Faculty Spotlight Gema Chavez
Gema Chavez serves as Vice Principal and Grade 3 teacher at Queen of All Saints School. A lifelong member of CISVA, she feels blessed to continue her vocation within the system that shaped her own values and love of learning. With nearly two decades of experience in Catholic education, Gema is committed to nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a sense of belonging in her students. She is currently completing her Master of Education at Simon Fraser University and remains inspired by the privilege of helping children grow in both faith and character.
What first inspired you to be a teacher, and what still drives you today?
I have always loved working with children and knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher. My first inspiration came from my elementary school teachers at St. Francis of Assisi, who fostered in me a love of Christ and a passion for learning. My family also played a big role in encouraging me, not only to become a teacher, but to do so within the CISVA community that helped form the foundation of my own faith and education. The educators, students, and staff that I’ve met and worked with along the way have been my greatest motivators.
How do you help build community at Queen of All Saints?
Building community at Queen of All Saints is something I’m very passionate about. One of the ways I do this is through our school’s SPCA Club, which I’ve been leading for five years. The club has grown from 20 members in my first year to 56 this year, it’s our largest turnout yet! It’s become a wonderful way for students to come together around compassion, responsibility, and care for God’s creatures.
Each year, our club hosts our QAS Blessing of Pets, a parish–school event that brings together families, staff, parishioners, and students in celebration of the animals that share our lives. Father Don joins us to bless the pets, and it’s always a joyful, faith-filled event that really strengthens our QAS community.
We also have a special partnership with the BC SPCA, and an SPCA representative joins our meetings once a month to connect our students with broader animal welfare initiatives. This year, we were thrilled to learn that Allison Simpson, Humane Educator with the BC SPCA, invited me to co-host at the Canadian Animal Humane Conference in Whistler in 2026, where our club will be highlighted as an example of how schools can inspire stewardship and awareness in young learners.
Through initiatives like this, I strive to create opportunities for students to feel part of something meaningful, where learning, faith, and service come together to make a positive impact on our world.
What do you love most about teaching in a Catholic school community?
What draws me to teaching in a Catholic school is the opportunity to nurture both hearts and minds. Children need guidance not only in their learning but also in discovering their path in a world that doesn’t always follow God’s way. The words of Jesus, “Let the children come to me” (Mark 10:14), continue to inspire me. I feel blessed to share my faith with my students and colleagues, and to be part of a community where we live out our beliefs and help our students grow in their relationship with Christ.
Share a memorable moment with students that reminded you why you teach.
Some of my most meaningful moments happen outside the classroom, whether it’s coaching, celebrating Sunday class Mass, or running our QAS SPCA club. These experiences allow me to connect with students on a deeper level and see their personalities and gifts shine in new ways. They remind me of the privilege it is to teach and to witness their growth.
How do you bring faith and values into daily classroom life?
Faith and values are woven into everything we do. We often reflect on our relationship with Jesus and with one another, discussing both the joyful and challenging moments through a Catholic lens. These conversations help us build trust, compassion, and a strong sense of shared faith within our classroom.
What makes your school special for students and families?
I’ve been at Queen of All Saints for five years, and the impact it has had on me, both professionally and personally, has been a true gift. Our school feels like an extended family. Our staff is close-knit, our families are involved, and our alumni continue to return to volunteer, visit, and even work here. That lasting sense of connection and belonging makes Queen of All Saints a special place.
If your students described you in three words, what would they say?
If my students described me in three words, I hope they would say I am caring, supportive, and fair. I set high expectations while guiding them with patience and understanding, helping each child grow not only academically but as kind and confident individuals. I want my students to know they are valued, that I believe in them, and that once they’re in my class, they’ll always have a place in my heart.
What do you hope students will carry with them long after they leave your class?
I hope my students always remember that God is with them. Life has many ups and downs, and our faith journey constantly evolves, but the one constant is God’s love. I want them to know that no matter what life brings, He will always be there for them.
How do you work with parents to help students flourish?
I believe open communication and teamwork with families are key. Whether we’re celebrating successes or navigating challenges together, I want parents to know that their voice matters and that I’m here to support them. Parents are their child’s first and most important educators, and I’m grateful to partner with them in helping their children grow.
What advice do you have for someone considering teaching at a CISVA school?
My advice would be to begin with prayer and openness. Listen for where God is leading you, He often guides us to the places where we are meant to be. I also encourage exploring all that CISVA has to offer. There are so many opportunities, communities, and ways to serve. It’s truly a rewarding vocation.
When you think of your students’ future, what excites you most about being part of their journey?
What excites me most is seeing my students grow in confidence and faith. Watching them discover their strengths, share their gifts, and support one another fills me with hope for the future. Each year, I’m reminded that teaching is more than academics, it’s about helping children see themselves as capable, caring, and deeply loved by God. I feel truly grateful to play even a small part in their journey.
See where Gema has been featured:
Everything is Pawsome at school’s animal welfare club - The B.C. Catholic - Multimedia Catholic News