Fort Vermilion School Division is pleased to announce the following administrative appointments, effective for the 2024-2025 school year.

Dr. Matthew Kierstead, 
Collegiate Principal

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Matthew Kierstead will be joining the Fort Vermilion School Division as Principal of the Collegiate. Most recently the Principal of STEM Collegiate, Matthew has over 25 years of experience as a Principal. Matthew completed his Doctorate in Education in 2020.

"I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to serve FVSD as principal, I am looking forward with enthusiasm to contribute positively to the academic and personal development of both students and staff. With a wealth of experience garnered over 25+ years in educational leadership roles, I am committed to fostering a dynamic learning environment where individuals are empowered to succeed. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with the dedicated members of the FVSD community to advance the division's work in collegiate education and whatever else I may be of assistance."

Stefanie Brown,
Collegiate Explore Director

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Stefanie Brown as FVSD Collegiate Explore Director. Stephanie joined FVSD in 2001 as a teacher at Florence MacDougall Community School until 2015 when she moved into administration as Assistant Principal of Spirit of the North Community School. In 2019 Stefanie began her current position as Principal of FMCS. Stefanie completed her Master of Education in 2020.

"I am grateful to have the opportunity to take on the position of Collegiate Explore Director. I have spent over 20 years working with parents, staff, community members, and students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 and am very excited to put this experience to work in new and innovative ways. I am so thankful for all the people who have taught me so much over the years and for the staff, students, and parents of FMCS. I commit to taking what I've learned and using it to support stakeholders across the division going forward. I look forward to working with each one of you and to the adventures ahead."

Ben Giesbrecht, Principal
Fort Vermilion Public School / St. Mary's Catholic School

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Giesbrecht as Principal of Fort Vermilion Public/St. Mary’s Catholic School. Ben graduated from HLPS and returned to the Division in 2005 teaching at Rocky Lane, High Level Public and Florence MacDougall Community Schools before taking on the Principalship at Hill Crest Community School in 2018. Ben completed his Master of Education in 2020.

"I am excited and honored to build connections with the incredible staff and school community as Principal of Fort Public/St Mary's school. There is rich history and knowledge within this community that I hope to draw on as we build success in the areas of numeracy, literacy, and connectivity through a team-based approach. Looking forward to Flying with the Falcons!"

Kemoy Shaw, Assistant Principal
High Level Public School

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Kemoy Shaw as Assistant Principal of High Level Public School. Kemoy joined FVSD in 2013 as a teacher at Florence MacDougall Community School before moving to Spirit of the North in 2015. When the At-Home Learning Centre was developed in 2020, Kemoy joined the team to teach online learning students and returned to FMCS in January 2022 as Assistant Principal followed by his current position as Principal at Fort Vermilion Public/St. Mary’s Catholic School. Kemoy completed his Master of Education in 2020.

"I am thrilled and honoured to join the High Level Public School community. HLPS has a strong identity and culture that supports growth and learning. I look forward to working alongside the talented staff, students, and families to continue the tradition of providing programming that builds outstanding citizens and promotes academic excellence. Go Bears!"

Ron Wiebe, Principal
Hill Crest Community School

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Ron Wiebe as Principal of Hill Crest Community School. Ron grew up in the Blumenort/La Crete area, graduating from LCPS in 1999. In 2021 Ron returned to the area joining FVSD as Principal of Ridgeview Central School. Ron is currently completing his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology.

"Going to Hill Crest Community School is like going home for me. It's been 30 years since I went to school at Hill Crest. I am very excited to reconnect with the community and go on an educational journey together!"

David Gallant, Principal
Ridgeview Central School

We are pleased to announce the appointment of David Gallant as Principal of Ridgeview Central School. David joined the Fort Vermilion School Division in 2003 teaching junior high at La Crete Public School. Dave has worked as Student Engagement Coordinator, Assistant Principal at Sand Hills Elementary School, and Assistant Principal at La Crete Public School before taking on his current role as Principal of Blue Hills Community School. David completed his Master of Education in 2020.

"I'm grateful for this opportunity to carry on the strong programming and instruction being offered by the RCS staff. I'm looking forward to joining and working with them, the students, and the RCS school community and learning from the experience and expertise of the Ridgeview School Husky pack. Go Huskies!"

David MacDougall, Assistant Principal
Ridgeview Central School

We are pleased to announce that David MacDougall will be joining the Ridgeview Central School admin team as an Assistant Principal. David joined FVSD in 2000 teaching junior high at Buffalo Head Prairie School and high school at Blue Hills Community School in 2018 before taking the Assistant Principal position in 2021 at the school.

"After working with older students most of my career, this is an exciting chance for a new challenge. I am looking forward to working with a great staff and school community. I am confident I can find a way to use my strengths to serve this new school community."

Dale Driedger, Principal
Blue Hills Community School

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dale Driedger as Principal of Blue Hills Community School. Dale began his teaching career with FVSD in 2009 at Hill Crest Community School until he left the country to join the mission field in 2014. Dale returned to FVSD in 2020 teaching at Buffalo Head Prairie School before moving into his current position as Assistant Principal at the school in 2022. Dale is currently working towards completing his Master of Education.

"I'm excited to continue my professional growth by taking on the responsibility of guiding Blue Hills Community School. I look forward to connecting with the staff and families there and fostering positive connections among all schools in the Fort Vermilion School Division. Go Blazers!"