We’re preparing for a new school in Kincardine.

Stay Informed

We have a vision to raise a generation of critical thinkers who know the timeless wisdom of God’s Word.

We’re committed to seeing each student graduate Bright, Kind, and Courageous.

We’ll accomplish this by following our ABC’s

Advancing Minds

Academic Excellence

Schoolhouse Model
Intentionally group grades together to foster leadership and family-like learning.

Small Classroom Sizes
Safeguard the teacher/student ratios allowing educators to engage personally.

Passionate Educators
Employ a caring and qualified team that challenges students uniquely.

Building Character

Christ-like Examples

Chapel Services
Routinely create Jesus-centred moments for students/staff to grow in their faith.

Serving Opportunities
Prepare students to be “doers” of the Word by caring for and serving others.

Christian Influences
Build a team of passionate Jesus Followers who model the same values as the home.

Cultivating Leaders

Innovative Experiences

Critical Thinking
Encourage students to discern and defend truth to influence and lead culture.

Cutting-Edge Technology
Leverage technical tools to discover healthy uses and applications.

Industry Integration
Expand creative thinking by exposing students to unique opportunities.

Meet the Faculty

Passionate and Christ-centred leaders you can trust with your children.

John McFarlane
Principal / Teacher

John holds a Master of Theological Studies, a Bachelor of Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education and have taught in public education for 30 years. As a member of The Harbour Church, John is actively involved and has served as a Board Member, Missions Director, Children’s Director, and Teacher reflecting his commitment to community and education.

Gayle McTiernan
Lead Teacher

Gayle holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Waterloo and a Bachelor of Education from Laurentian University. She also earned a Special Education Specialist certification from the University of Toronto. After 35 years of teaching in public education, she is pursuing a certificate in Biblical Counselling through part-time studies at Heritage Seminary and attends The Harbour Church.

Joy Deslauriers
Administrator

Joy holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Business from McMaster and a Master’s in AI Management from Queen’s. She moved to Kincardine in 2021 and attends The Harbour Church. With experience in big tech, banking, and teaching, and as a mom, Joy is excited to be part of establishing a Christian school in our community.

How much is tuition?

Will there be family rates or discounts?

Where will it be located?

Our school is currently planned to be located within the Harbour Church in Kincardine. However, our vision extends beyond this initial phase, as we aspire to expand into our own dedicated facility in the future.

Have you confirmed teachers/educators?

Will you be equipped for special needs programming?

At this time, we likely will not have the resources or infrastructure in place to offer specialized programming for students with special needs. However, we are continuously evaluating our capabilities and exploring opportunities to enhance our school in the future. Our priority remains ensuring that all students receive the support and accommodations they need to thrive academically and spiritually.

When are you hoping to start?

What will the daily structure look like?

Daily structures will be flexible, with teachers empowered to tailor them to the needs and dynamics of their students. While the specifics will be up to individual teachers, we envision a balanced approach where academic work, likely concentrated in the mornings, is complemented by opportunities for outdoor learning and unique experiences in the afternoons. This may include more time for outdoor activities or specialized offerings to enrich students’ learning experiences. We aim to empower teachers to take ownership of their classroom schedules, fostering an environment that best supports student growth and engagement.

Would Junior Kindergarten be offered?

Currently, we are open to the idea of offering Junior Kindergarten (JK), which will depend on the specific needs and demands within our community. However, as we embark on our journey, we may find it more manageable to initially focus on offering classes from Senior Kindergarten (SK) to Grade 3. Additionally, we recognize that Pre-K programs require closer supervision and may necessitate additional resources to ensure a positive and nurturing learning environment.

What child safety policies would be in place?

We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our students. We will have comprehensive child safety policies in place, including standardized police checks for all staff members.

What will the covenantal agreement/statement of faith look like?

The covenantal agreement/statement of faith will be similar to what is outlined on The Harbour Church website at theharbourchurch.com/about/, anchored in the foundations of Biblical faith.

Will we do standardized assessments?

Standardized assessments may not be implemented immediately, but we will have a plan in place to address them as we progress. Our goal is to set our students up for success, ensuring they meet (and exceed!) government requirements when they reach high school.

What curriculum will be used?

We are highly cognizant of the expectations set forth by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Our intention is not only to meet but to exceed the standards outlined in the Ontario curriculum. With purposefully designed material, we aim to provide a comprehensive educational experience. While we may not adopt a classical curriculum due to its more prescribed nature, our goal remains to ensure our students perform exceptionally well. Rest assured, we are committed to preparing our students to excel – that’s what our philosophy of Academic Excellence is all about.

Ratio of students to teachers?

This is an ongoing discussion, however, the ratio of students to teachers will be approximately 25 students to 3 educators, including 1 principal. This is just an example to start, and we are committed to maintaining a manageable ratio to ensure personalized attention and support for every student, as well as affordability for every family.

What about sports or after-school activities?

At the moment, we don’t have an indoor gymnasium, but we do have ample outdoor space. While sports teams may not be immediately available, we envision incorporating them into our program as we grow. Our long-term goal includes providing indoor facilities in a new space to further enhance our sports offerings.