Donovan Giesbrecht has been named as the new principal for Border Valley/Blumenfeld School.

Giesbrecht, who is currently a teacher at Garden Valley Collegiate (GVC) in Winkler, will take over the role from Renae Hildebrand in February. In May, Hildebrand was named the principal of the new Pine Ridge Elementary School set to open next fall.

Having attended Plum Coulee Elementary School as a student, Giesbrecht says he's often imagined himself working in a smaller rural setting. "I had such a good experience at Plum Coulee School, listening to Bernie Loeppky strumming his guitar, and to Vern Reimer reading us Eric Wilson novels. I just remember the environment there," says Giesbrecht. "It was small, and it felt like family."

From what he's heard, Giesbrecht says that is exactly what Border Valley is like. "Renae has done an amazing job building a community among that staff; the parents are active and supportive, and the kids are good kids."

Giesbrecht says although he is looking forward to this new adventure, he will certainly miss his GVC community and also teaching Mennonite Studies, a huge passion for him.

During his 11 years with the Garden Valley School Division, Giesbrecht has taught English, Social Studies, Math, Mennonite Studies, and Guidance/Resource.

At this point, Giesbrecht's appointment as principal is effective until the end of June, 2019.