It is absolutely delightful that the College can introduce the teacher responsible for several of the English and Art subjects at Cornerstone.
Mrs Ren Douglas is a relative new-comer to the College, but does come to us with almost 30 years of teaching experience. Her training was completed in Canada, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts with a double major in English and Art from the University of Guelph, Ontario. Following that, she completed her Bachelor of Education at the University of Western Ontario.
Ren has worked a majority of the subsequent years in Canada, but has spent 11 recent years at Strathalbyn Christian College in Geraldton. She and her husband relocated back to Australia at the commencement of 2011, finding the call of the Australian lifestyle too strong to resist.
Art (painting, watercolours, mosaics, cement work) are very much a part of her non-teaching life, and this natural passion for the beautiful and creative is a wonderful attribute that flows over to her life in the classroom. Ren’s creativity is obvious, but of enormous value to the College is the same creativity she applies to the more traditional academic subject of English.
Ren endeavours to teach concepts in ways that will connect with each student’s learning style.
‘They all learn differently. I think because I’m a visual learner, I tend to be a visual teacher as well’, she said.
The testimony of past students and families who have encountered Ren in the classroom give support to the success of her methodology. She has been the recipient of a number of awards, but deflects attention from those, wishing to dwell on her students, rather than herself.
In relation to Ren’s own artistic abilities, she is an accomplished artist in her own right. This highly developed personal skill marries beautifully with her love of teaching – and the passing on of her skills is high on her list of things she loves.
‘I love the creative atmosphere in the Art room and watching students become joyful art makers,’ she said.
Ren’s love for her chosen career goes beyond the two specialised subjects she teaches, and at her heart, the reason she works so hard is for her students to shine.
‘I’m a hard worker who is willing to put in much effort for any student who wants to learn and achieve, but they need to work hard too.’
She continued by saying, ‘My heart’s desire is that my students learn that God is their loving Father who needs to be part of their every decision. I want them to open their eyes and think, not be followers but leaders in our secular society.’
When Ren isn’t in the classroom, she is a wife, the proud mother of two children and grandmother to four.
In conclusion, what can you expect if your child encounters Ren in the classroom?
‘I pray that each of my students is able to go home at night to loving family and that I can love them while they are in my care here at Cornerstone.’
There is little we can add to that.
