1990 – 2003
As the Walnut Grove subdivision area north of 88 Avenue became larger, in order to accommodate the all of the students, the School District began the planning and construction of a new high school at 8919 Walnut Grove Drive in northeast Langley. Many of the students were bussed to Fort Langley Junior Secondary and R. E. Mountain Secondary until the new Walnut Grove School was opened in 1990 with Mary Wright as principal.
As the population grew, the School District had to set up many portables (25 at one point) on the grounds in order to house the students. In 1996-7 a science addition, a gym, and nine classrooms were added. In 2000 a multi purpose room, ten classrooms and two science labs were also added. In 2002 the school was the largest in the Langley District, with 35 standard classrooms, 12 science rooms, 2 home economics labs, 3 gyms, 3 shops, a career centre, computer room 2 multipurpose rooms, a technology room, graphics room, 5 seminar rooms, a band room, drafting room, 4 business education rooms, 3 LA rooms, 2 EMH rooms, a LD room an ESL room, 2 drama rooms, a choral room and a pottery room. In 2004, there are 1,892 students at Walnut Grove, plus 20 international students. There is also a school store called “Back Street”, which is run by the marketing innovation students.
The school sits on 14.36 acres (5.81 hectares) and has a sewer system and water main to the school. There are 8 phone lines, a fax line, a modem line, and an alarm line into the school. A galvanized chain link fence surrounds a 6-lane paved running track. An irrigated playing field lies within the track oval. There is also one outside basketball court on the grounds. The building of the Walnut Grove Community Centre and swimming pool just south of the school has enhanced the recreational opportunities for both the students and the community.
The school colours are white, black, and teal. The school motto is “Together We Learn”, and the school logo is the Gator. The school’s vision is that every student will learn, grow, and be challenged to be successful.
At each grade level, Gator Awards are given out. These include awards for academics, contribution, effort, athletics, and music.
Drama and music programs at the school include theatrical productions (a musical every 2 years), improv teams, concert and jazz bands, and concert and jazz choirs.
The special programs at the school challenge students at all levels of interest. The advanced placement courses offered are calculus, English, physics, biology, chemistry, and psychology. French immersion is offered at each grade. Computer animation and web design challenge the computer enthusiasts. “Edge” is an outdoor educational program offered at Grade 10. The academic program at the school is very strong, with the grade 12’s winning over 20 provincial awards each year, as well as numerous local and university awards.
Walnut Grove has always had a strong teaching staff and coaches. It was a very sad time at the school when long-time drama and French teacher, Ed Izrael, suddenly passed away during the Christmas holidays of 2000.
Mary Wright has remained as principal since 1990, with numerous vice principals over the years, including Dave Coutu, Don McBeath, Frank Roberto, and Mark Rempel. In 2002-3 the vice principals are Jim Darby, Burns Maddin, and George Costello. The head secretary is still Loraine Blackall.
Walnut Grove is very strong in athletics, with Gator teams in volleyball, cross country, soccer, swimming, rugby, golf, basketball, curling, and track and field.
