Deanna Ehalt-Zawyrucha
Teacher - Kindergarten English
After completing her Arts and Education degrees in her home province of Saskatchewan, Deanna moved to Yellowknife to begin her teaching journey. She has been part of the École St. Joseph School community since 2013. For 11 years, she shared her love of creativity through the Learning Through the Arts program with students in grades 6–8. Now, she is excited to be in her second year of teaching Kindergarten, where she loves helping her youngest learners grow and explore. When she’s not in the classroom, Deanna enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, playing sports, and working on art projects.
Kally Moorhouse
Teacher - Grade 2 English
My name is Kally Moorhouse and I am teaching grade two this year. I enjoy fostering a love of reading and creating a welcoming environment for all learners. When I'm not in the classroom you can find me reading a good book or exploring the outdoors.
Charla Martiniuk
Teacher - Grade 3 English
My name is Charla Martiniuk and I am teaching grade 3E this year. I would like to share a little about myself. I arrived in Yellowknife from Cape Breton (N.S.) 24 years ago! I have been teaching at Ecole Saint Joseph School since my arrival. I have taught grades K, 3, 4, 5 and 6. My goals as an educator are to meet the individual and group needs of my students in ways that support and challenge them in order to foster the greatest intellectual, social, and emotional growth. I also strive to create a safe and team-oriented community where all people feel acceptance and belonging. I am also the mother of Morgyn, my 16 year-old daughter. We have a beagle named Millee and a tabby cat named Stripe. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, knitting, kayaking, fishing and spending time with my family.
Jamie Schaap
Teacher- Grade 3/4 English
Jamie is a born and bred northern girl, whose grandparents met at Giant Mine. While she left for a number of years to pursue her teaching degree and start her career in Nanaimo BC she is happy to be back with her family in tow, ready to settle in and teach her children all about their northern heritage. She is excited to begin her second year working for Yellowknife Catholic Schools and her first year at École St. Joseph School. She absolutely adores teaching at the Grade 3/4 level and is thrilled to be with her 3/4E class this year. She is looking forward to seeing her students flourish socially, emotionally, academically and spiritually. When not at school she can be found walking her dogs, spending time out on the land, spending time with her family or, most likely, curled up with a good book and her "shhh...I'm reading" socks on and a mug of tea in her hand.
Firoozeh Nafisi
Teacher- Grade 4 English
Hello. My name is Firoozeh Nafisi and I teach grade 4 at ESJS this year. I moved from Germany to Canada in 2022 to do my teaching degree and certification in Ontario. I specialize in Applied Linguistics and English Literature and love doing research. My four years of working as a researcher in Germany on a DAAD scholarship gave me a wonderful opportunity to explore different cultures and landscapes in Europe. My time in Canada in Ontario and the NWT has given me a unique opportunity to develop myself as an educator and meet some of the most amazing people who have helped me and mentored me in ways I could never imagine. I love my students and it is my passion to learn and grow with them.
Jane Smith
Teacher - Grade 5 English
My name is Jane Smith and I have been a teacher at ESJS for over 5 years. Originally from Nova Scotia, my husband and I began our careers overseas where we lived and worked for just over a decade. We moved, along with our 2 children, to Yellowknife in 2020 and simply love it here. We spend our winters snowmobiling and summers in our cottage in Nova Scotia.
Nicole Matous
Grade 5 English
Hi! My name is Nicole Matous and this is my third year here at St. Joes. Prior to moving to Yellowknife, I lived in 4 other provinces and territories, and worked in two other countries. Besides travelling, my hobbies and passions include science education, reading, journalling, swimming, running, and anything outdoors!
Aidan Charpentier
Teacher - Grade 6/7 Learning Through the Arts
Hi! I’m Aidan Charpentier and I’m so excited to be teaching 6/7 Learning Through the Arts this year! I’m originally from Yellowknife and recently moved back after completing my undergraduate degree. I recently finished my Ed degree online while working in the office at Weledeh. I enjoy all types of arts, especially film and embroidery.”
Noah Hache
Teacher - Grade 7 English
Hi! My name is Noah Haché and I am teaching grade 6 and 7 this year. I was born and raised in Yellowknife, and got my teaching degree from the University of Alberta. My weekends are most often spent hiking with my dog, listening to music, and reading. I am most passionate about math and the sciences
Catherine Babin-Lavoie
Teacher- Kindergarten French Immersion
Bonjour, I'm Catherine Babin-Lavoie, and I have been part of the YCS family for over 12 years. This year, I am teaching French Immersion Kindergarten. I've been living in Yellowknife for the past 15 years. I enjoy being out in the community, enjoying markets, and taking part in my children's sports activities.
Priscilla Forge
Teacher - Grade 1 French Immersion
My name is Priscilla Forge, and I have called Yellowknife home for the past 5 years. I really enjoy traveling, tasting new cuisines, and expressing my creativity through interior design. As a teacher, I am passionate about creating a positive and engaging learning environment where every child feels encouraged to grow, explore, and discover their unique potential.
Marie-Ange Jean-Baptiste
Teacher - Grade 3 French Immersion
My name is Marie-Ange Jean-Baptiste, and I have been living in Yellowknife for four years. I truly love teaching and believe that learning should always be an enjoyable and motivating experience. Seeing my students grow and take pleasure in discovering new things is what inspires me most. Outside the classroom, I enjoy going to the gym, taking walks to enjoy the fresh air, and reading as a way to relax and keep learning.
Melanie de Grasse
Teacher- Grade 5/6 French Immersion
My name is Melanie de Grasse, and I teach grades 5 and 6 French Immersion. I’m originally from Ontario, where I used to work as a Librarian. In 2020 I went back to school to become a teacher, and I’m so happy that I did. I’m excited to work with my students this year to help them develop academically, spiritually, and socially!
Justin Foucault
Teacher - Grade 6/7 French Immersion
Hello! My name is Justin Foucault and I’m a fourth year middle school teacher currently teaching Grade 6/7 French immersion. Originally from Sudbury, Ontario, I moved to Yellowknife in 2023 and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. In the classroom, I love helping students grow both academically and personally. Every day is different, and that’s one of the things I enjoy most about teaching. Outside the classroom, I’m a big sports fan. Whether I’m playing, watching, or just talking about sports, I enjoy the energy, teamwork, and community they bring. That same spirit often finds its way into my teaching helping students learn how to support each other, stay active, and work together. Go Huskies!