JOHN POPE
| Year Started at WPGA: 1996
| First Position Title: ​
Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher, Music Teacher (K. Grade 1), PE Teacher
| Current Position Title:​
Materials Design Teacher (Woodwork, Woodturning, Jewellery)

Looking back, what’s a moment at WPGA that has stayed with you—one that shaped who you are today?
 
While narrowing it down is difficult, the staff events during our first few years truly built a foundation of friendship and community. Our very first event in August 1996, a boat cruise on English Bay, is particularly memorable. It allowed the founding staff to socialize and learn about one another’s lives, marking the beginning of many lifelong friendships.
 
What does the WPGA community mean to you and why?
To me, the WPGA community means family. Over the past 30 years, the school has been the cornerstone of both my professional and personal life, especially as my two daughters attended from JK to grade 12. Beyond my colleagues, our entire family has formed lasting bonds with alumni and fellow parents.
 
How have you seen WPGA grow or change over the years—and what has remained the same?
 
The campus is constantly evolving: there is always a new project underway, and the physical transformations are too numerous to list. (For instance, few remember that the WPGA Fitness Centre was once a bowling alley!) Despite these changes, the atmosphere remains constant. We have never lost that "small school" feel or the sense of being a close-knit family.
 
What’s one lesson or value from WPGA that you carry into your life beyond school?
 
The importance of balancing humility with pride. I’ve learned that it is vital to take honour in your achievements and maintain healthy self-esteem without ever slipping into arrogance or entitlement.
 
As we celebrate 30 years, what’s your hope or vision for the next 30?
 
Regardless of future campus expansions or facility upgrades, my hope is that WPGA stays "small at heart" and preserves the authentic sense of community that defines us.
30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PAGE

  • Stephen Anthony

    | Year Started at WPGA: 1996
    | First Position Title:     Teacher
    | Current Position Title: Head of School


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  • Ciara Corcoran

    | Year Started at WPGA: 1996
    | First Position Title: Grade 4 Homeroom Teacher
    | Current Position Title: Head of Junior School

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  • Jonathan Pike 

    | Year Started at WPGA: 1996
    | First Position Title:     Socials and English Teacher 
    | Current Position Title: Director of Operations

  • Charlotte Anthony

    | Year Started at WPGA: 1996
    | First Position Title:     Gr 2 Teacher
    | Current Position Title: STEM/Brainbreakers 
     

  • John Pope

    | Year Started at WPGA: 1996
    | First Position Title:     ​
    Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher, Music Teacher K & Gr 1, PE Teacher
    | Current Position Title:​
    Materials Design Teacher (Woodwork, Woodturning, Jewellery)
     

    READ BIO
     

  • Kirsten Bowles

    | Year Started at WPGA: 1997
    | First Position Title:     Grade 2 Homeroom Teacher
    | Current Position Title: Counselling Department Head, Junior School

  • Warren Lee

    | Year Started at WPGA: 1998
    | First Position Title:     Part-time Swim coach and Instructor
    | Current Position Title: Vice Principal, Student Life

  • Niamh McAllister

    | Year Started at WPGA: 1999
    | First Position Title: Grade 5 English Teacher
    | Current Position Title: Senior Drama teacher, play director.

  • Jennifer Gunasekera

    | Year started at WPGA: 1998
    | First Position Title:     Grade 5/6 Teacher 
    | Current Position Title: Director of Enrolment


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  • Devin St-Amour

    | Year Started at WPGA: 2002
    | First Position Title:     PE Teacher and Swim instructor
    | Current Position Title: Teacher Librarian

  • Lindsay Haider

    | Year started at WPGA: 2006
    | First Position title: Assistant debate coach 2006
    (Grade 3 Student number 265 - Bonny Woo homeroom - 1996)
    | Current Position title: Social Studies Department Head, 
    Coordinator of Global Discourse and Reasoning
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  • JUNIOR SCHOOL

    BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATIONS

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Since 1996, West Point Grey Academy has gratefully resided on the Jericho Lands, the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation. Honoured to learn and play on these beautiful lands, we endeavour to be a leader in Indigenous education. In creating shared understanding and opportunities, we hope to help foster a more equitable society for all.

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West Point Grey Academy

4125 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, B.C., V6R 4P9
Tel: 604-222-8750