TEACHING STAFF
MR JAMES WEEKES - Head of School
I grew up in Plymouth, in the south west of England, and at a very early age developed a love for the environment and science. After studying at the University of Plymouth for a BSc in Science and the Media, I had the opportunity to move to Germany where I started working in my first IB school.
After a decade of working in international schools, I came to The Booker School in 2017 to lead a team of enthusiastic and caring educators with a shared mission and vision. My dream is to further develop this school as a place where students can embrace the joy of learning, be recognised and respected as individuals, and become motivated to reach their highest potential.
James holds a B.Sc (Hons) in Science And The Media from the University of Plymouth, UK, a PGCE from Canterbury Christchurch University, UK, a Certificate of Education in Leadership from The College of Teachers, UK, and an MA in International Education from the University of Bath, UK. James is part of the IBEN (International Baccalaureate Educators Network), and is a qualified Workshop Leader, Site Visitor and Consultant. He also holds a Level 2 IB Educators Certificate.
MS TEMMA FRECKER - Pedagogical Leadership Team & Grade 8 Homeroom Teacher.
Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching winner 2018
Originally from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, I’ve come to call the Annapolis Valley home since 2010. While traveling around the world working on community development projects (Brazil, Mexico, Cuba, Honduras, Japan, and Northern Quebec), I realized that my true passion was teaching. My goal as a teacher is to foster caring and goodness in people so they can be true to themselves and their passions and be empowered to contribute in their own way to a better world.
“What the educator does in teaching is to make it possible for the students to become themselves.” - Paulo Freire, We Make the Road by Walking: Conversations on Education & Social Change
Temma holds a B.A. Honours in Double Advanced Major in International Development Studies and Spanish from the University of King’s College and Dalhousie, a B.Ed. from St. Thomas University, and French Immersion Program (Perfectionnement) from Université Ste-Anne (Valedictorian).
MS JAMIE O'HANLON - Pedagogical Leadership Team & Grade 1 Homeroom Teacher.
I grew up in Dartmouth, and after graduating high school I obtained a B.A. in History at St. Francis Xavier University. After taking some time to travel and work abroad, I completed my B.Ed. at Crandall University. I then became an early years PYP educator at an IB continuum school in Ontario, and I loved every minute of it. I'm excited to continue this experience at The Booker School.
I believe that play is children's work, and there can be no more authentic inquiry experience than the natural exploration that play provides. As an early years educator, my mission is to provide authentic learning experiences that allow children to express themselves, explore their world, and consider their role in its future.
Jamie holds a B.A. in History from St. Francis Xavier University and a B.Ed. from Crandall University.
MR MARK MAYER - Pedagogical Leadership Team and Grade 6-7 Homeroom Teacher
Bio Coming Soon
MS KATHERINE DICKIE- Grade 4-5 Homeroom Teacher.
Coming Soon
MS JILL WRIGHTSON - Grade 2-3 Homeroom Teacher
Coming Soon
LIZ POLLOCK - Early Years Homeroom Teacher
I have been lucky enough to call Hamilton, Ontario my home the past 30 years, but as of summer 2021 I will be calling Kentville, Nova Scotia my new home. I have had the privilege of working in education for over 12 years in various roles and settings from daycare to the FDK program and everything in between. I am an avid believer in play based learning. My passion for teaching becomes stronger each time I am able to help students find joy in learning through an interest-based program. I look forward to growing my pedagogical knowledge as I begin this new chapter in my life at The Booker School.
Educational background: Diploma from Mohawk College in Early Childhood Education, A Bachelor's Degree in Youth and Childhood Studies from Laurier University and a Masters of Science with a focus on Child Education.
DANI BEAUDOIN | French, Music & PE Specialist
I grew up in Cow Bay, Nova Scotia, where I developed a love for the outdoors, especially the ocean. I completed a B.A in Psychology with a double minor in Child & Youth studies and Sociology at Mount Saint Vincent University. My love of teaching was fostered through my past outdoor education experiences in which I had the opportunity to instill an appreciation and love of nature with underprivileged youth across the country. I completed my Bachelor of Education at Acadia University, where I had my first opportunity to work with the Booker School community and have stayed on full time since in the mixed specialist role.
I hope to instill a passion and appreciation for different cultures, languages and experiences. I believe exposing students to a variety of opportunities through sport, outdoor education and the arts can lead to building self confident, adaptive and creative youth. I aim to bring my Indigenous knowledge, passion for the outdoors, and French specialty to the community.
SPECIALISTS
COLLEEN GERRITS | Visual Arts
Colleen is an artist from Greenwich, and has been teaching art to students aged 4 and up for over 12 years.
She enjoys using a variety of mediums to keep things fresh and exciting for her students. Mediums include painting, sketching, printing, collage, clay sculpting, wet and needle felting, mixed media, and more. Colleen aims to introduce students to a wide range of art, beginning with a step-by-step approach and then allowing her students to branch off to explore endless artistic creations.
Colleen holds a Bachelor of Education