Teachers

Mr. McMaster is the curriculum leader of the TOPS program and teaches Grade 9 TOPS Math, AP Calculus, and Grade 12 Algebra & Geometry. He is a recipient of the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching.

Although Mr. Lang is not a teacher, the director of the Canadian Space Resource Center is integral to the program. He has assisted in the running of almost every TOPS function.

Mr. Hussey is the TOPS English teacher. He is the driving force behind the philosophy of the program. From this brilliant mind came some of the larger aspects of the program, including the trips. He too has received the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching.

Mr. van Bemmel teaches TOPS students Science in grade 10, Physics in grade 11, and AP Physics in grade 12. Every year, he coordinates a trip to Algonquin Park, where students perform professional-like scientific experiments. He is also a recipient of the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching.

Ms. Chan teaches Functions and Relations to the Grade 10s. She is also very involved in the volley-ball team at the school.

Ms. Thava has done lots of work with both the school and the program. Odds are, that if a clear, funny, well-spoken person is needed to host an event, she's the MC. She also teaches Calculus, Physics and Grade 10 TOPS Math.

Mr. Persaud teaches Geography to the Grade 9's, as well as teaching other upper-level Social Science courses. He is a very approachable teacher, and is known to make great impressions right away on Grade 9 TOPS classes. He is also a driving force behind the Grade 9 Geography Trip.

Mr. Chamberlain teaches TOPS grade 12's chemistry. It was one of his students that went on to win the National Chemistry Competition. He was also one of the first teachers to help out on the Algonquin Park Expedition. He has received the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching. He retired at the end of the 2011 school year.

Mr. Phambri teaches Mathematics to Grade 10 TOPS classes. He enriches the Grade 10's by challenging them in areas beyond the curriculum while encouraging students to be creative. One of the many valuable lessons he emphasizes is, "What you are doing tomorrow, should be done today and what you should do today, should have been done yesterday."

Mr. John is one of the school's most familiar faces. This Grade 12 biology teacher is both famous for his stimulating courses and his involvement with the program and school. He has also won the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching. He retired at the end of the 2011 school year.

Ms. Woods has gone on every TOPS trip, without exception. In her Grade 10 chemistry class, learning is hands-on and not from the text-book. Her classes allow for everyone to be involved and her activities let students learn in a more hands-on fashion.

Ms. Patrascu teaches Physics to Grade 12 students in the TOPS program. Her course opens up a multitude of doors for her university-bound students. She also enjoys assisting students in French.

Ms. Oliver teaches science to the grade 9 TOPS students. Her engaging lessons teach students to think scientifically, encouraging them to question everything.

Mrs. Brown is the first English teacher Grade 9s will meet. Her English students are some of the most enthusiastic in the school.

Mrs. White teaches many TOPS students English in grade 10 alongside Ms. Speirs. Her classes are focused on studying many of the literary classics to help her students gain structure to their writing.

Ms. Speirs will encourage students to shine in their tenth grade English class, with Mrs. White teaching the other half of the cohort. From studying Tristan and Iseult, to the lectures of courtly love, Grade 10 TOPS English is an adventure that will illuminate your literary path!

Mrs. Foster teaches History to TOPS students. She also teaches many senior courses from International Law to Modern Western Civilizations. She retired at the end of the 2011 school year.

Mr. Melville teaches TOPS students History and Civics. His many stories are sure to both entertain and teach the students in his class.

Mr. Jay teaches Grade 10 TOPS students Computer Science, which is a mandatory course in the TOPS curriculum.

Mr. Gang teaches TOPS grade 11's technological design. He teaches students how to use many programs used in today's design fields such as AutoCAD and PTC Prodesktop. He also prepares his students in various design contests, if they choose to enter.