End-Of-School-Year Picnic Offers A Celebration Full Of Excitement And Fun For Students

Anyone who has been in a school setting knows that, for students, the last few days of school are filled with so much excitement for summer break that they can hardly focus on schoolwork. On the very last day of school, St. Peter School elementary students are given to opportunity to embrace the excitement and spend the last half day of school doing what kids do best — have FUN!

This tradition has been going on for many years at St. Peter School and thanks to helpful and generous stewards, the students get to spend the last day playing games, enjoying snacks and treats, and having a lot of fun with their friends!

“The students have the opportunity to have fun with all of their friends, not just those in their grade level,” says Roberta Hutson, school secretary. “When you are in a classroom, you have to sit and be quiet and pay attention. Here, they get to let their hair down and enjoy the last day of school. It really is just a celebration of everyone!”

The last day of school begins with Mass in the church. Afterward, students return to their classrooms with the parent chaperones. From there, weather permitting, they head outside to enjoy a multitude of games, activities, and snacks. In years past, they have enjoyed different softball or volleyball games, water balloons, chalk, and a pool of bubble mix. Last year, they even had a relay race. In addition, there is a photo booth filled with props and the students can take home the pictures.

“The photo booth is always a huge hit!” says Mindee Miller, a parent volunteer who has organized this event for the past several years. “It is a great keepsake for the kids and they have a fun time trying on the props and taking fun photos with their friends.”

One of the parishioners of St. Peter provides DJ services and many of the kids spend a lot of the day dancing and singing along to the music. Some of the treats that they have had in past years include shaved ice, popsicles, popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, and chips.

“This day is just about spending one last day having fun with their friends,” Mindee says. “We enjoy providing the activities but they really don’t even care what they are doing. They are just having fun and enjoying themselves.”

“The celebration can be a little bittersweet,” Mrs. Hutson says. “You are saying ‘goodbye’ to the people you see every day during the year and the teachers are saying ‘goodbye’ to their students.”

This day of celebrating a complete and fruitful year is a fun one, but helpers are always needed. The hours go towards the parent’s required service hours and it is a great day of excitement with the kids.

As another school year wraps up, we share the joy of the children in our parish school as we celebrate another successful school year!

To find out how you can help with this fun event, contact Roberta Hutson in the school office at 217-223-1120.