Leadership and Governance

Leadership Team

The leadership team at PCS is composed of a range of dedicated educators and staff members who prioritize “Educational Excellence to the Glory of God.” Lead by the superintendent, who reports to the board of directors…

The leadership team at PCS is composed of a range of dedicated educators staff members who prioritize “Educational Excellence to the Glory of God.” Lead by the superintendent, who reports to the board of directors, the leadership team meets regularly to ensure best-practices continue to be in place at PCS. Driven by a passion for Christian Education and seeing children excel in their unique ways, the leadership team exemplifies servant leadership and learning.

The leadership team is tasked to be responsible for the overall operations of the school (education, facilities, finances). The team is closely connected with the day-to-day activities in the school and truly functions as a team as they collectively develop and move PCS forward.

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Looking to email a staff member? Our email format is firstname.lastname @PacificChristian.ca

Darren LewisHeidi Young-ThompsonLaura LangleyLorna HerzogGabe KremlerOwen Webb

SUPERINTENDENT

ROLE AT PCS – As superintendent, Darren is responsible for the overall administration of the school. School and support administration report to him and he is responsible for implementing the mission and vision of the school. Darren reports to the Board of Directors.

CONNECTION TO PCS – Darren came to PCS in 2018 from Kelowna Christian School where he was the Head of School for a number of years. Prior to that Darren worked in public education, and banking.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts (Geography) – Simon Fraser University
Master of Divinity (Pastoral Studies) – Taylor Seminary
Bachelor of Education (Secondary) – University of British Columbia
Master of Arts (Educational Leadership) – San Diego State University
Fellow – Van Lunen Center of Executive Management of Christian Schools

ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL

ROLE AT PCS – As elementary principal, Heidi supports educational staff to carry out the mission of PCS. This includes providing oversight of school programs, selecting and equipping staff for their assignments, fostering a safe and supportive school ethos, and working collaboratively with staff, students, and families to address the specific needs and questions that arise in our daily life as a community of faith and learning.

CONNECTION TO PCS – Heidi is a PCS alumna, and parent to three PCS students. She taught secondary math and bible for short time and PCS in 2003 – 2005, and then returned as Director of Learning in 2018 and became the elementary principal in 2021.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science (Major – Biology, Concentration – Math), University of Victoria
Post-Degree Professional Program, University of Victoria
Master of Education, University of Victoria

ELEMENTARY VICE-PRINCIPAL

ROLE AT PCS – Laura is the Vice Principal of the elementary school and works to support all students and staff to build a flourishing Christian school community.

CONNECTION TO PCS – Laura is a PCS alumna and has deep family roots at the school. She has two children who attend PCS in elementary and secondary school and one who graduated from PCS. Laura began teaching at PCS in 2007, teaching Kindergarten and Grades 5-7 throughout the years and more recently, Laura joined the elementary administration team in 2017.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Education – University of Victoria
Master of Education – University of Victoria

SECONDARY PRINCIPAL

ROLE AT PCS – As secondary principal, Lorna supports educational staff to carry out the mission of PCS. This includes providing oversight of school programs, selecting and equipping staff for their assignments, fostering a safe and supportive school ethos, and working collaboratively with staff, students, and families to address the specific needs and questions that arise in our daily life as a community of faith and learning.

CONNECTION TO PCS – Lorna came to PCS as a new teacher in 1997. As she came to love and appreciate the PCS community and the unique opportunities and challenges of independent Christian schooling, her 5-year plan morphed to a decades-long service. She began to serve as a vice principal at the high school in 2004, and then as principal beginning in 2017.

EDUCATION –
Bachelor of Science (Honours – Physical Science), University of Guelph
Post-Degree Professional Program, University of Victoria
Master of Arts (Leadership), Trinity Western University
Leadership Victoria – Community Leadership Program

SECONDARY VICE-PRINCIPAL

ROLE AT PCS – Gabe is responsible for supporting the leadership team in all aspects of leading and managing the high school, and facilitating the day-to-day requirements of the school.

CONNECTION TO PCS – Gabe has been involved at PCS since 2003 in a variety of capacities, starting as a Teacher on Call, teaching a variety of humanities and physical-education-related courses at the high school, serving as middle school PE teacher and Athletic Director, and most recently (2019) working as part of the leadership team.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Education – University of Victoria
Master of Education – University of Victoria

DIRECTOR OF FORMATION AND LEARNING

ROLE AT PCS – I have the privilege of supporting educators at PCS as they fulfil the Guiding Education Principals: transformative learning, rooted in belonging, connecting work to the broader community, and supporting learning that is service-oriented. I also will work with the Crew and Connect groups, and PCS chapels.

CONNECTION TO PCS – After serving several roles at Hamilton District Christian High: Dean of Students, Vice-Principal, and Teacher, Owen is excited to bring his experience to PCS in the fall of 2022.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Education (Physical Education and Mathematics) – University of Victoria
Master of Education (Organizational Studies) – Brock University
Doctor of Philosophy (Educational Leadership and Policy) – Brock University

PCS Board of Directors

The board of the Victoria Christian Education Society (which operates as Pacific Christian School) consists of 7 to 10 persons elected by the Society. It in turn elects officers who serve as chair, vice chair, treasurer, secretary and various other standing committee functions.

The board acts as the guardian of the vision and mission of the school society. Through the Superintendent they ensure the school’s day to day plans and activities fulfill the school’s mission and vision. Each board member serves a term of office for three years, and may be reelected for one additional subsequent term. The school board’s duties include:

Determining the long term strategic direction and priorities of the school
Overseeing school policies
Appointing and supervising the Superintendent
Ensuring the short term and long term financial sustainability of the school
Advancing the cause of Christian education

The school board’s duties do not include day-to-day operations of the school. These needs are better addressed by contacting the student’s teacher or principal directly.

Our Governance Committee (a standing committee of the board) is charged with finding suitable candidates to fill vacancies on the board as they arise. They seek out committed Christians with specific gifts and abilities to maintain a diverse group of leaders who work together to guard the mission and vision of Pacific Christian School, and who at all times have the best interests of the school community in mind.

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Looking to email PCS board? Please use board @PacificChristian.ca

Matthew VanHeystApril GroutJeffrey CandellChelsea ChalifourJames DeGreefBusola FagbebeRebecca HillGregory KuhnLindsey MannJoshua Steeper

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

OCCUPATION – Matthew manages a local IT Services company that supports private and public sector customers across BC.

CONNECTION TO PCS – Matthew is the father of two PCS students, grades 7 and 11. He served on the Education Committee for 7 years prior to joining the Board and also served as chair of the Campus Renewal Committee for 3 years.

VICE-CHAIR

OCCUPATION – This year April celebrates 26 years in the real estate industry!

CONNECTION TO PCS – April is a PCS mom, Vice-Chair of the Board and Chair of the Governance Committee. She brings a personalized approach to not only real estate but everything she does, and is thrilled to be serving on the board as Vice-Chair.

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

OCCUPATION – Jeff serves as a Pastor at Lighthouse Church.

CONNECTION TO PCS – Jeff is the father of 4 graduated PCS students and serves on the PCS Governance Committee.

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR

OCCUPATION – Chelsea works as an Executive Director of Governance and Analytics at the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

CONNECTION TO PCS – Chelsea has two children at PCS and is a former PCS student

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

OCCUPATION – James is a business and technology entrepreneur. who specializes in putting teams together with the resources they need to be successful.

CONNECTION TO PCS – James is a PCS alumni and parent.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

OCCUPATION – Busola is a Certified Professional Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor. She works with MNP LLP, a consulting and accounting firm, as a Manager, Enterprise Risk Services.

CONNECTION to PCS – Busola has three children at PCS.

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR

OCCUPATION – Rebecca works as a Dental Hygienist.

CONNECTION TO PCS – Rebecca has two children attending PCS.

FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR

OCCUPATION – After retiring from a 22-year career in the Royal Canadian Navy, Greg currently works as a Development Officer in Legacy Giving at the University of Victoria

CONNECTION TO PCS – Greg is the father of two grade 10 PCS students.

CAMPUS RENEWAL COMMITTEE

OCCUPATION – Lindsey has a background in accounting and real estate.

CONNECTION TO PCS – Lindsey has two children who attend PCS.

CAMPUS RENEWAL COMMITTEE CHAIR

OCCUPATION – Joshua is a lawyer and a partner at Steeper and Associates.

CONNECTION TO PCS – Joshua is the father of two PCS students.