Debika Thiruchelvam
Grade 8 Teacher
Education:
Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Guelph (majoring in biomedical science)
Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor (senior biology, science, social science, and intermediate math)
Masters of Education from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Hobbies/Interests/Family life:
I have always loved reading, so I believe my childhood love of Anne of Green Gables and Anne’s becoming a teacher later on (spoiler alert!) is what instilled in me a desire to teach. There are few things that warm my heart as much as seeing students’ eyes light up when they’ve made an important connection between their own lives/world and what we are learning in class.
I have a wide range of experiences in education. In addition to teaching and designing online courses, I have led ESL classes for adults, tutored primary kids, taught high school math and science to international students, as well as been a homeroom teacher for grade 7.
However, what I find most rewarding is teaching grade 8, which I did for three years before joining John Knox in 2022. Since I’ve taught at the high school level, I enjoy equipping students with the skills and tools they need as they are on the cusp of entering secondary education.
There are few things I love as much as books. I enjoy reading historical fiction as well as theology books, science books, and books that are at the intersection of both. I also enjoy true crime podcasts and documentaries. I love going hiking and cooking foods from different cultures, too.
What do you love about JKCS?
I love being in a school where academic excellence is just as important as exalting and glorifying Christ. The diversity of the student body at John Knox doesn’t just reflect society, but the multitude of nations that will worship God for all eternity (Revelation 7:9). It is such a welcoming environment, and I am honoured to have the privilege of helping students make the transition to the next stage in their lives.