SJK Staffing Update

Mr. Farr joins SJK after teaching Kindergarten to Grade 8 in the public board for 18 years. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama in education and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor. This year, he will be teaching Grade 5 and Lower School physical education. Mr. Farr is no stranger to SJK, having worked occasionally in the school since the spring of last year.

Ms. Hughes completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours Program) at Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University. She arrives at SJK with 12 years of experience from an International Baccalaureate school in Mississauga, with a passion for fostering inquiry-based learning environments where students are encouraged to explore, question, and discover knowledge independently. Ms. Hughes will be teaching Grade 1 this year at SJK School.

Over the past two decades, Mrs. Jones has worked with youth in multiple capacities, gaining 15 years of experience working in schools. Her educational background includes a Social Service Worker Diploma from Mohawk College. Mrs. Jones is an outdoor enthusiast, passionate about discovery, travel, and creating a better tomorrow through teaching children eco-initiatives, community engagement and continuous global exploration. This year, she will be an Educational Assistant in Senior Kindergarten.

Ms. Kristy Purcell has 20 years of international teaching experience across Canada, England and Singapore. Originally hailing from Alberta, her journey in education has been marked by a deep commitment to fostering student-led learning and nurturing individual talents. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Lethbridge and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary. Ms. Purcell's career has spanned various roles, including serving as a Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator, Literacy Specialist, and Advisor to the Admissions department. At SJK, she will be teaching Grade 6 this year.

Ms. Sarah Van Slyck joins SJK as one of our Aftercare Supervisors. She recently completed a child and family studies degree at the University of Guelph, gaining experience as a practicum student in school settings and leadership experience from local camp organizations.

Ms. Ezra Edelist joined SJK as the Science Lab Technician in 2023 as a parental coverage that has transitioned to a permanent contract at the School. They have always loved science and attended the University of Guelph to complete a Bachelor of Science in microbiology. Ms. Edelist is most passionate about helping students discover what excites them about science through lab projects and activities.

Dr. Fontanilla joins the Upper School teaching design and computer science. She has been teaching AP CSA, C programming, Python, and Scratch coding in Richmond Hill since 2022, and before that, she taught computer science at Philippine Science High School for over 15 years. Dr. Fontanilla earned a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of the Philippines, a Master of Science from Ateneo de Manila University, a Master of Engineering in human system science, and a PhD in human system science from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, 

Ms. Singh holds a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in kinesiology and English literature from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Education from the University of New Brunswick. She will be teaching science in the Upper School this year. Before SJK, she worked at Brentwood College School in BC for four months as a Boarding Faculty Assistant, followed by time teaching at Bayview Glen in Toronto. Having lived the experience as a Diploma Programme student and graduate, Ms. Singh knew she wanted to be a teacher, prioritizing lifelong learning.

Ms. Yalcin is providing coverage for Mr. David Newman during his medical leave. She earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Queen’s University, a Master of Arts in linguistics and teaching English as a second language, and the TESL Diploma from the Canadian Centre for Language and Cultural Studies. Prior to joining SJK, Ms. Yalcin taught at the Bilkent Laboratory and International School in the IB Programme as well as at the Bilkent University in the Faculty Academic English Programme.

As an education professional with experience throughout the academic sector, Ms. Barnes has worked with young people across a full range of school life, including learning support, teaching, and the boarding community. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours First Class) in English literature from Open University as well as a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Stafford House, OCN Level 3 Dyslexia Training Certificate from the British Dyslexia Association, and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Centennial College. She has utilized her training and skills positively across the curriculum and beyond, including ESL, SEN, EDI, and student support services. A dual UK/Canadian citizen who returned to Ontario this summer after many years working and raising a family in the UK, Ms. Barnes is excited to join SJK as the Boarding Assistant & Library and Learning Commons Assistant, where she will be focused on continuing to grow and enhance the student experience.

Mr. LeDrew joins SJK as a Boarding Assistant. Prior to this role, he has experience as a theatre and swim instructor, as well as a VR Specialist, and a research assistant at the University of Waterloo where he earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology. Mr. LeDrew’'s hobbies include physical activities, such as swimming and cycling, and more leisurely activities surrounding virtual reality. 

Mr. Ma joins SJK as a Boarding Assistant & Library and Learning Commons Assistant. He has over twenty-one years of teaching and administrative experience in education, including the roles as a supply teacher, associate professor, department head, and co-director in China, the USA and the UK. He has a keen passion for working in an independent boarding school and he admires SJK's mission and the picturesque environment where all people may offer their unique perspectives and flourish. Mr. Ha has a Bachelor of Arts from Capital Normal University and a Master of Education from Flinders University.

Mr. Lawal was born and raised in London, United Kingdom. He completed his high school years in London and a post-secondary degree in public relations at the University of the Arts London (United Kingdom). With ties to West Africa, he has lived and travelled extensively within Africa. Mr. Lawal moved to Canada in 2012 and started his career in education shortly after. He has been an avid admissions member at various prestigious high schools across Canada. He also worked as a Senior Manager for the British Council (IELTS), Canada. Mr. Lawal joins SJK as the Associate Director, International Student Recruitment.

We are pleased to share a few other changes to the Administration Team. Ms. Himanshi Dhawan joined SJK as an Administrative Assistant in 2023 and transitioned to Executive Assistant, Community last fall. 

We are very excited to welcome such a strong group of new members to the SJK Team and to support the growth of our existing leaders and team members.