Michael Leenstra
Teacher: Construction Skills 10, CALM, Woodworking & Cabinetry 20-4/30-4
This year is Mr. Leenstra’s first at Notre Dame and also as a teacher. 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 recently 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 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 17 years. Their son is also new to Notre Dame this year in grade 10, and their daughter is currently in grade 9 at St. Francis of Assisi Middle School. Together they love to travel and go on day 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 trusty German Shepherd, Ruby.
Mr. Leenstra is excited to bring his career experience into his new role as a CTS teacher. He is looking forward to sharing his artistic and carpentry skills with the students as they learn together on creative woodworking and construction projects. “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