meet the Teachers
Jordan Al-Assadi
As an English and Physical and Health Education (PHE) teacher, I try to infuse community involvement, environmental sustainability, outdoor education, and social justice into the curriculum. On a daily basis, I witness Leadership students following a passion, engaging with important issues, and fighting for a better future.
In line with David Suzuki, I believe that children who grow up immersed in nature at a young age are more likely to protect it when they are older. My favourite Leadership experiences involve the use of our class set of bicycles for excursions to Galliano and Salt Spring Island. I enjoy connecting students with learning environments that are outside of the school building (local excursions, field trips, and overnight excursions.)
My pronouns: he/him
Corrie Clutchey
I am very privileged to teach at Windermere and have often taught Leadership students when they take Senior Geography. I am very honored to join this incredible group of teachers and students and thrilled to be a part of a program built on social responsibility, environmental education and community engagement. I strongly believe the many outdoor experiences in the Leadership program are grounded in the field of health geography where our natural environments positively affect our health and well-being. For me, being in nature is where I find the most peace and clarity. I look forward to getting out into the great outdoors with students where we can learn about our dynamic environment and the precious role we play as a part of nature.
"It’s more important than ever that we start to really connect with nature. [Humans] did not weave the web of life, [we] are merely a strand in it. Whatever [we] do to the web [we] do to ourselves." Chief Seattle (pronoun adjustment by Ms Clutchey)
My pronouns: she/her
Allison Dixon
I joined the Leadership program in 2018, and I have enjoyed being part of the Windermere Community as an English teacher since 2016. I’m excited to be involved in a program built on the values of social responsibility, community engagement, and environmental education. While at Windermere, I can often be found digging, weeding, and wandering about the school orchard and gardens with the Garden Club. As a teacher, I strive to ensure that all my students have what they need in order to reach their full potential, take ownership over their own learning, and discover what they’re passionate about in life.
Favourite quote: “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” – Anonymous proverb
My pronouns: she/her
Jeff Mazo
Being able to teach in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood, where I grew up and continue to live, has been a privilege. And to join a program that is synonymous with community-minded service, civic engagement, and social justice is an honour. I teach Social Studies, History 12, and I have an interest in media studies. While we can look at history as a foreign land, the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of different peoples in the past echo in the present.
“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you.” Anthony Bourdain
My pronouns: he / him
Lisa Nakamura
I am a more recent addition to the Leadership team and have a background in Social Studies. I teach Career Life Connections (Grade 12) in the Leadership program. In engaging with students, I seek to develop an understanding of historical significance, continuity/change and cause/consequence in the historical framework of Canada as well as the rest of the world. I enjoy developing a strong rapport with students in and outside of the classroom through programs like the GSA and Anime Club. I believe it is important to build resilience in our students through the Leadership Program as well as developing and practicing self-reflection, ownership and critical thinking.
My pronouns: she/her
Petra Rempel
Since 2004, I have been privileged to live and teach in Windermere community and I am excited to act as the program coordinator for this wonderful mini-school program! I sincerely believe in the social justice, environmental stewardship and community engagement philosophy of the Windermere Leadership Program and am inspired by the journey with my students as they learn more about their role in the world. I believe that the most meaningful educational experiences stem from inquiry and action, from challenge and passion. We have only one planet, and we need to find ways to better work within that limit.
Outside of teaching, I’m a mum, daughter, sister, auntie, wife, and friend (so many roles!) with a love of reading and knitting, of science, and of quiet natural spaces. I practice yoga and mindfulness and enjoy learning about traditional uses for herbs and plants. I have been in the Leadership Program since 2014 and teach Science 8, Ecology 9, and Environmental Science 11.
My pronouns: she/her
Victoria Wilcott
I am so grateful to be able to work in the community in which I live, teaching such engaged and inquisitive students at Windermere Secondary. My subject areas are English Language Arts and Career Education; two branches that open learners up to discussion, inquiry, and involvement with the community. Given the fact that so much of what I do in the classroom is reflected in my everyday life, it is not surprising that my classroom is a place that nurtures a dialogical response between learners. I believe that fostering a safe place to explore and ask questions are key components to building a growth mindset. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time outside with my two toddlers and my family. I also enjoy cooking, gardening, DIY projects, reading, and writing in my blog.
My pronouns: she/her