Jason Dyck

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Teacher

jdyck@westgatemennonite.org

Jason teaches Drama and Keyboarding, and so is lucky to experience both playful creativity and practical skill-building with students daily. Sixteen years at Westgate have mixed stretches of comfortable routine with moments of intense reward, and he remains thankful to find himself part of this Graceful community. Past highlights have included vivid short stories from grade 8 E.L.A.; constant comedy and occasional drama from grade 9s and 10s; opportunities to work with talented students and colleagues in various theatrical productions; the sometimes chaotic but consistently smiling energy of grade 7s; and (most of all) many and varied personal connections … including the unique dynamic of his most recent—insistently goofy yet somehow productive—Transactional English class. He looks forward in the coming year to similar routines and similar surprises. Jason grew up in Selkirk, has attended First Mennonite Church since birth, and received the University of Winnipeg’s silver medal in Honours Arts with his English degree in 1991. After six years with Willson Stationers, he returned to school at the University of Manitoba, and joined Westgate’s staff in 1999. Three children—David (Westgate’s class of 2017), Sara (2019), and Michelle (2021)—bring joy (and Grace!) to Jason's life. He enjoys playing hockey even more enthusiastically than he watches; relaxing during summer days at his parents’ cottage; skating, biking, and kayaking; viewing pop culture on tv, film, and web; and, of course, reading.