As the school year draws to a close, we take a moment to recognize and celebrate the dedicated educators at SJS who are stepping into new roles next year and those who are moving on to their next chapters. Their contributions to our school community have left a lasting impact and we are grateful for all they have shared with our students, staff and families.
Welcoming New Roles
Several faculty members will be embracing new responsibilities in the upcoming school year:
- Madlen Anderson transitions into a new role as a Senior School Teacher, specializing in MYP and DP French Language Acquisition.
- Marnie Anderson begins a new role as an Advisory Programme Coordinator.
- Aaron Au returns for another year as a Senior School Associate Teacher.
- Kelsey Barham resumes her roles as TOC Coordinator and After School Care Lead.
- Christine Chang-Gardecki begins a new three-year term in her continued role as First Nations Curriculum Leader in the Junior School.
- Abigail Falvey will serve as Interim Head of the English Department.
- Iain Ferguson takes on a new one-year role as the Indigenous Knowledge and Community Learning Coordinator.
- Tally Ferguson becomes a permanent Senior School Teacher and continues as Services as Generalist Teacher and Service as Action Coordinator.
- Emily Frost has been appointed as the new Head of the Science Department.
- Sophia Hunter steps into a new role as First Nations Curriculum Leader for the Senior School.
- Emilie Leblanc will take on a one-year temporary assignment as a Grade 5 Junior School Teacher before returning to her original role.
- Victoria Murphy transitions from MYP Design Teacher to become the Junior School ADST Specialist for one year.
- Rachel Shedletzky moves permanently into her role as a Junior School Learning Strategist Associate.
- Dana Whelan will permanently join the JK team as a Junior Kindergarten Early Childhood Educator.
- Ceci Zhu will serve as Interim Head of the Languages Department for the coming year.
These changes represent both continuity and growth within our talented faculty, and we look forward to the perspectives and energy these educators bring to their roles.
Saying Goodbye
We also say a heartfelt farewell to several members of our school community who are moving on:
- Andie Cheng—Head of Department Languages and MYP and DP Mandarin Teacher. Andie has been a foundation of the SJS community for 13 years. Her kindness and support of students and colleagues has set her apart. She is always willing to give students her support with Mandarin (or life!) Andie is the best friend to many and has been the sunshine that fills the halls each day. She will be dearly missed.
- Gemma Connell—MYP Science Teacher. Gemma joined SJS as a student teacher and then took on the role she was learning when her teacher mentor retired. Her energy and commitment to the students and school has been palpable. She has always gone above and beyond and commits 100% to ensuring the student experience is wonderful. She will be hugely missed, but there is no doubt the science department is better off for Gemma having been Gemma!
- Rebecca Finn—Head of Department English and MYP and DP English Teacher. Rebecca started as an Associate Teacher at SJS and instantly made her mark through her engagement and willingness to get involved with everyone to support the students. From Bamfield to the Yukon, from basketball to literature, pretty much every student has been touched by the care and guidance of Ms. Finn. Rebecca’s classroom was a living testament to how well she knew and supported her students with their quotes and thoughts decorating the walls, along with her good humour, of course!
- Lauren Fredette—MYP and DP English Teacher. MYP and DP English Teacher. Lauren has demonstrated a deep passion for English and a thoughtful commitment to embedding First Peoples learning in meaningful ways. Her high expectations have helped students grow as learners, and her diligence and reliability have been a valued part of the team. Lauren has never hesitated to speak up when she sees an opportunity for improvement, bringing a thoughtful and principled voice to our work. Lauren will be missed, and we wish her all the best in the adventures ahead.
- Lyndsey Longeri—Teacher Associate. Much beloved by students, Ms. Longeri has served as our ever-ready teacher ‘on-call’—which has given her the opportunity to teach every student in the Junior School. She has also joined in countless co-curriculars and field trips, always with joy and positivity. A fantastic collaborator, she leaves with a reputation for saying “yes” to everything with a smile.
- Marie de Maleissye—MYP and DP Mathematics Teacher. Marie is the SJS superfan, our students biggest cheerleader on the court, the pitch, the track, and especially in the classroom. Students will be forever grateful for all the hours of support Marie has provided them and they will be stronger learners because of her. Marie’s absence will leave a great void, but her legacy will be with us always.
- Sheila Mahmood—Senior School MYP Science and Mathematics Teacher. Sheila began her journey at SJS as a TOC and then became part of the mathematics and sciences team in 2023. Her high expectations were equaled by the care and encouragement she poured into her classes. She was adored by her students. She made them feel that they were capable and supported, and the halls were filled with students wanting to catch her one last time before she finished so they could thank her and let her know how much she will be missed.
- Patrice Mailfert—MYP and DP French Teacher. Patrice’s passion for language has contributed to the growth of his department and the French program at SJS. His love of learning is palpable, a true IB teacher, he thrives to pass this same love to his students. He was also able to showcase it during the France and Belgium trip where he gave students a chance to use their language learning and to discover more about history.
- Brandy Stern—Senior School Principal. In just two short years, Brandy has made a meaningful impact at SJS and has been greatly valued as a collaborative member of the Senior Leadership Team. She dramatically improved the advisory program and, together with Val, thoughtfully evolved the teacher evaluation process. A true advocate for students, she strengthened the sense of community in the Senior School and will be remembered at SJS for keeping student well-being at the heart of her leadership.
- Rebecca Williams—PYP Teacher. Though she has been with us for just a year, Ms. Williams has made a lasting impression with her kindness, warmth and collaborative spirit. She has played a key role in the Grade 5 program and partnered closely with Ms. Lewandowska to thoughtfully enhance the Grade 5 Exhibition, enriching the learning journey for our students.
Thank you also to Lisa Ni ‘19, Senior School MYP Science and Mathematics Teacher, and Bianca DeVos, Senior School English, Spanish, and ToK Teacher, for covering roles this year. It was wonderful to have you both return to the school.
Thanks also to Andrea Finn for her work this year as the Junior School Learning Support Assistant.
We wish you all every success and happiness in your future endeavours. Though you may be moving on, you will always remain part of the SJS story.
