Pella Christian High School

Pella Christian High School students were adjusting to new leadership at the school during the first week of classes.

New Interim Principal Clyde Rinsema was originally the school’s leader from 1988 to 2002, and returned this year following Darryl De Ruiter’s departure. Rinsema retired after 40 years in Christian education in 2012, and was approached by Board President Greg Stravers to return for one year last spring.

“My first reaction to that was, ‘that would be intriguing,'” Rinsema says. “What would it be like to go back to a place you’d been for 14 years?”

Student Council Member and Senior Cara Theune says she heard about Rinsema from her mother, who used to teach at the high school. She says it’s been great to see him interact with her classmates.

“We were here for the freshman day and I had to help with freshman initiation,” Theune tells KNIA/KRLS News, “and I saw him there, and he was eager to shake everyone’s hands–same for our first day of school chapel.”

“He was really excited to know students–he wants to know them personally, and he wants to connect with all of us.”

Rinsema plans to be heavily involved as the principal this academic year, and is also on the search committee for the next permanent principal at the school. We have more with Rinsema on Let’s Talk Pella.