Every September, Meadowridge’s Elementary students gather at Whonnock Lake to mark the start of a new school year with one of our favourite traditions: the House Picnic. This year’s picnic brought together Kindergarten through Grade 5 for a day of cheers, challenges, and community building by the lakeside.

The morning began with spirited House cheers led by our Grade 5 leaders that filled the park with laughter and pride, setting the tone for the rest of the day.

Students rotated through a series of House games and activities—parachute games, tag, relays, exploring Whonnock Lake’s playgrounds and of course, building sandcastles.

Students had the chance to collaborate across grades, share their creativity through the simple joy of digging, shaping, and decorating in the sand.

We asked some of our students what they enjoyed the most. Here’s what a few of them had to say:

“I liked the parachute game the most.” - Preston, Grade 2

“The playground and spinning on the spinning thing.” - Koa, Grade 2 (referring to the rotating spider climber)

“Playing in the playground and making sandcastles!” - Eshna, Grade 2

“I made an ocean in the sand, it was so cool.” - Sloan, Kindergarten

“I mixed water and sand and made SLIME!” - Gianna, Kindergarten

“I liked making palaces, but not real ones, just sand ones.” - Matteo, Kindergarten

"The cheering." - Liam, Kindergarten

While younger students found joy in the games and discoveries, our Grade 5 leaders had the opportunity to step into their new roles. They provided guidance, encouraged participation, and demonstrated leadership throughout the day. More than just a day at the park, the House Picnic is a celebration of community, belonging, and the spirited start of another school year at Meadowridge.