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IPS Faculty & Staff 2007-2008

Michael Simmonds
Michael is a truly exceptional gentleman who comes to us with qualifications too numerous to fully describe here. He has four degrees from the leading Universities in the world. He is currently completing his Doctoral (EdD) degree in Educational Policy and Leadership at University of British Columbia, as well as;

10/98 Columbia University New York City, NY - Master of Education MEd
10/91 McGill University Montreal, PQ - Master of Arts MA
10/89 McGill University Montreal, PQ - Education Diploma Dip. Ed
05/85 University of New Brunswick Fredericton, NB- Bachelor Physical Education BPE

He has been Director of Senior School (GRADES 7-12) for York House School since 1994. He has all of the experience that we have been seeking both as a teacher, (including eight years secondary teaching experience in junior science, math, biology, and physics) and as an administrator, with twelve years of administrative experience at one of Canada’s leading independent K-12 schools. Above and beyond these qualifications, and equally important, we have found a warm and caring leader with a relaxed and collaborative style.
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Brad Ovenell-Carter - Assistant School Director
Bio to come

Saskia Volkmann
Saskia was born in Berlin, Germany. Her parents were strong believers in an international education and enabled their children to attend schools in Boston, Massachusetts, Stellenbosch, South Africa, and Lausanne, Switzerland, where Saskia learnt to speak English and French. During Saskia’s childhood her family spent their holidays in Africa, Asia, America and Europe. After school Saskia stayed in Paris for a few months before traveling through South Africa, where she married and had her three children while completing a Bachelor of Arts in French and Modern History with distinction. She was appointed tutor for conversation classes at the French department at the University of South Africa in Cape Town and taught part time French at the German school and the French school in Cape Town as well as at the Alliance Française in Stellenbosch. After moving to Berlin, Germany, Saskia furthered her studies in French and Modern History and completed her Magister Artium in those subjects with her thesis in French Literature. Apart from raising children, Saskia taught English, German and French on a private basis in Berlin. Her move to London, England, meant another adaptation to new circumstances. Saskia decided to work for a European Consumer organisation based in Brussels and London, which gave her enough flexibility to spend time with her children. Apart from translations, research and project management tasks, Saskia attended conferences all over Europe to facilitate projects and do fundraising. She very much enjoyed the international character of her work. Towards the end of her stay in London, Saskia also worked part time as a French and German teacher at a Grammar School in London. In 2004 Saskia moved to Bowen Island with her family as both she and her husband were looking for a less crowded place to live and work. The vicinity to Vancouver combined with a rural life style attracted them here and they are very happy to have found such an extraordinary place to live. Saskia started working for the German schools on the North Shore and in Vancouver in 2005 before starting to teach French at IPS in 2006. She is excited to continue her work at IPS and is very much looking forward to this coming school year.

Gina Sicotte
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Nick Yaremchuk
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Dwayne Matthews
Dwayne got a taste of Bowen and couldn't wait to leave the city! He is a contract Technical Trainer for Northwest Digital in Burnaby, and does private consulting for home and business. Dwayne has been a computer consultant since 1994, managed school and business networks, developed unique lab programs for English schools, and holds MCSE, A+, and Network+ certifications. He has also worked as a special education assistant, foster parent, and consultant certified as a Community Care Specialist.

Dwayne is the IPS Information Technology Manager, providing support and maintaining the school's computer lab.

Island Pacific School     671 Carter Road     Bowen Island      BC     V0N 1G0     604.947.9311