Our Staff
Mr. Dave Straatsma, Principal
Mr. Straatsma has been with SDCS for five years. He came to the school with his Bachelor of Arts from Brock University and a Bachelor of Christian Education from Redeemer University College. He also has Christian School Teaching Certification and Christian School Principal Certification. He has over fourteen years teaching experience and leads our school with an excellent Christian example in both his life and work.
Ms. Heidi Elgersma, Vice Principal
Ms. Elgersma has over six years teaching experience and has spent four years at SDCS. She currently works at the school as Vice Principal, Head of the Resource Program and teaches part-time in the upper grades. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Calvin College, and has both Christian School Teacher's certification as well as Ontario College of Teacher's certification.
Ms. Joanne Brelsford
Ms. Brelsford has been with SDCS for eight years, and has fifteen years teaching experience. She received an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English from McMaster University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario, and her Masters of Arts in English from McMaster University. She is currently teaching grades 7 and 8.
Ms. Tamara vanZandwijk
Ms. vanZandwijk has received her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Christian education. She has eight years experience teaching and has spent four years at SDCS. She is currently teaching grades 5 and 6.
Ms. Louise Driedger
Ms. Driedger has been teaching at SDCS for over sixteen years. She has twenty-two years teaching experience, as is currently teaching grades 3 and 4. She has a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education, and one year certificate in theology.
Ms. Sarah Bean
Ms. Bean has more than three years teaching experience, and is in her first year at SDCS. She has a Honours Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education. She is currently teaching grades 1 and 2.
Ms. Marsha Van Essen
Ms. Van Essen has been teaching for seven years at SDCS. She has twenty-one years total experience, and is currently teaching Senior Kindergarten. She has a Bachelor of Arts and an Ontario Teaching Certificate.
Ms. Rachel Mosterd
Ms. Mosterd is in her first year at SDCS. She has two years teaching experience. She has received her Bachelor of Arts in Music, an Ontario Teaching Certification, and Christian School Teaching Certification for Primary and Junior Divisions. She is currently teaching Junior Kindergarten.
Ms. Kim Schelhaas
Ms. Schelhaas has been teaching for twenty years, and has spent fifteen years at SDCS. She has received certification from Althouse College at the University of Western Ontario. She also has been certified teaching French as a Second Language and Special Education. She is currently teaching French and Music at SDCS.
Ms. Sandy Heimstra
Ms. Heimstra is a Resource Educational Assistant and Personal Support Worker. She has been with SDCS since 2003, and has seven years experience. She has her certification as an Educational Assistant from Conestoga College, and currently assists kindergarten and grades 1 to 4.
Ms. Dianne Gottschalk
Ms. Gottschalk is a Personal Support Worker assisting grade 7. She has nine years experience and has spent seven years with SDCS.