Meet the Staff
OCT-Ontario College of Teachers
CSTC-Christian School Teacher Certificate
Nicole VanHuizen, OCT, CSTC
Principal Nicole has been a teacher at DCS since 2015, a parent of children who attended and graduated from DCS, an Education Committee member, Board member, and has now taken on the role of Principal (2016). Nicole completed her Bachelor's degree at Trinity Western University in Langley, B.C. and her teaching degree at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, B.C. She taught grade 6 in Abbotsford and then stayed at home to raise four amazing children. After moving to Ontario, Nicole received her Foundation of Biblical Counselling certificate through the Christian Counselling Education Foundation (CCEF) and became the Worship and Life Group coordinator at her church in Fenwick. She is very thankful to have the opportunity to share her passion for Christ-centered education in her present role at DCS. Mission Statement: As a teacher, my goal is to guide the students that God has chosen for me and create a safe and open learning environment that enables and encourages them to learn what it means to worship God. As we grow together through discovering God and His world, students will be given opportunities to respond in their own unique and gifted ways. May we bring God glory as we learn to walk in obedience to Jesus Christ. |
Marjorie Hoekstra
Administrative Assistant Marjorie is the first face you see when you walk through the doors of DCS, and is the voice you hear when you call the school. Marjorie can often be found in her office or on foot, making her way through the halls as she proficiently completes her daily tasks. She has a passionate heart for DCS and is often found helping others in the true spirit of Christian education. Marjorie is DCS alumni, first attending the school as a student in 1974. From 1986-1989, she and her husband Ed were the school caretakers. In 1989, the first of their five children was enrolled at DCS, and they have all since graduated. Marjorie continues to be actively involved in life at DCS while also enjoying quality time with her ever-growing family. Mission Statement: My mission is that I may be an instrument for God in helping parents, families and students feel welcome here at Dunnville Christian School. It is my hope that they know that they are an important and integral part of the mosaic of the DCS family. |
Shelley Bos
Office Assistant Shelley is no stranger to DCS, being a DCS alumni. She graduated from Niagara College with a degree in general Office Administration. She is also a parent at the school, and she feels blessed to be able to work where her children are. As a parent, she feels the atmosphere at DCS is so positive and welcoming, and that working here, it is also encouraging and exciting! Mission Statement: My mission here at Dunnville Christian School is to assist everyone from the students to the staff to the parents, with a cheerful spirit, a willing attitude, and to the best of my ability. I pray that I may represent the rest of the school well with Christ’s love and service. |
Laura DeHaan, OCT, CSTC
Junior Kindergarten Laura is once again teaching here at DCS, this time as a JK teacher. Laura and her husband Kevin have 3 children, of which two have already graduated from DCS. Mission Statement: 1. We will strive to use this space purposefully and with care for God's creation. 2. We will always attempt to learn with joy and wonder. 3. Through self-reflection, we will continuously work to grow through both strength and struggles. |
Carol Mellema, OCT, CSTC
Senior Kindergarten Carol began her involvement at DCS as a supply teacher aide, then as a teacher for both Junior and Senior Kindergarten, and now only SK. Carol received her teaching degree from Calvin College. After graduation from Calvin, she taught grades 1&2 at Providence Christian School in Monarch, Alberta, home to the oldest Christian Reformed church in Canada. Mission Statement: My mission is to help students grow and learn more about the world God has created. I will strive to encourage and motivate these young students to learn more about their Creator and His love for them, each and every day. |
Terrie Anne Gilpin, OCT, CSTC
Grade 1 Terrie Anne is currently Dunnville Christian School's grade 1 teacher. She also teaches intermediate French, leads Student Council, and is actively involved in music, particularly organizing the music and acting for our annual Christmas programs. Born and raised in Dunnville, Terrie Anne is a graduate of DCS, which makes this school and the students even more special to her. Mission Statement: My mission is to provide a warm and loving environment where students feel comfortable to learn, are not embarrassed to ask questions and are able to gain confidence in their abilities. I want each student to know that they are an important and special part of the classroom. I hope to help each student recognize and further develop their God-given talents, using them to witness for others and help where possible. |
Emily Voth
Grade 2B Mission Statement: It is my mission to create a comfortable classroom community where students are encouraged to learn, grow, express themselves, and feel safe making mistakes and solving problems. I want students to know that they are loved, by each other and by Christ. I hope to encourage students to become wise individuals that understand God’s presence in the world around them and to recognize Christ in themselves and others through their words and actions. |
Peggy Denee, OCT
Grade 2A Peggy is honoured to join the DCS team as the grade 2A teacher. For the past 10 years, she has worked for the District School Board of Niagara as an Educational Assistant in several schools across the region. During this time, Peggy returned to school and received a Master of Science in Education at Niagara University. She looks forward to getting involved with the DCS community in the coming weeks and months. Mission Statement: Our children are young for only a short time, and that precious time that we spend with them as the grow is so very important. It is my mission to instill a tangible love the learning in every student. As they discover God's creation, I want them to feel the excitement that God feels. As they learn about God, I want them to feel the love that He has for them, and the potential that they have through him. "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might...". (Ecclesiastes 9:10). It is my desire that students reach for the stars always! (Mrs. Kimberly Rowaan, OCT is on Maternity Leave) |
Erin Taylor , OCT
Grade 3 Erin has the honour of teaching Grade 3 this year, on a part-time basis. Since graduating from Redeemer University College, Erin has had various teaching opportunities, including teaching in Pikangikum, Ontario (a fly-in First Nation reserve) for three years. She is grateful that the LORD has provided a place for her here at DCS. This year, Erin is the coach for the Senior Battle of the Books team. She will also be working with students leading PALS and is looking forward to skipping club in the winter. Mission Statement: It is my mission to welcome students into a safe, warm, and comfortable learning space. I desire to see students grow in the knowledge and love of the Lord Jesus. I hope for students to understand that their life has meaning and purpose, that they can make a difference in the community around them for God’s glory. It is my joy to encourage children in their learning, to see growth, and to help my students share their gifts with the world. |
Margaret Kamping, OCT, CSTC
Grade 3, Student Support Services Margaret, a graduate of Dunnville Christian School, teaches grades 3 part time and also acts as the school's Resource teacher, both of which contribute to her very active involvement in life at DCS. Margaret is co-Vice Principal, Curriculum Coordinator, and a coach for the Senior Battle of the Books team. She has been teaching at Christian schools for over 20 years, and sees teaching as an exciting career where each day is a new adventure. She believes children are vibrant and energetic gifts from God and feels it is a privilege to work with them! Mission Statement: It is my mission to create a loving environment in which students know that they have been fearfully and wonderfully made by God. God loves them very much and has blessed them with many different abilities. The Resource Room is a safe place to develop and nurture these abilities in service to God and each other. |
Bernice Wierenga
Grade 4/5 Deep Hope: My deep hope for my students is that they will know they are wonderfully and fearfully made in God’s image. It is my deep hope that they will grow and develop God-like characteristics and for them to ignite your curiosity about God’s world by following in His footsteps. |
Peter Mellema, OCT, CSTC
Grade 5/6 Pete began his teaching career at Dunnville Christian School in 2001. He is co-Vice Principal, computer IT and audio/visual expert, and he coaches several of our sports teams. Pete received his teacher training as well as his undergraduate education through Calvin College. Prior to teaching at DCS, Pete and his wife/colleague Carol lived in Lethbridge, Alberta, where he taught at Taber Christian School. Mission Statement: My mission is to provide a warm and loving environment where students feel comfortable to learn, are not embarrassed to ask questions and are able to gain confidence in their abilities. I want each student to know that they are an important and special part of the classroom. I hope to help each student recognize and further develop their God-given talents, using them to witness for others and help where possible. |
Hannah VanderWier, OCT, CSTC
Grade 7/8 Hannah teaches the grade 7/8 students on a full time basis. She coaches various sports teams and enjoys teaching science. Hannah graduated from Dordt College with a Bachelor of Education degree and then taught overseas in Nicaragua for two years. After returning to Canada, Hannah taught for two more years until the arrival of her first child. Hannah and her husband Nathaniel have enrolled their four children here at DCS, and their oldest child graduated in 2017. Hannah finds teaching at DCS is amazing - she acknowledges that God is at work in this school and is excited to be a part of it! Mission Statement: Imagine a world where everything is gray and drab. It is my mission to bring colour and meaning through every subject I teach. Each student is unique and special. I want to help students recognize who they are in Christ, and to find direction for the future. |
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Mary Ann Hummel
Educational Assistant Mary Ann has joined DCS as an employee in the capacity of EA in the fall of 2021. Mary Ann and her husband have three children who are all enrolled at DCS. Mission Statement: My Mission is to provide a warm environment for students with exceptionalities. To give them the love and support they need throughout the day so that they know they were made unique in the image of God. I want every student to feel like they belong within their classroom and belong in Dunnville Christian School. I want to help them succeed both socially and intellectually. |
Julie Wierenga
Educational Assistant Julie, also a DCS alumni, has the privilege of working full time as the Educational Assistant in the Kindergarten classrooms at Dunnville Christian School. Her first year of post-secondary education was at Redeemer University-College, and she then went on to enroll at Niagara College where she received her Educational Assistant diploma. Julie loves working with students and helping them learn about God and His creation. She also enjoys that she has the opportunity to work alongside some of the staff that taught her when she was a student, and feels so blessed to be a part of the DCS community. Mission Statement: My mission is to help students learn about God and His awesome creation, and for them to know that they never stop learning. The students learn from experiences and through each other in and outside the classroom. It is my mission to help students realize the unique abilities God has given them and be a positive impact to the people around them. |
Lorraine Lunshof
Educational Assistant Lorraine has joined DCS as of the fall of 2018. As our school classrooms are increasing in size, more help is needed in the classroom. Lorraine has been involved as a parent at DCS for a number of years, and we welcome her in her new role. |
Michelle Ludwig
Educational Assistant Michelle joined the DCS staff in September of 2022. We enjoy getting to know her as she supports various teachers in the classroom as an EA. |
Anne Thiessen
Educational Assistant Anne joined the DCS staff in September of 2022. We enjoy getting to know her as she supports various teachers in the classroom as an EA. |
Bus Drivers
DCS is grateful to our bus drivers who worked diligently in transporting children daily to and from school. Currently, we are short drivers. If this would interest you to be part of the DCS team of bus drivers, please contact the school at: principal@dunnvillechristianschool.ca. |
Jeannette Horinga
Bookkeeper & Acting Treasurer Jeannette has been the Dunnville Christian School Treasurer since 1996 and the Bookkeeper since 2006. She and her husband Sid have three sons, all of whom are graduates of DCS and Smithville Christian High School. Jeannette is a graduate of DCS herself and feels very blessed that their children were able to attend this school as well. |
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