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As we celebrate Meadowridge School’s 40th anniversary, we honour the memories, milestones, and moments that have shaped our community. In this special collection, we’ve gathered 40 unique stories—each told in about 40 words—highlighting our rich history and enduring spirit.
Mr. Scott Banack
Head of School, Grade 8 & Grade 11 Parent
For 40 years, Meadowridge School has flourished thanks to our visionary founders, dedicated educators, supportive families, and inspiring students. From humble beginnings, we have grown into a thriving community, united by our mission: Learning to live well, with others and for others, in a just community.
Manny B.
Grade 11 Student
As a student at Meadowridge for seven years, I cannot help but be grateful for the help I have received from teachers. The school provides many unique opportunities and resources for students to thrive in academics and extracurriculars.
Steve Just ‘05
Alum, Board Member
When I joined Meadowridge in 1998, I could not have imagined the impact the community would have on me. As an alum, I’m grateful to now give back, serving as a board member, donor, and coach. As Meadowridge grows, the community will always remain important.
Mrs. Marie Clement ‘00
Alum, Teacher since 2007
I forgot to stand up to greet Mr. Graveson when he came in the door. I didn't bring my agenda to any of my classes, and my glasses broke at lunch, so I spent the afternoon holding my lens in with three pieces of tape. After all that went wrong, I still had wonderful friends, supportive teachers, and a great community ever since.
Ms. Julie Bournival
Staff Member since 2003, Alumni Parent ‘16
In my 21 years here, opening the theatre was a turning point. Before then, students ate in hallways, classrooms, and atriums. Theatre productions shared the gym, limiting practice and game time. This new space transformed the school’s atmosphere, creating a vibrant gathering hub and reshaping how our communities across the continuum connect and flow together.
Mr. David Noble
Teacher since 1994
A core memory… Garrett and Mitchell Hookey gamely shovelling a foot of snow from the front of the school to the gate because our Headmaster, Graham Hookey, couldn't bear to shorten our North-American-leading 195 teaching day year by calling a snow day.
Amelia & Adam S.
Grade 9 & Grade 7 Siblings
Meadowridge has profoundly impacted our lives, primarily through overnight trips. These moments, from silly games to late-night talks, make us feel closer like one family. Looking back, it’s incredible how far the school has come, growing closer and creating unforgettable experiences.
“It isn’t easy to choose a single standout memory after 20+ years at Meadowridge. What I have enjoyed the most are some of the amazing people I have had the opportunity to meet and work with.”
Mr. Hugh Burke
Headmaster from 2001 to 2021, Alumni Parent ’16 & ‘08
How do we create a school where our children learn? Learning by doing... playing alone and together, cooperating and competing, imagining, creating, remembering, experimenting, questioning, singing, planting. Sharing their understanding... learning to think, to write, to act, to speak in many languages, to represent the world in words, numbers, music, and images… learning, each and all, to seek truth, to care for themselves and for our world, and to know gratitude. We create Meadowridge.
Kayleigh F.
Grade 11 Student
As a new student in Grade 11, Meadowridge’s welcoming community stood out to me. I specifically remember the Loon Lake trips and how they allowed me to get to know my peers while doing memorable activities. Spirit day is always a unique experience, competing against formidable opponents we usually call our friends. Overall, in the short time I’ve attended Meadowridge, I’ve seen growth and efforts to improve the school for its students, for example, through the fine arts centre.
Dr. Danie Gouws
Alumni Parent ’11, ’14 &’21, Board Member
Reflecting on Meadowridge’s journey, a pivotal moment stands out: joining the Board in 2004, where I witnessed its transformation under Mr. Burke’s leadership. With dedicated leadership and community support, the school overcame financial challenges, expanded its vision, and flourished, achieving remarkable growth.
Dr. Aurora & Dr. Cristian Ghenu
Grade 4 Parents
Meadowridge has supported our daughter’s holistic learning for the past five years, considered our family’s wishes, and happily helped us navigate through challenges or beautiful school moments year after year. We are grateful to have witnessed and immersed ourselves in many school social events, such as back-to-school picnics, cultural celebrations, golf days and the Gala, that bring families together, genuinely creating a close-knit community we feel proud to be part of.
Ms. Barb Durno
Teacher from 1999 to 2021
Meadowridge is an educational masterpiece. As a teacher alumnus, I hold my head high, thinking I am part of its history. The commitment to superior educational practice was always there, but now the facilities and grounds have become an impressive match.
Ms. Robyn Sheffield
Staff Member Since 2022
It’s a small world at Meadowridge. I reconnected Ms. Hops, who has been part of the school community for over 30 years, with a 2014 graduate I knew. We filmed her reminding him to stay in touch and sent it to him. That memory stands out the most to me; rumour has it they still talk occasionally.
Veer G.
Grade 12 Student
I appreciate how Meadowridge always starts the year with WWOW week. It allows new students to meet their class and facilitates stronger relationships. It truly embodies the spirit of learning to live well with others and for others in a just community.
Mr. & Mrs. Samir & Shilpa Shah
Alumni Parents ’24, Grade 7 Parents, Board Member
Reflecting on our children’s time here brings to mind unforgettable moments - field trips that sparked their curiosity and connection, building fires, and kayaking across the Indian Arm. Each experience has strengthened their resilience and curiosity, embodying Meadowridge’s commitment to fostering well-rounded, adventurous learners.
Dr. Ockie Lampen
Alumni Parent ‘11, ‘14 & ‘18, Past Board Member
Mr. Hugh Burk, the headmaster during my children’s time at Meadowridge, was an exceptional visionary. His leadership and mentorship shaped my children’s education and steered the school through challenging times, ensuring its resilience and success. His dedication to both students and the school’s future was truly inspiring.
Ms. Lucy Wu
Grade 10 & 12 Parent, Board Member
I was amazed watching my children grow into their own, with confidence and no hesitation. In this community, each student finds their path, discovering strength and purpose that carries them forward with courage and determination.
Mr. Mike Beaton
Grade 4 & Grade 8 Parent
A standout memory for me was my initial tour of the school, which was led by two confident, knowledgeable young students who introduced me to Meadowridge. Their enthusiasm for its culture and pride in their school convinced me this was the perfect place for my family to grow and thrive.
Dr. Arvind Kang
Alumni Parent ’14, ’16 & ‘19
From their first steps in Kindergarten to graduation, Meadowridge shaped my three children into empathetic and thoughtful individuals. They learned resilience, academic excellence, and the joy of service. The school’s mission wasn’t just taught but embodied, fostering a lifelong commitment to living well with and for others.
Mrs. Cathy Graetz
Teacher from 1996 to 2013
When I started at Meadowridge in 1996, we were the little school that could: with students and a facility about a third of its current size, we were already garnering a regional reputation for offering quality education in a caring environment. Fast forward almost 30 years, and we’ve become the school that can and does: with a school population of ... students and a spacious modern facility set in beautiful grounds, we’ve earned an international reputation as a top-rated educational institution whose staff, parents and students are all committed to “learning to live well, with and for others, in a just community.” What a privilege to share this exciting journey!
Ms. Kristal Bereza
Staff Member since 2005, Grade 9 Parent
In 2012, I was speaking at the graduation dinner. I had taught this group from Grade 6 through Grade 12. As their current English teacher, I chose to find a children’s book with a celebratory message. As I was reading, all the graduates came to the front of the banquet hall and sat on the floor like eager students (suits, dresses, and all) to hear the story. It was such a touching moment of connection that has stuck with me.
Mr. Bob Gill
Alumni Parent ’16, Former Board Member
Under the adept leadership of Hugh Burke, the school changed from the little red schoolhouse that was unsustainable when Colin attended Kindergarten to an IB continuum school, internationally recognized for its broad-based curriculum as well as for well-rounded, happy students when he graduated. The change has been exceptional.
Mr. Graham Hookey
Headmaster from 1990 to 1997
Being part of the dedicated team of Board members, staff, and parents who brought the school to its 240th permanent site and built its first three phases was unquestionably the most rewarding experience of my entire career. I have nothing but fond memories and total respect for everyone involved!
Ashita B.
Grade 4 Student
In Grade 1, we learnt about insects. Each of us got to take care of our caterpillars. We fed them and even named them. We saw how they wrapped into cocoons and shaped into butterflies. We then released them into the North Forest and in the garden in Spring around all the flowers, which was nice to see.
Mrs. Natalie Gunning
Staff Member since 2010, Alumni Parent ‘22
A single standout memory… Watching my son toss his grad cap in the Class of 2022's Convocation Ceremony. I felt immense pride and gratitude reflecting on his tenyear journey at Meadowridge.
Sirat K.
Grade 4 student
In Grade 3 last year, we went with Mrs. Banack to the North Forest to pick out invasive wild blackberries that were suffocating and harming the native plants Meadowridge had planted there. This experience taught me how important it is to care for and protect our North Forest.
“Watching our campus transform while teaching Kindergarten was a standout memory. My students and I cleared the floor to watch the house demolition for the Early Learning Centre. The best part for the students was seeing the crane lift a toilet out in one piece!”
Michelle Zhang ‘22
Alum
One memory that stands out to me is Meadowridge’s service trips, mainly my trip to Kenya, where I saw a pride of lions. Reflecting on Meadowridge’s growth, a significant turning point was the expansion of the new high school building, with the latest equipment and space allocated for the older students.
Ms. Jennifer Higginson & Ms. Courtney Higginson
Teachers since 2005 & 2010, Grade 5 Parent & Aunt, Sisters
When you have been attending Meadowridge since before birth and your mom and aunt have been working here for a combined 35 years, these hallways feel more like a home than a school. There may only be three Higginson’s in the building, but the feeling of family continues to grow.
Mrs. Sonal Singh
Kindergarten & Grade 2
Parent In the last two and a half years, Meadowridge has become part of our family. We have built strong connections with our daughters’ teachers, the administration, and other families and formed a community here. Our favourite memories have been all the inclusive holiday celebrations. During the Diwali celebration in 2023, our first year at Meadowridge, I realized how impactful the celebration was in my daughters’ eyes.
“Reflecting on our children’s time here brings to mind unforgettable moments - field trips that sparked their curiosity and connection, building fires, and kayaking across the Indian Arm.”
Carina Luo ‘22
Alum
My core memory at Meadowridge was in October of Grade 12. It was intense yet fun staying up late with my friends, working on our biology IA, and then heading straight to a volleyball tournament the following day. Balancing multiple assignments, university applications, and extracurriculars was challenging, but it brought an incredible sense of accomplishment and deepened my bonds with my friends.
Ms. Cindy Hops
Teacher since 1992
In my first year at Meadowridge, my lab supplies were limited to a candle labelled “Fuel,” a couple of skulls and a butterfly carcass. By 2022, I had travelled with two different teams of innovators to execute their original experiments on the multi-million-dollar Particle Accelerator at the University of Saskatchewan! Dreamers who dare to take risks, take action and persist are the ones who shape the world. Meadowridge stands in as a testament to that truth.
Miss Tamara Warner
Staff Member since 2002
Watching our campus transform while teaching Kindergarten was a standout memory. My students and I cleared the floor to watch the house demolition for the Early Learning Centre. The best part for the students was seeing the crane lift a toilet out in one piece! Learning becomes magical when we slow down and embrace the world around us.
Mr. & Mrs. Mahmud & Rishma Sunderji
Alumni Parents ’23 & Grade 11Parents
Since joining Meadowridge in 2010, we’ve cherished the close-knit community and the pride of being ‘lifers.’ Watching our eldest graduate in 2023 and now seeing our younger daughter thrive in Grade 11, leading the debate tournament, reaffirms that Meadowridge truly prepares its students for their future.
Danielle Christensen
Staff Member since 2018
I vividly remember arriving at Meadowridge for my first interview, captivated by the breathtaking campus. Years later, I still find myself in awe of our stunning surroundings, but even more, I cherish the vibrant community and the meaningful relationships I’ve built with families and friends. Meadowridge holds a special place in my heart, and I am truly grateful for every moment here.
Mrs. Candace Gottschalk ‘00
Alum, Grade 4 & 6 Parent, Board Member
A standout memory for me has and always will be everyday shaking the Headmaster’s hand in the morning, I have fond memories when first attending Meadowridge of this daily part of my routine. At that moment, it may not have been as significant, but as I look back on it now, it was a memory that taught me the art of the handshake and how it is a symbol of “good faith,” peaceful intentions, and no ill will towards each other; a sign of respect. It also taught me how to have a strong handshake! The daily routine of the handshake every morning grew to be so much more than having respect and caring for each other within the community of Meadowridge.
Caja Blomley ‘13
Alum
The care, kindness, and compassion the teachers at Meadowridge have for their students stand out most when I think back to my time there. I still feel this warmth whenever I walk back into the school. As I move forward in my career, I’ve worked to bring this kindness into the spaces and situations I encounter. School can be an uncomfortable space for some, and through the same care that was modelled to me, I work to make it better.
Mrs. Charlene Smoke
Staff Member from 2020 to present
Some of my most cherished memories at Meadowridge are in the North Forest, where I’ve stood alongside students and colleagues as facilitators and participants. We’ve connected deeply with the land, embraced cultural teachings, and built meaningful relationships with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers. Witnessing these connections come alive at our Indigenous Peoples Day Assembly has been incredibly moving, reflecting our growth and shared understanding journey.
Cassia N.
Grade 8 Student
The school has grown so much since I started Kindergarten in 2015. I was in the first class in the ELC building, watched the high school complex take shape in Grade 2, and saw the elementary playground transform in Grade 6.
Scott Spurgeon
Staff since 2000
It isn’t easy to choose a single standout memory after 20+ years at Meadowridge. What I have enjoyed the most are some of the amazing people I have had the opportunity to meet and work with. This includes students, coaches, parents, staff, officials, and organizers. I now love to meet alumni and past community members to chat about the ‘good old days.
Mrs. Stephanie van der Pauw
Kindergarten & Grade 2 Parent, Former Student
When we had our children, we knew we wanted them to attend Meadowridge as we did. We were blown away by the Early Learning Centre and the North Forest, and Campground. It is important to us for our children to have access to nature and play-based learning.
“Meadowridge is an educational masterpiece... The commitment to superior educational practice was always there, but now the facilities and grounds have become an impressive match.”