As another school year comes to a close, teachers and staff at area schools have announced their retirements.

In the Borderland School Division (BLSD), twelve staff members will be retiring this year, almost all from schools in Altona. Some have been with the division for over forty years.

Irene Hiebert has been with the Borderland School Division for 40 years.

"Certainly some people, and some community members, who have been here a long time will have had some of these people as their teachers," said Superintendent Krista Curry.

The teachers who have announced their retirements include Irene Hiebert from Ecole Westpark, Dwayne Schott from Ecole Parkside, Peter Reimer from Gretna School, Craig MacAulay from Ecole Parkside, Caroline Neufeld from Ecole Westpark, and Allan Friesen from W.C Miller Collegiate.

Craig MacAulay has been teaching for 37 years and started his career in the northern part of the province, at a school in Snow Lake. MacAulay said directing drama productions was one of the highlights of his teaching career.

"I was really involved in drama projections in Roseau Valley and here at Parkside School in Altona. A lot of those will stand out for me I think, the big shows that had lots of kids in them, that's special," said MacAulay.

"I had the great opportunity to teach with many many great teachers... I'll miss them," he added. "A lot of the things that I got from them I will take with me in my retirement."

MacAulay said running into former students is rewarding.

"I'll certainly remember a lot of the kids, the kids were really really special... I've had so many people come up to me in very odd places, in airports and grocery stores and stuff, and just say 'Hey Mr. MacAulay, do you remember me? You were my teacher in grade 4 and you read those stories to us and I remember that,' and those are very special moments for me."

As for retirement, MacAulay said he'll likely stay busy volunteering. However, right now he's busy marking exams and said it likely won't feel like retirement until September comes around.

Irene Hiebert has been working for Borderland School Division for 40 years, since 1977.

"I certainly will miss the relationships and connections with the adults that I work with in the building... I think Westpark School has a great team," said Hiebert, noting they're always working together to provide the best possible environment for the students.

"I know what I will miss the most is the kids," said Hiebert. "I really believe that connecting with kids at an emotional level and meeting their emotional needs is very important. Seeing kids move out of their comfort zone and try new things, kids find their place in their social network, kids making discoveries in terms of their academic progress... those are all things that I will cherish forever."

Angelika Stoesz, a custodian with W.C Miller for many years, will embark on a different journey in September as well.

"We have a change in bus diver," said Curry, noting John Gerbrandt had served for close to 50 years as a bus driver in the division.

Also this year, the division office will miss Norma Hiebert, who was conducting administration assistant work. Educational Assistants Carla Neustaedter and Loretta Erickson will be retiring from BLSD as well.

"You shift and change as people who've been there for a long time leave," said Curry. "I think we've filled most of the positions for retirees that are leaving."

Curry added it's sad to see people with a lot of experience leave, but hopes the new staff will stick around for many years, gaining the same experience.