Christina Bandstra

Christina Bandstra, Intermediate Learning Leader and Grade 6 Teacher


Personal Profile

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 University of Toronto and is starting his career. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, reading, running, and skiing with my family.


Personal

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.


Philosophical

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.