By Jennifer Quam

The new principal for the McBride Secondary School has been named. Successful candidate Derrick Shaw was appointed to the position about a week ago.

“I am very pleased to be coming back to the valley. It has been a goal since I left Valemount,” said Shaw.

Shaw taught at the Valemount Secondary School about five years ago and wife Karen (nee Wall) is a former Dunster resident.

Shaw worked in Northern Alberta working as assistant principal for a couple of years. He then took a year off to obtain his Masters Degree and returned to work as assistant principal at the Grande Cache Middle School two years ago and was promoted to principal last year. “Some of my best teaching memories over the past 14 years come from my years in Valemount, when I see past students that have now gone on to University. They always make a point of coming over and saying hello. It is really easy to build lasting relationships in smaller communities and I look forward to being able to do that again.”

Shaw said that his attraction towards administrative work in the public school system is being able to collaborate with school staff to best meet the needs of students.

“We are there to improve student learning and it is all about the kids,” said Shaw.

Shaw said that there are some differences in the school system between Alberta and British Columbia but he is looking forward to a smooth transition into the McBride Secondary School.

Shaw, wife Karen, and their 20-month-old daughter Madeline are settling back into a home they have in Dunster. They will also be welcoming a new addition to the family sometime in November.

“We are really excited to be back here,” said Shaw. “It is like having Christmas in July.”