GCA Family,
Like many of you, I spent a lot of time over our Thanksgiving break considering the things for which I am grateful. Near the top of that list is you, my GCA family. Some of you may be aware that I first walked into one of Gateway’s classrooms in September of 1984. I was almost three years old and was excited to meet my K3 teacher, Miss Collins (not the one who teaches secondary math for us now). 15 years later, I graduated from Gateway’s high school having no clue I would be working here a few years later, but I am so grateful that opportunity came.
2023-2024 is the 21st school year that I have worked at Gateway Christian Academy. I’ve had the privilege of teaching math, Bible, and science, coaching golf and basketball, and serving as the principal of our secondary schools. When my dad ended his 34 years at GCA in 2019, I was humbled to be made Head of School of a place I loved so much. One of the weirder aspects of this transition was that I became my mom’s boss (at least while we were on campus) as she taught three more years before retiring from the classroom—you can still find her at GCA’s reception desk in the mornings and serving as school librarian. Although I learned a great deal while a student at Gateway, I am convinced that I have learned just as much while on staff. I am extremely grateful for all the people who helped teach those lessons. I have no doubt that God guided me and my family to this ministry.
Speaking of family, they have been greatly blessed by GCA as well. My wife, Janet, has taught at Gateway for 11 years. Our oldest daughter graduated from GCA in 2022, our son will graduate this Spring, and our second daughter will complete middle school this year. This is the only school my kids have ever known, and I am so grateful for the teachers, coaches, staff, students, and parents who have poured into their lives.
Because I am grateful for my Gateway family, I am saddened to let you know that this will be my final year as GCA’s Head of School. I am also joyful knowing that the Lord has plans for us elsewhere and that we can trust His wisdom. I will continue in my current role through the end of the 2023-2024 school year and will spend the remainder of my time here working to ensure that there is a smooth transition. I desire that the rest of this school year allows Gateway to be positioned to continue its mission of helping children grow academically, spiritually, physically, and socially.
Over the last few years, our students have adopted a simple call and response illustrating many of the things I’ve attempted to say in the preceding paragraphs. It shows that GCA is more than its administration, staff, buildings, programs, or history. This simple message is extremely meaningful to me as I consider the people who make up my Gateway family:
YOU ARE GATEWAY
SO LET’S GO, CRUSADERS
S. Jeff Postlewaite, Head of School
