I love to garden, game, tinker and create
“Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.” - Francis de Sales
Ms. Colpitts | Science Teacher
Ms. Colpitts Science Teacher
Hobbies: I enjoy reading, crochet, travelling, and watching movies. I also enjoy spending quality time with my family in the great outdoors.
"Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful." - Joshua J. Marine
Mr. Cornwall | Science Teacher
Mr. Cornwall Science Teacher
Hobbies: When I'm not teaching I spend my time playing sports, exercising, reading, and watching good movies. I enjoy getting outside for a long run or bike ride and playing tennis with friends. I love to travel, meet new people, and learn new things!
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." - Steve Prefontaine
Ms. Darku | Science Teacher
Ms. Darku Science Teacher
Hobbies: I love photography, travelling and learning about new cultures, and cooking!
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today" - Malcolm X
Ms. Eshaque | Science Teacher
Ms. Eshaque Science Teacher
I love to cook and I try to explore different cuisines. I also love to be with nature. As a person, I am very simple and love to learn about others!
The test of a good teacher is not how many questions she can ask her pupils that they will answer readily, but how many questions she inspires them to ask which she finds it hard to answer. ― Alice Wellington Rollins
Mr.Samai| Science Teacher
Mr.Samai Science Teacher
Hobbies: I love travelling and exploring new places. My favourite place so far is Tortola (BVI). The serenity and feeling of landing in a new country, enjoying the cuisine and immersing in their traditions and culture are all very exciting, enticing, and breathtaking.

"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."
Malcolm X.
Ms. Gupta | Science Teacher
Ms. Gupta Science Teacher
The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day. - Albert Einstein
Ms. James Selvaratnam | Science Teacher
Ms. James Selvaratnam Science Teacher
Hobbies: I like to say that picking up new hobbies is my hobby! I enjoy trying all kinds of new things, but some interests that have stuck long term are hiking/being outdoors, reading, and watching movies!
"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world"
-Desmond Tutu
Ms. Halchuk | Science Teacher
Ms. Halchuk Science Teacher
Hobbies: During my free time, I enjoy watching a Netflix series or one my favourite You-tubers (preferably with my hedgehog or one of my two cats with me!)
It matters not what someone is born, but what they will grow to be. – Albus Dumbledore
Mr. Sakher | Science Teacher
Mr. Sakher Science Teacher
Hobbies: Outside of the classroom, I try to spend as much time as I can outdoors… especially in the summer! I also love to travel the world and experience different cultures… my next stop will hopefully be Italy!
"We are stardust brought to life, then empowered by the universe to figure itself out - and we have only just begun"
-Neil Degrasse Tyson
Ms. Johnson | Science Teacher
Ms. Johnson Science Teacher
Hobbies: I love to cook and spend time outdoors with my son. I am also an avid reader, enjoy bingeing a good Netflix show, and love to travel, especially in Europe where I hope to take my son soon!
"You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." Winnie the Pooh
Ms. Kelly | Science Teacher
Ms. Kelly Science Teacher
Hobbies: If I'm not teaching, I'm either travelling the world to immerse myself in other cultures or i'm outdoors - hiking, canoeing, snowboarding. Another hobby of mine is going to various antique stores around Ontario, to collect antique items and wood to repurpose them into something new.
Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will. - Suzy Kassem
Mr. Kassouf | Science Teacher
Mr. Kassouf Science Teacher
Hobbies: I have a wide range of hobbies from studying the history of television and theater to studying plants, insects and any wildlife I can find around me. Most of all, I like to spend time away from the internet and making strong connections with my friends and family and enjoying the beautiful world that surrounds me.
"Inclusion is not simply about physical proximity. It is about intentionally planning for the success of all students." - Anonymous
Ms. Lewis | Science Teacher
Ms. Lewis Science Teacher
Hobbies: I am a coffee enthusiast, proud cat person and music fanatic. I love travelling and enjoy hiking or skiing the mountains on the west coast. You can often find me on my laptop in a coffee shop, and I'm almost always wearing a turtleneck.
Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. - Michael Jordan
Ms. Montesano | Science Teacher
Ms. Montesano Science Teacher
Hobbies: A few of the things I enjoy doing in my spare time are travelling, reading and hiking. My goal in life is to travel and experience as many different cultures as possible!
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." - Dr. Seuss
Ms. Moulick | Science Teacher
Ms. Moulick Science Teacher
Hobbies: I love to read! I love words. I think they have an amazing power to transform the world around us, instantly. My favourite authors are Haruki Murakami and Jack Kerouac. I also enjoy gardening! I find it absolutely fascinating to be a “plant-mom” as my “green babies” inspire me everyday!
“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need” - Marcus Tullius Cicero
Ms. Pansar | Science Teacher
Ms. Pansar Science Teacher
Hobbies: I love travelling, trying different foods and spending time with my dog!
"The more that you read, the more things you will know; the more that you learn, the more places you'll go" - Dr. Seuss
Mr. Sawinski | Science Teacher
Mr. Sawinski Science Teacher
Hobbies: I enjoy playing golf and basketball, swimming, and reading.
Do the thing that is hard to do, and the power will come!
Ms. Singh | Science Teacher
Ms. Singh Science Teacher
Hobbies: If you don’t see me baking up some tasty treats, you will see me teaching myself something new! Right now I am very invested in learning more about data science, but when I am relaxing it is all about board games for me. My current favourite game is Risk Legacy.
“Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered” – Michelle Obama
Ms. Sridhar | Science Teacher
Ms. Sridhar Science Teacher
Hobbies: I enjoy learning and making art and crafts like calligraphy, painting and embroidery. I have 3 dogs and love walking them and spending time with them.
The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing – Albert Einstein
Ms. Stockwell | Science Teacher
Ms. Stockwell Science Teacher
Hobbies: I love doing puzzles and participating in any kind of escape room experience. I also enjoy curling up with a good book, taking the dog for a walk, and spending time with my family and friends.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. – Nelson Mandela
Ms. Tariq | Science Teacher
Ms. Tariq Science Teacher
Hobbies: Travelling, baking, reading
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. – Thomas Edison
Mr. Tonelli | Science Teacher
Mr. Tonelli Science Teacher
Hobbies: I love studying the stars, playing board games, and painting in my spare time.
When first things are put first, second things don't diminish, they increase. – C.S. Lewis
Ms. Vanderkamp | Science Teacher
Ms. Vanderkamp Science Teacher
Hobbies: In my spare time I love to read, cook, and spend time outdoors gardening and hiking. I also enjoy travelling to new places in the world.
"The important thing is to never stop questioning." - Albert Einstein
Ms Carone | Social Science Teacher
Ms Carone Social Science Teacher
Hobbies: I enjoy travelling, reading books, watching movies and television as well as taking my dog for walks.
Success belongs to those who dare to achieve it.
Ms. DaCruz | Social Science Teacher
Ms. DaCruz Social Science Teacher
Hobbies: I like to cook and can usually be found with my nose in a book. I also enjoy being outdoors with my daughter, especially in the warmer weather.
You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. - Zig Ziglar
Ms. DeSouza | Social Science Teacher
Ms. DeSouza Social Science Teacher
Hobbies: I love to travel the world, immersing myself in different cultures by exploring their cities, eating their foods and engaging in their communities. In my spare time, I love to hike, read, and binge on Netflix.
The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you. -B.B. King
Ms. Dore | Social Science Teacher
Ms. Dore Social Science Teacher
Hobbies: When I am not teaching online, I enjoy travelling, reading, cooking, baking cookies, and learning Mandarin.
The expert in anything was once a beginner. – Helen Hayes
Ms. Galli | Social Science Teacher
Ms. Galli Social Science Teacher
Hobbies: Aside from reading historical fiction books you can find me playing with my dog. When I’m not with my pup, I love travelling, exploring new places, cooking, watching reality TV and learning about new cultures. I’m a huge hockey and football fan and enjoy watching games with friends!
Let your smile change the world, but don’t let the world change your smile. - Anonymous
Ms. MacDonald | Social Science Teacher
Ms. MacDonald Social Science Teacher
Hobbies: I play piano and sing in a choir. I also love to read and home school my kids!
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. – Winston Churchill
Ms. Milano | Social Science Teacher
Ms. Milano Social Science Teacher
Hobbies: I love calligraphy and lettering! I’ve recently learned how to engrave calligraphy on different kinds of surfaces. I’m also interested in video editing and animation. I also play the guitar and ukulele just for fun! I love the Harry Potter books and films, and my most favourite HP book is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
“Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn.” - Anne with an E
Ms. Neale | Social Science Teacher
Ms. Neale Social Science Teacher
Hobbies: My hobbies include long-distance running, sewing and spending time with my family.
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. – Eleanor Roosevelt
Ms. Singh | Social Science Teacher
Ms. Singh Social Science Teacher
Hobbies: My hobbies include learning about the world and current events, playing with my dogs, reading comics and playing video games!
The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. – Amelia Earhart
Ms. Smith | Social Science Teacher
Ms. Smith Social Science Teacher
Hobbies: I love a good movie. I have probably seen the Harry Potter series, Lord of the Rings, and the Godfather each about 10 times. I also love all things chocolate. And of course, I am passionate about the social sciences and I hope to instill this feeling in all my students!
You are always free to make decisions, but you are never free of the decisions you make – a variation of a quote by Ezra Taft Benson
Ms. Thompson | Social Science Teacher
Ms. Thompson Social Science Teacher
Hobbies: I enjoy travelling, exploring nature and reading a good book! I am always seeking new opportunities to experience and learn from.
Keep your face always toward the sunshine- and shadows will fall behind you." - Walt Whitman
Ms. Forlani | Social Science Teacher
Ms. Forlani Social Science Teacher
Hobbies: I love travelling, hiking, paddle boarding, watching hockey and movies.
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” - Wayne Gretzky
Ms. Beth O’Rourke | Administrative Assistant
Ms. Beth O’Rourke Administrative Assistant
I love reading, especially Urban Fantasy and High Fantasy. My two favourite authors are Sarah J. Maas and Patricia Briggs. When I’m not reading or writing stories, I enjoy watching tv and playing video games. My current favourite games are Horizon Zero Dawn and Life Is Strange. I am hoping someday to be a published novelist and I work towards that dream everyday.
“You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page. Jodi Picoult
Ms. Andrea Felstead | Administrative Assistant
Ms. Andrea Felstead Administrative Assistant
Hobbies: I love to play a fun video game or watch a suspenseful tv show. I write poetry and short stories when I’m in a creative mood. I will never refuse an opportunity to see a musical.
Don’t dream it, be it!
Ms. Marly Hanna | Administrative Assistant
Ms. Marly Hanna Administrative Assistant
Hobbies: I enjoy reading, travelling, watching television and spending time with my family.
Kindness is one thing you can’t give away. It always comes back. - George Skolsky
Mr. Lozier | Senior Software Engineer
Mr. Lozier Senior Software Engineer
Hobbies: I enjoy running, skating, and magic tricks.
Life is the hardest teacher. It gives you the test first, and the lesson afterward.
Mr. Jason Lawson | Web Developer
Mr. Jason Lawson Web Developer
Hobbies: Music, anime, manga, and video games
Haste makes waste
Mr. Farhez Lakhani | Head Administrator
Mr. Farhez Lakhani Head Administrator
In addition to my lengthy experience as a teacher, I am personally committed to lifelong learning. Currently, I am pursuing my Masters of Science in Chemistry. I look forward to working with students to share my passion for learning, as we embrace the online learning model as a means to shape our youth towards building a technologically literate world community!
“Don’t be an electron, always stay positive”
Mr. Borzou (Sal) Salavati | School General Manager
Mr. Borzou (Sal) Salavati School General Manager
Hobbies: I am passionate about education and lifelong learning. I also love to travel the world and experience what it has to offer.
“Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or the same way.”— George Evans