Happy Halloween Ridley!

Halloween, the 31st of October, has a rich history, going back almost two thousand years. Religious beliefs, ancient customs, myths, and modern practices all come together to form this spooky yet fun night we all look forward to each fall. And Ridley certainly doesn’t skimp on its Halloween celebration! Each year, students and teachers are encouraged to dress up in their costumes and come to school for a day filled with contests, delicious food, photo booths, parades, and, of course, candy!

Our Halloween began two days before the actual day, on the 29th. Lower schoolers got the opportunity to dress up and go trick or treating from boarding house to boarding house. It was delightful to see our young Ridleans dressed as a variety of characters including minions, superheroes, witches, princesses, and so much more. Our faculty and staff were dedicated to giving the kids an authentic Halloween experience, greeting them with huge buckets of candy and beaming smiles at each stop. Some upper schoolers helped too, proudly waving their house’s flag in the air and inviting kids to trick-or-treat at their door for a little treat.

Pumpkin carving at advisory started the Halloween season for our Upper Schoolers. Each house and Schoolhouse had interesting designs placed outside, all thanks to the creative minds of our students and faculty! The same week, houses also had the opportunity to participate in a Halloween decorating contest. Skeletons, tombstones, and cobwebs flooded the entrance of every yard. Our upper schoolers gave it their all to decorate their own ‘haunted house.’ Students also took memorable photos at the photo booth in the RMT and participated in a costume contest. This was also open to teachers, with categories like the best costume, scariest costume, and best group costume.

Finally, after waiting for months, maybe even years, the big day arrived on the 31st of October. It was a day like no other. As you entered campus, you came across a wide array of characters, ranging from spooky to adorable. I’ve got to say, one of the Upper Schoolers dressed as their beloved English teacher was my favourite. Throughout the day invisible men, video game characters, Men in Black, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and many more interesting personalities roamed about. The spirit of this day truly could be felt! Our teachers weren’t far behind with their creative looks and makeup. This was one of the many occasions where the whole Ridley community came together to be part of a celebration, and the participation of every individual was recognized and appreciated.

To start off the day, there was the Lower School parade. Our beautifully and spookily dressed lower schoolers marched proudly around the Front Circle. Our Upper Schoolers and faculty cheered them on. It was truly a sight.

We had our special Halloween assembly right after lunch, held by our Prefects! To start this off, all our house captains were introduced and honoured for their hard work. The assembly gave everyone important updates about the upcoming month, including the shoebox project, Remembrance Day service on the 6th, upcoming spirit nights, Casino Dance, and grad photos. The upper schoolers were also reminded of the Halloween movie night! Organized by our school prefects on Halloween night, the movie night gave our students the opportunity to see The Shining or Coraline at our new Iggulden Building. It was the perfect end to a wonderful day. The themed cookies and dessert in the Great Hall were the cherry on top!

Halloween celebrations this year stood to show us why we look forward to this day each year. It gives us a break from our daily routines and a chance to do something different. From the planning of what costume to wear to the decorations, every part of this celebration is just as enjoyable. Our community doesn’t shy away from the fun!