Physical Education Teacher

Rob has worked as a physical education teacher in Wales, Hong Kong and most recently here in Canada helping students live healthy lives through engaging physical education programs. Rob volunteers as part of the Cowichan Valley Search and Rescue response.

English Head of Department, ELL Head of Department, MYP & DP English Language & Literature Teacher

Julie Shen is a committed believer in the IB who has taught in the PYP, MYP, and DP. She is a firm believer that resilience and social and emotional well-being are integral to academic success. She is also a school reviewer who has had the privilege of reviewing international IB schools for breadth and depth of learning.

Music Teacher

Tristan is a passionate music educator having taught children in both public and independent schools as well as giving leadership to music programs as part of the Canada Cadet’s program where he is a part time reserve officer. Tristan has performed as a musician with various choirs and as a freelance trumpeter with other musical productions.

Art and Design Teacher

Originally from Nova Scotia (Canada), Martha has lived in Switzerland, Australia and South Africa before moving to Vancouver Island. She’s worked as a sculpture technician, as an artist herself and of course as a teacher helping students find both their joy and talent in a broad range of artistic mediums.

Director, Office of Teaching and Learning (Senior School), IB Diploma Coordinator

Growing up as an international student in the Middle East, Kristine has now worked as an educator in Southeast Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe as well as Canada (Ontario) and has significant experience with the IB Middle Years and Diploma Program in different school contexts.

Elementary Teacher, Environmental Education Coordinator

Joshua grew up in Alberta (Canada) and has had the joy of supporting student learning as an elementary school teacher, a Physical Education teacher and as a Vice Principal. He is excited to be a part of a small school community and to help develop an innovative and engaging elementary program.

Science Teacher

Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, Julia has worked in a chemical lab, owned an artisan chocolate company and spent a year travelling around the world before settling on Vancouver Island where she is excited about inspiring students to be global citizens and contribute meaningfully to the world.

French Teacher

Sandrine has worked as a French teacher for almost two decades and has taught students from all corners of the world. She’s a versatile educator who has taught in IB Schools and extended her learning with the MYP Category 2 workshop. She loves living on Vancouver Island and believes it to be the best place on earth to live and teach.

Visual Art and English Teacher

Beth is a passionate art educator having worked in both public and private schools for the past 12 years around Vancouver Island, which have included the IB programs: MYP and DP Visual Art, as well as DP Dance. As a Librarian, Beth aims to create a peaceful, functional learning environment where she can facilitate students’ research and grow their love of reading for study as well as recreation.

Math/Science Teacher

Amy is an enthusiastic teacher who has taught mathematics and science at both the high school and middle school level. Amy spent the first part of her career working in the Ontario public system and the later years working at the International School of Brussels. She enjoys travelling, running and gardening.

Individuals and Societies Teacher

As an English language specialist, Jeff began his career in Japan where in his final two years he worked as a teacher-trainer, instructing new teachers on ESL methodologies and curriculum planning. Jeff is also committed to the development of a Rotary Interact Club so youth can participate in the Rotary movement and gain valuable leadership experience in the Cowichan Valley.

Math Teacher

Eric started out as a Biomedical Engineer in the Lower Mainland and was helping kids in his neighbourhood with their school work. It didn’t take long for him to realize his true passion was helping students learn and grow. Prior to coming to St. John’s Academy he taught Grade 8 through advanced Calculus at Shawnigan Lake School.

MYP/DP Science Teacher

Michael Broadhead was born and raised on a grain farm in Alberta. He has spent the last 10 years teaching MYP Science, DP Chemistry, and DP Environmental Systems and Societies in the IB program. In his free time, Michael enjoys hiking, running and volunteering for animal charities.

Individuals & Societies Teacher

Over the last decade or so Dan has taught in Australia, South Korea, Egypt, Trinidad & Tobago, Ontario (Canada) and of course now in beautiful British Columbia. He cares deeply about seeing students thrive and seeks to model the characteristics of an IB learner in his own practice.

French Language Aquisition Teacher

Ariana has taught in Ontario for Simcoe County for 19 years, supporting programs in English, Art, Special Education and French. She taught English in Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan and helped with the opening of an experience based English learning center. Ariana is a mama of a very busy five-year-old and two sophisti-cat-ed Siamese. Her partner is a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forced, Navy.

Guidance Counselor