My name is Valerie MacDonald and I have been teaching in the public school system for 10 years.  Prior to that, I spent 4 experience filled years at BlackBerry, where I was the Educational Outreach Specialist, responsible for the creation and delivery of outreach programs designed to encourage students in grades 7-12 to pursue careers in science and technology.  Those years saw me travel all around the world, teaching in a wide variety of classrooms and settings and this allows me to bring a global perspective to my classroom.

Before attaining my teaching qualifications, I attended the University of Waterloo, where I completed a B.Sc. in Chemistry.  Following this degree, I worked in both the pharmaceutical and aerospace industries as a chemist and materials scientist.  All of these experiences come together in my classroom, and help me to make real life connections for my students to their learning.

I am passionate about math and science, and I am very excited to be teaching your student in these subject areas.  I also recognize the importance of extra-curricular activities in helping students discover who they are and what they want to become.  This year I will be running the Gauss Math Club, the Anime Club, and co-hosting the Student Leadership Council.  Outside of school, I devote a lot of my time to the sport of figure skating.  Growing up I had the opportunity to be involved in competitive figure skating, and now I am giving back as a judge, vice-chair of the local skating council, and registrar for local skating competitions.  I can also be found on the ice once a week, skating as part of Tavistock Team Unity’s Adult III Synchronized Skating team.  Outside of skating, I am a recreational runner and occasional traveler.

If, at any time throughout the year, you would like to discuss your student, please don’t hesitate to contact me (contact information can be found at the bottom of the page).  I believe it is important to have a home-school connection and I will endeavour to keep this website up-to-date, and all project and homework information, school events, and classroom resources posted in our Google Classroom.

I look forward to making this the best year yet!