Michael Leenstra
Teacher: Construction Skills 10-3/10-4/10-5
This is Mr. Leenstra’s second year teaching at Notre Dame. He is a Red Seal Journeyman Carpenter and has worked in various sectors of the construction industry. He has over 20 years of experience, with the last 8 years as a site superintendent in commercial construction.
Mr. Leenstra has completed his Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Alberta with a major in CTS trades and a minor in Art. He studied Visual Arts at Red Deer College in 2001-2002 and has painted large scale murals in Central Alberta business, institutional and public buildings, including the Christian elementary school he attended in Lacombe. He has also sold his oil and acrylic paintings in local galleries.
Mr. Leenstra lives in Red Deer and has been married to his wife Danielle for 18 years. Their son is going into grade 11 at Notre Dame this year, along with their daughter starting in grade 10. Together they love to travel and go on trips to the mountains with outdoor activities including hiking, camping, mountain biking, golfing and snowboarding. Mr. Leenstra also enjoys the many beautiful trails in Red Deer with his family and their German Shepherd, Ruby.
Mr. Leenstra is looking forward to sharing his career experience in his continued role as a CTS teacher. He is excited to utilize his artistic and carpentry skills, creating unique woodworking and construction projects with the students.
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8