MAPLE GROVE ELEMENTARY

Maple Grove Elementary is preparing for its June 1, 2024, centennial celebration. This occasion is unique because the old and new schools still stand side by side, and both buildings will be open for guests to tour.

The original building was constructed soon after the First World War when Kerrisdale’s population grew. Over the years, the school experienced several expansions to accommodate a student population of close to 1,000 students in the 1950s. In 2016, the Ministry of Education announced a $24.4 million project to construct the new facility.

Maple Grove teacher Sharon Hales comments, “There was a huge amount of excitement from the students on our first day in the new building. They had their final day in the old school on Friday, November 27, 2020; the following Monday, the new school opened. Staff were excited and exhausted since we had a weekend to pack and set up our classrooms.”

Many memories will be stirred up when guests stroll the halls of the original school.

The celebration begins at 11:00 a.m. in the old school gym. Principal Nancy Bourque will welcome guests and dignitaries, and students and staff will speak. Attendees will have a chance to visit lunchrooms and empty classrooms, view photos from different points in the school’s history, and look at student-created projects relating to Maple Grove’s 100-year history.

Teacher-Librarian Linda Tornroos says, “Because the school is now closed, this may be one of the last times to visit it as its future is unknown. Attendees will want to see the gym and the stage, which have been the site of many concerts, presentations, plays, ceremonies, and all the games played there for over 100 years. They will also have an opportunity to revisit the library, which was the centre of the school. When past students visit their old classrooms, I bet they will find them much smaller than they remember.”

Following the visit to the old school, a Maple Grove staff member will take guests on a guided tour of the new building. Memorabilia will be for sale, including ball caps, clothing, and tote bags with various Maple Grove logos. Limited edition prints created by local artist Gary Nay depicting both schools ($5 for an art card, $120 for a framed print) will also be available.

Following the visit to the old school, a Maple Grove staff member will take guests on a guided tour of the new building. Memorabilia will be for sale, including ball caps, clothing, and tote bags with various Maple Grove logos. Limited edition prints created by local artist Gary Nay depicting both schools ($5 for an art card, $120 for a framed print) will also be available.

An Instagram photo wall will allow people to take selfies or hop into a photo with old friends. White Spot and Bubble Tea food trucks will be onsite, and there will be activities for children.

“Four teachers are writing a musical for current students to perform for their parents, paying homage to the school’s history. Students will take the lead roles in acting, singing, and dancing as well as production and tech support,” says Sharon.

Nancy mentions, “Staff and students are working on several whole-school activities to celebrate the events. Students are learning about the history of the school and the city. We are also working on a decades’ project where each class will research important topics from their decade and present them at the celebration.”

They are researching and presenting on topics including important historical events, famous people, fashion, music, art, dance, food, transportation, agriculture, scientific achievements of the time, and technological developments.

The anniversary committee invites alumni to share any photos, videos or stories on Maple Groves’ Instagram or Facebook pages.

Sharon says, “We have contacted our current school community and alumni through social media and have invited past principals, viceprincipals, teachers, and other staff. Alumni dating back to the 1950s are planning to attend. One alumnus even changed their flight to Europe to be present. A group of alumni from the 1980s are planning their own celebration following our event. Reconnecting with old friends will be an important part of this special day.”

The anniversary committee is comprised of the administrative team, several teachers (two attended Maple Grove as students), and parents. In addition to their day jobs, the committee is hard at work organizing this event and looks forward to welcoming guests to the celebration.

Mysteries are always fun to unravel. There have been discussions about whether a time capsule was buried in the front of the school as part of the 75th Anniversary celebration; however, past and present staff can’t remember if or where it may be located. If you know the answer, please step forward!

“Some of our teachers have been at Maple Grove for 30 years and more, including Sonia O’Toole, Chris Plavan, and myself. Students think I have been here since 1924! We have remained because the students, staff, and community have been so wonderful over the years. The school has become a second family,” Linda says.

Maple Grove Elementary invites all alumni to join the fun on Saturday, June 1, between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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Story by Sarah Gordon (April 2024)