Delta Christian School

[Donor Tree](https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/6240/donation)Donor financial support contributes to the school’s ongoing growth and development. Support for Delta Christian School and its vision will help ensure that the tradition of providing affordable Christian education continues for generations to come. Donations are collected through [CanadaHelps.org](https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/6240/donation).    Please join us in prayer and in giving for Delta Christian School.

SCSBC: For the Love of Your Child (Video)

[Principal's Welcome](https://www.deltachristianschool.org/principals-message-2/)Dear Parents and Guardians,   Thank you for inquiring about Delta Christian School. We believe you are in the process of making one of the most important decisions in the life of your child. Delta Christian School is a wonderful community for student learning. Since the school started over six decades ago, our mission continues to be “Equipping children for life through Christ-centered curriculum that promotes intellectual, social, physical and spiritual excellence for the purpose of training our children to serve God and to become faithful stewards of His world.”   Delta Christian School upholds the role of parents as the primary educators in your child’s life. By virtue of you choosing Delta Christian School, we serve as an extension of your home and values. While your child is attending Delta Christian School, a distinct partnership is formed between home and school.   Our purpose as a school is to educate the whole child in the context of community. We strive to acknowledge the unique individual your child is created to be and provide a safe environment for your child to flourish. With so much uncertainty in the world today, our teachers create a caring environment to equip your child to be 21st century learners, while grounding them in Truth, especially in the knowledge that they are loved by their Maker.   As you embark on this educational journey with your child, we pray for God’s grace, wisdom and strength through these formative years. Please don’t hesitate to contact a school representative or me throughout the admissions application process.   In His service, Mr. Bryan Young | Principal[ ](https://www.deltachristianschool.org/principals-message-2/)

[Our Staff](https://www.deltachristianschool.org/school/staff/)

Grade 1 Classroom

Grade 1 Classroom

Grade 2 Classroom

Primary Classroom

Grade 3 Classroom

French & Art Room

Grade 6 Classroom

[Admissions and Tuition](https://www.deltachristianschool.org/admissions/tuition/)Please follow this link for information on admissions and the latest tuition schedule.  

[Admissions Process](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdK13aHLtA8tTZUcMmYjbzKdMp7aSnHTzQ0JXJ0NFxtIxaCYg/viewform?gxids=7628)Please follow this link to complete the Delta Christian Parent Inquiry Form. 

Testimonials

Delta Christian has been a tremendous blessing and benefit to our family. We chose Delta Christian School because it is a Christ-centered school with a caring Staff that educates and prepares its students spiritually, academically and physically in a safe environment. – WAYNE & LEAH BUTNER, LADNER BAPTIST CHURCH   We like DCS for many reasons: the first being that the school is committed to Christ-centered education. This is evidenced by a highly committed Christian staff. DCS has a staff that genuinely cares about our children and their walk with the Lord. They find many creative ways to introduce the children to God’s word and his plan of salvation. We are very impressed not only with the academic program but athletics, music and other fine arts. We are also happy that DCS is a parent-run school. Parents are encouraged to be involved and for us, that is very special as we love to share our child’s education. We always feel welcome at DCS. Lastly, we enjoy sending our son to a school that is not only a part of our neighbourhood but is a part of the community. There is a great sense of belonging. – PETER AND LISA SOMERVILLE, ST. JOHN’S CHURCH SHAUGHNESSY   We have been a part of the community of Delta Christian School now for eight years. From the start, we felt welcomed by the teachers and other parents. I feel confident in the quality of education our children receive, but what touches me most is the expanded positive influence in their spiritual growth. Each year as I observe what Delta Christian is doing for our children, I want to give back. It is the children of the whole school community, who inspire us to volunteer our time, donate our money and offer support in whatever way we can. All of these children are our future. – WALT AND WENDY LAWRENCE, CEDAR PARK MENNONITE[ ](https://www.deltachristianschool.org/community/testimonials/)

Kindergarten Classroom

Kindergarten Classroom

Grade 2 Classroom

Grade 5 Classroom

Grade 4 Classroom

Grade 7 Classroom

Mrs. Vannatter, Kindergarten Teacher

I was born in a small village in the Democratic Republic of Congo and spent many years there while my parents worked as missionaries who trained local pastors. I graduated from the American school after many years of moving back and forth to Canada. I am married to an entrepreneur and have two wonderful girls.I have a B.ED and B.S from the University of Saskatchewan. I spent time teaching in rural Saskatchewan, as well as subbing in West Vancouver and Vancouver before coming to Delta Christian School. I have had the privilege of teaching here since 1994 and witnessed a move from the ‘old school’ to our new school.I feel it is very important to make each child who enters my classroom feel they are special in God’s eyes and mine and that they have a purpose in creating our special community. Each student is encouraged to explore his/her strengths and work on areas of growth in a safe environment.

Mrs. Wells, Kindergarten Teacher

I have lived in the Lower Mainland my entire life and I graduated from Matthew McNair Senior Secondary School in Richmond. I went to a year of Bible School at Capernwray Harbour Bible Centre and then went to UBC and SFU to get my BSc and teaching certificate. I taught secondary school for five years before becoming a stay-at-home mom.   I have lived in Ladner for most of my adult life as my husband and I found it was such a great community to raise our family in. My two younger children came over to DCS to complete elementary school in 2009. I have been part of the community ever since, as a parent volunteer, then as a library staff member, office administrative assistant, and now as a teacher! I have always enjoyed being part of this community.   I really enjoy helping people which is why I work in a school setting. I feel called to do this by God and I find it very rewarding to help kids become independent and thoughtful citizens.

Mrs. Burgoyne, ESS Coordinator

I have been committed to DCS since 2001 as a parent, a volunteer, and currently as a teacher. I have 30+ years of experience teaching math, reading, and writing skills to diverse learners of all ages. Intermediate and junior high Math is my favourite teaching area. At DCS, I enjoy working directly with students individually and in small groups, supporting and collaborating with the classroom teachers and educational aides, and meeting parents. On the home front, my husband and I are empty-nesters, and we enjoy spending time with our labrador dog and travelling. We are long-time Ladner residents and have served in various leadership roles in our home church.I hold the following personal statement and verses in my overall teaching philosophy: Every student is a unique individual, with different strengths and weaknesses, requiring individual attention. From Romans 12:4-6 “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”

Mrs. Morrell / Mrs. Fourie, Grade 1 Teacher

Mrs. Kruger, Grade 1 Teacher

I grew up in North Vancouver, BC where I attended Boundary Elementary School. I graduated from Mulgrave School in West Vancouver with an IB diploma. In 2011 I completed the Counselor in Training Program at Camp Qwanoes, which is where I met my husband, Dylan. During my time at UBC, I lived in Vancouver and attended Dunbar Heights Baptist Church, where I enjoyed singing on the worship team. My husband and I now live in Ladner and are members at South Delta Baptist Church.   I earned my Bachelor of Education and my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of British Columbia. I have also spent a number of summers working as a Senior Counselor at Camp Qwanoes on Vancouver Island. My time working at Qwanoes helped me to discover my love of teaching and mentorship, and instilled in me a passion for Camp Ministry.   For me, the purpose of Christian Education is to prepare children for life in Christ. It is acknowledging the sovereignty and lordship of God over all things and creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can grow in their faith and personal relationship with Christ. At the core of my teaching philosophy and practice, I want to foster a positive classroom environment that has a strong emphasis on the major tenets of social-emotional learning (SEL), that being self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Most importantly I hope to model, encourage, and develop empathy in my students. The Bible calls us to love one another as Christ has loved us (John 15:12). Furthermore, it says to “be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). In my teaching practice, I intentionally choose resources and activities designed to spark genuine empathy and perspective-taking. I believe that specific attention to this ultimately benefits the whole child and their relationships and that this is something God intended. Promoting an SEL classroom is ultimately about creating environments for learning that are safe and supportive.

Mr. Wylie, Music & Band Teacher

I grew up in Maple Ridge, B.C. At the age of twelve, I started playing in the worship band at Maple Ridge Community Church where my family attended. I have always found that music has been a large part of my life even at a young age and it has continued to this day. My wife and I moved to South Delta with our two children in 2011 and we have enjoyed the community that we have become a part of. Since moving here we have been attending Tsawwassen Alliance Church where I currently serve in the worship band. After graduating high school from the Mennonite Educational Institute in Abbotsford I attended Capilano University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Jazz Studies with a major in Drum Set Performance. After more than a decade of working as a professional musician, I enrolled at UBC in the Bachelor of Education program where I completed my studies and entered into the profession of teaching. I believe that music is a gift that can be shared with the community around us. Learning musical skills early in life can develop into a form of personal expression that can become a creative outlet and a vehicle for lifelong learning.

Miss Nelson, Grade 2 Teacher

I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, where my parents continue to work as missionaries. I was blessed to attend a Christian international school nearby our home and I graduated high school there. After graduating, I studied at Trinity Western University, living on campus and leading several discipleship and ministry groups there. Currently, I live in Richmond, B.C., although I often fly back to Japan during summers and Christmas breaks with my sister who also lives in Canada. In my spare time, I enjoy making music, playing the flute, piano, guitar, and ukelele (to name a few instruments!). I am currently in the flute ensemble Fluterrific, a community music group based in North Delta.I earned my Bachelor of Education at Trinity Western, where I also minored in Music and Special Education. After graduating I worked in the Langley School District as a Teacher on Call for a couple months. During that time I also substitute taught classes from K-7 including music and French at Delta Christian School. It has been a privilege to get to know the students at DCS and I am excited to be entering my third year of teaching primary here.    Even at a young age, I realized what a privilege it was to grow up in the Christian school system. I enjoyed being able to participate in chapel, play worship music, and learn about God and His Word not just in Bible class, but through the guidance of all my teachers. I have always been passionate about the Christian school system and desired to work at a Christian school. My hope is that the students I teach and interact with will not only learn the content of the curriculum, but will strive after God and walk in His will for them. I hope that they will take what they have learned and go out as ambassadors, impacting the world for Christ.

Ms.Salomé du Toit, Grade 2 Teacher

I was born in Gauteng province in South Africa. I lived most of my life in Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world!I attended local schools and enjoyed my school career very much. After school, I studied Education at Stellenbosch University, an establishment situated in the beautiful Cape Winelands. My first teaching job was in the Transkei, a rural area with a wide variety of cultures. I moved to the Eastern Cape briefly and then went back to Cape Town, where I taught at a small Christian community school for 22 years.   My daughter and I made the decision to move to Canada primarily for safety reasons. We were also ready to explore the “wanderlust” that had been in the back of our minds for a few years! Moving was a leap of faith for us, and I thank the Lord every day for this blessing.   My aim in life is to find beauty in everything around me and to experience joy daily; to be mindful and grateful for the many blessings in my life. And to laugh out loud at least once a day! The Bible verse that keeps me grounded is Isaiah 43:1: “Do not be afraid, I will save you. I have called you by name. You are Mine.”   I hope to instill in students how important they are to Jesus and that He is the only One who determines our worth. I want to encourage them to dream big!

Mrs. Tegelberg, Grade 3 Teacher

I grew up in South Burnaby until the age of eighteen. My family then moved to picturesque Ladner. We then began attending church at South Delta Baptist, where I was baptized, and still attend today. Currently, my husband, Rob and I live in Tsawwassen where we keep busy with our sons Will and Charlie. Rob and I met when he taught seventh grade at Delta Christian. As a family, we feel blessed to be part of such a vibrant, beautiful community.I graduated from Simon Fraser University with both a B.Ed and a BA in English and History. I then received my BC Teaching Certificate upon completion of SFU’s Professional Development Program and was blessed to receive a teaching position at Delta Christian School seven months later. I realized the value of Christian education during my practicum in a public school where there were moments when I wanted to share with a child about my faith or pray for a situation with them. I was also simultaneously teaching four and five year olds in Sunday School at Ladner Christian Fellowship and loved sharing Bible stories with students and helping them apply God’s word to their young lives. When the opportunity to teach at Delta Christian School arose, I knew this was the plan that God had for my career.I have been teaching at Delta Christian School for eight years and love the wonderful feeling of community and family that has been created. I feel blessed to work alongside many amazing individuals and enjoy getting involved in different areas of school life. One of my favourite activities is helping with set design for school musicals and productions. I am also enjoying being the teacher representative for the P.A.C committee and contributing to initiatives to improve school life.I believe that my role as a Christian School teacher is to live out my faith in my classroom and help each child to discover and develop their talents, abilities and spiritual gifts. I love teaching primary grades as they are foundational grades and their energy and joy for life are contagious. My love for literature and desire to see young readers devour books is a passion I endeavour to bring into the classroom. I believe children thrive when teachers bring themes alive and surrounding my students with many multi-sensory experiences to engage their young minds is one of my goals. Watching them discover God’s world and making them aware of His creation, in particular through Science and Art, helps to bring enthusiasm, creativity and a Christ-centred environment into the classroom. In essence, my philosophy is that the word of God must be central to what is taught. Children receiving access to His word daily and enabled by the Holy Spirit will appropriate Biblical truth to their life. I believe that my job, alongside the Holy Spirit, is to help students grow spiritually, mature and be conformed to the image of Christ.

School Office

Library Learning Commons

Band & Music Room

Grade 2 Classroom

Grade 3 Classroom

Mr. Hayward, Grade 5 Teacher

I was born in Montreal, Quebec and my family moved to the Tri-cities when I was three where I spent my elementary, secondary and post-secondary years. I am married to the love of my life, Darlene. We have a son named Nolan who makes us laugh at least once every day and is starting kindergarten this year! Darlene, Nolan, and I attend New Westminster Christian Reformed Church in Burnaby where I am involved in the music ministry as a vocalist and just started a 3-year stint as an elder in our church. We live in beautiful Surrey, BC.I graduated from SFU in 2001 with a BA, majoring in English and minoring in Humanities. I went on to complete my BEd degree at UBC. I then worked in the transportation sector as an owner/operator with a major courier company before rejoining the teaching profession in 2018. During this hiatus from teaching, I devoted my spare time to writing and directing independent films with a friend of mine. I was able to bring this love and passion for writing, theatre, and film to the stage by helping out with a number of DCS theatre productions. I am starting my 3rd year at DCS as a teacher and am excited to see what God has in store professionally for me this year.I believe that teaching the power of Jesus Christ, the purifying and edifying nature of the Holy Spirit and the authority of the Holy Scripture is an integral part of a fulfilling Christian education and it is my goal to present these realities to all my students as I facilitate a love of life-long learning.

Mrs. Bandstra, Grade 6 Teacher

I grew up in Terrace BC where I attended a small Christian school during my elementary years and then went on to the local public high school. Currently, I live in Ladner, BC with my husband and two of our three children. We have lived in this community for twenty-six years and have been active members of the Ladner Christian Reformed Church since moving here. Two of our children are in university while our oldest child has completed his Linguistics Masters at the University of Toronto and is starting his career. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, reading, running, and skiing with my family.After high school graduation, I spent two years at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, focussing on fine arts. When I moved back to BC, I attended Simon Fraser University, earning a B. ED with a triple minor in history, English and learning disabilities as well as completing SFU’s professional development program. My first teaching job was at Richmond Christian Elementary School where I taught for seven years teaching grades 4 through 8. After taking a break from teaching to take care of our children, I did some tutoring, guest teaching and taught a drama course at an Alternative Secondary School In New Westminster. I began teaching at Delta Christian School in 2000 and have taught here ever since, first as a half-time teacher and later as a full-time teacher, as well as serving as curriculum coordinator for several years. This year I will be taking on some curricular work in the area of Language Arts.When I decided to go into teaching it was always with the intent that I teach in a Christian school. I feel blessed to be able to teach in a school where I can help students see that God is in everything and that he is not only the creator of all things but the sustainer of creation as well. I believe that teaching in a school must involve the whole child which includes the spiritual side. God has gifted each one of his children so uniquely and it is our awesome and amazing task as Christian teachers to walk alongside them, helping them discover and develop these gifts. This way they will see their place in God’s story and will be equipped both now and in the future to serve both in the Christian community as well as in the global community.

Mrs. Kluska, Grade 7 Teacher, Vice-Principal

I grew up in Richmond, B.C. where I attended R.M. Grauer Elementary for most of my elementary school years. I attended J.N. Burnett Junior High school through grade 10 and went on to graduate from Richmond Senior Secondary High School. After graduating, I went to Edmonton Alberta where I completed a two-year program at North American Bible College. I am married to Tom Kluska and have one son, Darius. Presently, Tom, Darius and I are seeking out a church in Ladner to attend regularly. The highlights in my life are spending time with my family, visiting Sechelt and fishing.   I graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor in General Studies. While working on completing my teacher’s certificate, I began my time at DCS as a teacher’s assistant. After finishing my teacher qualifications, I came back to DCS to work part-time as a grade 3 teacher and as an aid. 20+ years later, I have taught every grade from grade 3-8.   The one thing that I would want students to take with them, should they forget everything else, is the desire to be a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ. I can help them develop and grow in their understanding of a great and loving God by instilling in them, through example and in my teachings, the Truth.

Mr. MacLennan, Grade 4 Teacher

I was born in Guelph, spent most of my young life in Muskoka, and did my university in North Bay, all of which are in Ontario. After graduating from university, I moved to Korea where I taught English for 3 years, became a Christian and was baptized. When I returned to Canada, I moved to BC and started attending Tenth Alliance Church. While at Tenth, I’ve taken part in various ministries and small groups. I have been married to my lovely wife, Tracy, for 3 years. In our spare time, we enjoy hiking, spending time with our dog, Harry, and playing music.I have been teaching for the last nine years. After leaving Korea, I started teaching at ILAC (International Language Academy of Canada) where I have taught English as a second language and university prep for the last six years.I believe God can be at the centre of everything we do. We can teach, or do math, or play at recess to the glory of God. As a Christian educator, I view it as my duty to help show students how they can incorporate God into their daily activities. This can be through reminders that our best actions are the ones we do for other people, or by showing students how the world is full of blessings that we should be thankful for, or by explaining how God helps us in what we do. It’s for these reasons I hold three verses close to my heart when I teach:“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” Col 3:23“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor 10:31“Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Ps 127:1

Mrs. Belsham, Librarian

I spent the first half of my childhood growing up in a village near Smithers, BC in the Interior, before moving to Nanaimo where I graduated high school. I moved to Ladner in 1997 and now live here with my husband and our two children.   I’ve had a lot of different careers before settling on being a librarian including being a surveyor, airline employee, business analyst, parenting blogger, and I ran my own company designing websites for small companies. However, everything fell into place career-wise when I decided to attend Langara College where I received my Library & Information Technology Diploma.   Prior to coming to Delta Christian School, I worked at White Rock Christian Academy. I’m excited to work with the students of Delta Christian in the library, teaching them library and reference skills, in an environment that allows for growth and exploration of their Christian values.

Lisa Somerville, French Teacher

I spent most of my childhood in Australia and New Zealand. My family moved to Canada in my Grade 5 year. At that time, Ladner became home. In my high school years, on my way to classes, I recall walking past a little school called Ladner Christian School. What was a Christian school, I would often wonder. During those years, I came to faith in Jesus and little did I know that many years later, I would become a teacher at the now Delta Christian School. After graduation from Delta Secondary, I travelled, worked and then returned to school. I graduated from the University of Ottawa with majors in French and English Literature. While in Ottawa, I married my husband Peter who brought me back to the Lower Mainland upon his RCMP graduation. We have two wonderful sons. Our eldest has recently graduated from Richmond Christian and our youngest graduates from Delta Christian in 2019. I love to spend time with my family, read, cook and travel. I also enjoy a good game of tennis.   I received my teacher’s certificate from SFU and worked as a high school teacher for close to 10 years. For some of that time, I also worked part-time in Children’s ministry at our church, St. John’s Vancouver. Before teaching at DCS, I appreciated the opportunity to be a part of our children’s education, especially during my years on the Education Committee and the Board. In 2012, I began teaching at DCS (Gr. 4-7 French) and in time, I also supervised the primary teachers when French became available to all grades and now I teach K-7 French. I am thrilled to share my love of French with the students of DCS. It is such a joy to teach in a community that has been a part of our family for many years.   My teaching career began in the public school system. When our eldest son entered Delta Christian School, I began to appreciate the importance of Christian education. Now, as a Christian educator, I have the freedom to share God’s love with my students and help them to see that all of life is in God’s hands. As a language teacher, I can help students to understand that language is a creational gift that reflects the image of God and that it is possible to communicate with God and others in more than one language. Overall, I have always wanted to instill in my students a desire for lifelong learning and this is especially important as a teacher at Delta Christian where we focus on equipping children for life.

Grade 4 Classroom

Janaya Hirsch, Intermediate STEM Teacher, Grade 4 Homeroom

Originally from Abbotsford, BC, I attended Abbotsford Christian School from Kindergarten through grade 12. After graduating high school, I headed to post-secondary to complete my education. I moved to South Surrey with my family in February of 2020 and began attending South Delta Baptist that summer. In my free time, I love getting together with friends and working on my art.I earned my Bachelors in Education with Endorsements in Middle School Math and Science from Dordt University in Iowa in May 2021. Through this program, I realized my deep desire to teach Christianly in all areas of my classroom, not just within Bible class.I believe that Christ needs to be at the centre of all I do and teach. I first need to see each of my students as image-bearers as described in Genesis 1:27. As I surrender to the Lord’s leading in life, I believe that my primary goal as a teacher is to equip students to honour and glorify Christ in all areas of their lives. My love for teaching, specifically Science and Math, is evident in my deep hope that they would stand in awe and wonder of the beauty, order, redemptive, and restorative work of Christ in creation.  

Diana Agaba, Primary Teacher

I was born and raised in Kiruhura District in the western region of Uganda. I attended boarding schools from primary one through to senior six (Gr.1-12). My husband and I live in Ladner, and we now have 2 amazing boys -Darius and Deacon. We attend Cariboo Road Christian Fellowship Church in Burnaby. I love to sing and dance.I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from Makerere University and taught English and Literature for three years in Uganda. I later went to the UK where I graduated with an MBA from Cardiff Met University. I graduated from Simon Fraser University with an M Ed-Imaginative Education. I learnt that this pedagogy makes the learning and teaching process more meaningful, fun, and vivid which I lacked in my previous studies, but would like my students to tap into their own imaginations, and experiences throughout their learning journey.I am pro Christian education because it serves as a foundation of morals and faith in our children. It is imperative that children have the Christian faith foundation to help them navigate through this secular world, with a clear vision and a sense of purpose, as well as touching other lives through care, kindness, prayer, and good morals. I believe in what Proverbs 22:6 says -to teach a child the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. As educators, parents, we need to teach our children to seek God first, seek His will and wisdom for their lives, their abilities -to live with a purpose.

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