Highroad Academy

I have been working at Highroad for five years as the Athletic Director and PE teacher. I really love working with the students at Highroad, both in the gym and through coaching various sports. It has been a great opportunity to watch our students grow and develop both athletically as well as spiritually. I am very proud of our students at Highroad and how hard they work in the gym and in the classroom. In my free time I love to spend time with my family in the outdoors, hiking, rock climbing, climbing mountains and playing hockey.

PE BLOG

I’ve worked at Highroad for fifteen years. I teach math, science, and woodworking. I so enjoy the opportunity I have to facilitate learning, but especially the role I have as mentor and coach. I have a deep appreciation and love for Christ Jesus and all that He means and has done for me. Sharing my faith and life experience in an effort to help young people navigate life challenges is a very important value of mine. The culture of caring and commitment is evident everywhere here at Highroad and I’m honoured to be a part of this wonderful school community.
My wife, Ruth, and I love hiking and cycling. We love spending time with our daughters and sons-in-law, and our grandpuppy, Chance.

I am in my twentieth year here at Highroad Academy. I teach mostly English and drama, and this year I have added Psychology 12 to the mix. The staff feels like family since my extended family is far away on the east coast of Canada, and the students feel like my kids! I love that Highroad is always evolving and encouraging me to grow as a teacher. When I am not here, you might find me horseback riding up in near Ryder Lake where my mare Montana lives. I also love reading and cooking and watching good British murder mysteries.

Adventurous and energetic are words that are often used to describe me! I love God’s amazing creation, when I am not in the classroom, I can be found exploring British Columbia by foot, bicycle, canoe and on skis. One of my greatest joys is sharing my love of adventure with my young family and husband. Through my service to God’s children at Highroad over the past 6 years, I continue to strive to love generously and learn constantly.

My name is Grace Folkerts and I am in my thirteenth year at Highroad Academy. I am married and have two married children as well as 5 grandchildren. Currently I am teaching grade one. As a teacher, I enjoy fostering a love for learning in children and a curiosity about the world around them. I love to encourage children to ask questions, investigate, seek answers, and to explore and experience the delights of God’s world.

I have had the privilege to be part of the Highroad Academy family since 2016. I have had the opportunity to support different students by walking alongside and loving them. What I love about working at Highroad is that the leadership sees the gifting the Lord has provided and gives us the opportunity to work in that area. It is a blessing to work in an environment where the love of God is connecting and ruling.

I am currently in my seventh year at Highroad Academy where I teach high school social studies and law.  I am also the head coach of the high school track and field team. What I absolutely love about working at Highroad is the camaraderie of the staff, including the phenomenal administration and the opportunity I have to mentor and build lasting relationships with the students.  Away from Highroad, I enjoy spending time with my wife and boys, especially at our favourite holiday destination: Disneyland.

I am the facility manager here at Highroad. I have been employed at Highroad for thirty years. My main tasks include doing any repairs that are required for the day-to-day running of the building, scheduling any tradespeople that I need assistance from, scheduling the custodial staff, as well as taking on large projects that happen during the summer. The most enjoyable part of the job is the interaction with the students. Over the past 30 years I have seen many changes , but the one constant is the atmosphere which is always so positive and reassuring. When I’m not working, I love to spend time with my family, especially my 8 grandchildren.

In my seventh year at Highroad Academy I have settled into my role in grade 2. I love supporting students as they grow into their fullest potential academically and in their faith. I love being outdoors in God’s creation, hiking, biking, or walking by the river. I also love to travel and experience new cultures.  

I have worked for Highroad Academy since 2008. First as an educational assistant and for the last eight years as an Early Childhood Educator at Highroad Children’s Centre.
I love to help create a safe, memorable and caring learning environment for children of all ages and abilities, but my most important job is as a wife and mother to my two children. I love the outdoors and animals of all shapes and sizes.

I am excited to be working my first year here at Highroad Children’s Centre. I love being able to come alongside the children and families for their growth and development at our preschool. If I am not in the classroom, you will find me with my family enjoying the beauty that God has created for us all. We love to explore the mountains, riversides and beaches, as well as spending time on our peaceful backyard patio, drinking a cup of warm tea.

This is my second time working at Highroad. I worked at Highroad from 1996 to 2001 and returned to the staff in 2015 after 8 years in Asia. I teach senior science and math and am the varsity boys basketball coach. I love working at Highroad because it allows me to invest in every part of a students life including sharing in their spiritual development, something I feel is very important.

The library is where I spend most of my time at Highroad. I love interacting with the children and hearing them share their experience with the books they are reading. For approximately 10 years I have served by working in the school office, helping in the learning assistance department and supervising children on the playground. When I am not at Highroad, I enjoy long walks, thick novels and strong coffee!

This year is my fourth here at Highroad. I am a high school teacher (math, science, coding and physical health and education) and I coach volleyball and basketball. I really appreciate all the positive energy the students have at Highroad. In my spare time, I dream of the day I finally can howl along with my very own basset hound.

This is my third year working at Highroad in the international department as homestay coordinator. What I love about Highroad is the opportunity we have to pray with our students and to share Christ with them. Many of our international students have never heard the gospel. I like that Highroad is a place where they have an opportunity to meet Jesus.

When I am not at work I enjoy spending time outdoors, gardening, camping and going for walks with family. One of my new hobbies is playing the guitar, I have wanted to learn for years and have finally taken the plunge.

I have worked at Highroad for 12 years and I teach music K-3. I love the freedom to teach the students about worship. Also, it’s great working with a staff that knows how to encourage one another and pray for one another! In my spare time, I love to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with my grandchildren.

This is my second year at Highroad teaching high school French. When I’m not here, I enjoy reading, kayaking, and just generally being in nature. This school holds a special place in my heart because I graduated from Highroad and the time I spent here helped to shape me into who I am now. I love that this is a place where everyone, students and staff, can be encouraged and uplifted.

I grew up in Langley but spent my first eleven years of marriage in the prairie provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. In 2009 Patrick and I moved back to BC and have loved raising our three boys here in Chilliwack. I am in my ninth year teaching in the intermediate department, and I love being part of this amazing staff. In my spare time I enjoy heading to Starbucks for a coffee, trying to keep in shape, and I am always on the hunt for a good bargain!

I am in my eighth year at Highroad and have worked in a number of classrooms and grade levels. What I really love about working here is the fact that we can support each other and our students with a Christian viewpoint. It’s an honour to be able to work in a place where we can talk about God and pray for each other. In my time off I am a mom of 3, and love to crochet. I am also involved in a youth camp each summer for youth at risk.

I have worked at Highroad for three years as a fourth grade teacher and basketball coach. I love working at Highroad because of the supportive community. When I am not at work you can usually find me on a mountainside with my wife, in the rain, sun, or snow.

I’ve been at Highroad since 2006, first as a part-time grade 5 teacher and TOC, and now as the senior level biology teacher and science department head. I also oversee the Highroad Garden and staff professional development.  I love being part of the Highroad community and seeing students experience the excitement of learning. I am a bit of an environmentalist and I’m proud of our efforts to have a smaller footprint here at school. I love coffee and getting outside to hike, bike, and kayak in this beautiful place.

I have been here at HRA coming up on four years. I am responsible for overseeing all aspects of technology, ensuring that we keep looking forward and developing in our use of technology. What I love about working here is the openness there is to see technology used to benefit student learning. Working here at HRA also gives me the opportunity to build lasting relationships. During my off time, I enjoy hanging out with friends and family. I love games of all types, or sitting down watching a good movie.

In September 2017 I joined HRA after moving to beautiful Chilliwack with my family the previous year. I’m currently in a part-time shared teaching role in grade 1 and 5.

I love the curiosity and enthusiasm that kids bring to school and enjoy discovering new things alongside them. In my spare time I like to play board games with my family, do some traditional Swiss baking, and plan for and lead kids camps for a non-profit society where we teach kids Biblical stories through a musical.

I have had the privilege of working at Highroad for eleven years. I love working with the amazing staff, families and children here. I find so much joy in working one on one with children and speaking into their lives. In my free time, my family and I love cheering for a variety of sports. Our favourite thing to do as a family is to take road trips and create many memories together!

I’m in my first year of working at Highroad and I love it! I spend a lot of time with the high school kids and am absolutely thrilled to be able to partner with both students and teachers, and be a small part of your child’s school life. I’m so very thankful that I am able to work in an amazing environment with fabulous people. In my spare time I’m trying to learn how to knit and I’m not great at it yet 🙂

I began at Highroad in 2017. My role with Highroad is a bookkeeper in the school office. I love the people and the environment of the school.

September 2018 I began working at Highroad in the elementary music department. I absolutely love working with and getting to know the staff and students. Worship and music continues to be a huge part of my life. Being able to share that with students, and hopefully inspiring them in a musical direction is very rewarding. Our family enjoys the outdoors: camping, destination vacations and just hanging out together. I enjoy lap swimming and continuing to pursue my personal musical goals.

This is my twenty-third year working at Highroad.  I have taught a lot of things over the years including English, Bible, textiles and physics but my core courses have been in the maths and sciences – especially chemistry.  I also get have the privilege of coordinating the school’s outreach teams. The cool thing about this job is that it is a ministry where I get to work with kids to see them conquer academically and spiritually. I love facilitating learning.  When I am not here, I spend time enjoying my family and fifteen grandkids, gardening, or crocheting with lots of yarn.

I have had the opportunity to work at HRA since 2016. During this time I have walked alongside students in the high school encouraging them in their endeavours, whatever that may be from day to day. HRA has a wonderful atmosphere. It is a delight to take part in Chapel with staff and students! When I’m not at HRA, I enjoy spending time with my family and working on various painting projects.

Hello! My name is Rachelle Augustin. 2019 is my first year teaching Grade 6 at Highroad. This year, I have come back to Canada from teaching in the Middle East. Coming back reminds me of how Canada is blessed with beautiful seasons and a rich diversity of people. When people ask me what I love about Highroad, I would say it’s the staff and students that continuously showcase what kindness is and their passionate relationship with God. Out of school, I enjoy learning about different cultures and points of view.

I have worked here at Highroad Children’s Centre for five years as a teacher and as a support worker. I have a passion to teach little ones, to share Jesus with them, and to help them learn and grow. When I’m not working I love to be active and outdoors, and most often can be found hiking in the mountains exploring God’s creation with my husband.

This is my second school year working at Highroad, although my current work schedule is split between HRA and the church office. My favourite part about working here is the incredible atmosphere of belonging, support and family that can be experienced on a daily basis. It is so amazing to work in an environment where I feel supported and uplifted in a very loving, caring and unconditional way.

I have been teaching in the primary department at Highroad Academy for seventeen years. I have been teaching grade one for ten years and am passionate about teaching kids to read and write. There is a curiosity and sense of wonder in our youngest students that make them a pleasure to teach. It is a pleasure to get to know and spend time with the students and their families each year. I am also the Department Coordinator for K-3 and enjoy being behind the scenes planning and organizing students, staff and activities.

Welcome to Highroad! I am the first person you will see and hear at our school. I first started working at Highroad in 2000 and my husband and both children are Highroad graduates. My role here at the school is to assist staff, students and parents. I also help lead mission teams to Guatemala and have enjoyed doing this for several years. What I love most about my job here is the relationships we build. I pride myself is greeting the parents and students by name and love being part of their school journey from kindergarten to graduation. A special moment for me is to see the alumni bring their children back to HRA to enrol.

I have been teaching in the primary department at Highroad Academy for seventeen years. I have been teaching grade one for ten years and am passionate about teaching kids to read and write. There is a curiosity and sense of wonder in our youngest students that make them a pleasure to teach. It is a pleasure to get to know and spend time with the students and their families each year. I am also the Department Coordinator for K-3 and enjoy being behind the scenes planning and organizing students, staff and activities.

I have been teaching in the primary department at Highroad Academy for seventeen years. I have been teaching grade one for ten years and am passionate about teaching kids to read and write. There is a curiosity and sense of wonder in our youngest students that make them a pleasure to teach. It is a pleasure to get to know and spend time with the students and their families each year. I am also the Department Coordinator for K-3 and enjoy being behind the scenes planning and organizing students, staff and activities.

This is my tenth year working and ministering at Highroad Academy! My role is to teach grade 6 students, along with my partner teacher, Alynne Shinness. What I love the most about teaching at HRA is to be able to teach from a Christian perspective. My goal is to pour God into the hearts of my students, so their choices and decisions in every area of their lives (academics, friendships, acceptance of others, connection to their community, and relationship to God) are pleasing to God. Working with a great team in the intermediate department is a blessing as well. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy walking / hiking, eating out with friends, and being with family.

I have been teaching in the primary department at Highroad Academy for seventeen years. I have been teaching grade one for ten years and am passionate about teaching kids to read and write. There is a curiosity and sense of wonder in our youngest students that make them a pleasure to teach. It is a pleasure to get to know and spend time with the students and their families each year. I am also the Department Coordinator for K-3 and enjoy being behind the scenes planning and organizing students, staff and activities.

This is my second year at Highroad Academy. I work in the primary department and love the encouraging and caring culture here, not only from staff to students but the staff to staff. Having three kids doesn’t leave a lot of time for hobbies, but we love slowly renovating our 60 year old house ourselves, and hanging out with our puppy, Hazel.

I’m the Coordinator for the International Department, the ELL Coordinator and the Development Coordinator, so I wear a lot of hats. I’ve worked at Highroad for three years. I enjoy working with the international students as they offer a unique perspective on Canadian culture.

I have been teaching in the primary department at Highroad Academy for seventeen years. I have been teaching grade one for ten years and am passionate about teaching kids to read and write. There is a curiosity and sense of wonder in our youngest students that make them a pleasure to teach. It is a pleasure to get to know and spend time with the students and their families each year. I am also the Department Coordinator for K-3 and enjoy being behind the scenes planning and organizing students, staff and activities.

I’ve had the privilege of working at Highroad Academy for five years. Throughout my time here, I’ve been blessed to work with many students in both the elementary and high school departments. This year, I’m working alongside Ms. Rast in her grade 2 class. It’s so rewarding to watch students develop their God given gifts and abilities in a place that feels like home, with people that have become family.

I started working at Highroad in 2010, first as a music teacher and now as a high school humanities teacher. I also run the foods program, the music program, and coach girls’ basketball. I love that I can use my favourite hobbies – cooking and music – in the classroom, but my favourite thing about Highroad is the relationships that I am able to build with students and staff.

My name is Els Wilson, and I work in the Special Needs department. I’ve worked at Highroad for about five years. I really appreciate being a part of a team who supports each other to help each student be their best. It is amazing to watch each one develop their potential! In my spare time, I really enjoy hiking, and gardening.

This is my third year teaching grade three at Highroad Academy. I love having fun along with the students as we experiment and create. I also love how supportive and friendly the staff are. After school, and sometimes during school, I enjoy playing board games.

Highroad Academy has played a huge role in my life over the years.  I spent ten years here as a student, and upon graduation I thought that my time at Highroad was done.  God, however, had a different plan! He led me back to Highroad after my university years to begin my teaching career here in grade one.  Four years later I stepped out of teaching to stay at home with our young family for twelve years. I am now back and in my seventh year of teaching Kindergarten.  I love the community that Highroad provides, and I love that this is a place where we can share our faith and grow in God together. When not busy at work I love spending time with family, playing piano, baking, napping, and thrift store shopping!

This is my tenth year at Highroad Academy, I began working as an education assistant and I am currently the office manager. I have the amazing blessing of working with the students, parents and staff every day. Much of my time is spent troubleshooting, problem solving and in crowd control. I love it! In my spare time I like to read, cook, go for walks and spend time with my family, especially my sweet granddaughter.

I am currently in my fourth year of teaching the full time kindergarten class here at Highroad. I love it here! There is a real sense of community when you walk through these halls. I am so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful team of staff, students and parents. When I am not making play doh, lesson planning, prepping and rearranging my classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband Anders, and daughters Arella and Evelyn. I LOVE travelling, reading, theatre, camping and singing.

I worked at Highroad for eight years (2002-2009) and returned in the fall of 2018. My role at Highroad is highschool Bible. This is my dream job! It is such a privilege to spend time with students as they are discovering who God has called them to be. I love going on adventures with my husband & kids, reading, walking by the water, and drinking espresso.

I have been at Highroad Academy since 2011 and have taught students in the special needs department for most of that time. I love working in a supportive faith based community where students and staff for cared for and prayed for each day. In my time off, I enjoy travelling to warm sunny places and spending time with my family. In the future I hope to travel to Europe.

Welcome to grade 3! My name is Betty Stark and I am proud to call Chilliwack my home. I have been blessed with the opportunity to teach at Highroad since 1990, and I am one of the two grade 3 teachers in the primary department. This is a wonderful community of caring and loving staff, parents and students! When I get the chance, you will find me outside enjoying the great outdoors whether it be biking, hiking, gardening, or just mowing lawn.

I love implementing new systems and tech to improve the learning experience of the students at Highroad. I started working as an IT assistant for Highroad Academy in 2017 and it’s my job to help ensure all things technology are running smoothly. When I’m not at the school dismantling a Chromebook or crawling underneath a desk, I like to spend my time writing and producing music or singing songs with my wife.

My name is Barbara Moisin and I have been teaching at Highroad Academy since 2016.  Besides being a teacher, I am a Christian, a wife, and a mother of three wonderful children.  I love mathematics, books, and vintage furniture. Highroad is upbeat and yet traditional. It is warm and welcoming, and it is the best fit for my family.  I am enjoying the upper elementary side of things and loving Highroad!

I have worked at Highroad for thirteen years; ten years as a classroom teacher, and now three years in Learning Assistance. My role in LA is to support students with their reading and math and to support teachers in whatever way I can. It makes me happy when I see the “light come on” for students who finally grasp a concept and feel successful.

My name is Avalon Daughtrey and this is my fourth year at Highroad Academy. I absolutely love the community of people here and the families I have the privilege of serving each day. I love spending time with my family making memories and having fun.

This is my second year of teaching at Highroad.  I am thrilled to be teaching at a school that fosters a community feeling and family of believers.  I have three children that all attend Highroad, and we enjoy skiing, rock climbing, camping, and boating.   I have a strong passion for teaching; for seeing that moment in a child’s life where something just clicks for them.  I believe that every child should have the chance to learn and grow in a safe loving environment, and am very excited to provide that environment for them.    

I came to Highroad Academy in 2001, and worked here until 2012.  After teaching six years in Kelowna and Xi’an, China, I returned in Spring 2017 as a TOC.  I half time job-sharing grade 6 and teaching high school ELL. It’s great to be back in a setting where subjects naturally connect with the Bible and faith in daily life, and where I can build a personal relationship with each student. In my personal time I have established a piano studio, and teach a weekly bible study for working women.