Patsy Knafelc may be officially retired, but she hasn’t actually left Englefeld School just yet.

In fact, the principal had originally planned to retire last year before having second thoughts.

“It’s a hard decision to make. When you’ve poured your whole life into something and are truly passionate about it, I think that’s, for me, the huge factor, is just I’m so passionate about what I do,” Knaflec said.

"And it’s very hard to say goodbye to something that has been my life and has defined me all my life.”

Now, Knafelc (pronounced Kan-A-full) is finishing off one last school year, drawing a 36-year career to a close.

Aside from eight years in Watson teaching full-time core French, she has taught entirely at Englefeld - which is her hometown - including the last six years as principal.

“Patsy has dedicated her career as an educator to the betterment of her students and staff, and has done a tremendous job of serving as principal of Englefeld School for the past six years,” Horizon School Division director of education Kevin Garinger said in a recent newsletter.

Teaching had always been a dream for Knaflec, she said. She had great teachers as mentors and wanted to follow their lead.

“I grew up in an era where you were either a secretary, a nurse or a teacher. And teaching was my calling from a very young age, even when I was in high school.”

Englefeld School has about 90 students from Grade K-12 and has a relaxing, comforting atmosphere, she said. It feels like a family - literally, in her case.

“I’ve always felt like this is home. My own daughters went to school here. Right now two of my grandkids are already in school here. It’s home.”

Education may have changed over the decades, with new curriculums, new technology, and kids now more aware of the world.

Her passion for her students, however, has remained constant.

“They’re my reason for being here. Watching their successes, supporting them through their struggles, celebrating their wins.”

Her advice to her successor: lead from the heart, be proactive and work as a team.

Knaflec has some ideas for what she’ll do in retirement, but the immediate plan is to substitute teach at the school and, most importantly, spend more time with her grandchildren.