For five years running, one Ottawa Kindergarten teacher has spared her students the bus ride and brought the pumpkin patch to them instead.
Mrs. Lindsay Carter, who teaches Kindergarten at an Ottawa Catholic School Board school, starts her Thursday before Thanksgiving long before the school day begins, heading out to Miller's Farm to load up on supplies, according to the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Her shopping list includes more than 150 pie pumpkins, bales of hay, an assortment of gourds and colourful chrysanthemums.
By the time students arrive, the school grounds have been turned into a seasonal display with the sights, colours and textures of autumn — and every Kindergarten student gets to take part.
The board says the tradition grew out of a simple observation: while many families count a trip to a pumpkin patch among their favourite fall activities, not every family can manage one. Busy schedules, transportation challenges and cost can all get in the way.
Rather than leave the experience to chance, Carter decided to bring it to school, ensuring no student misses out.
A tradition rooted in the community
The project also builds a link between the school and local agriculture. Carter has kept the tradition going for five years, drawing on a local farm each fall and supporting the growers who supply the pumpkins, hay and flowers.
For the students, the day is a mix of play and hands-on learning. According to the Ottawa Catholic School Board, the children explore the different shapes and textures of gourds, take in the bright colours of the fall flowers and experience the excitement of picking out a pumpkin of their own — alongside their classmates rather than on a separate family outing.
The board describes the event as a chance for seasonal discovery and hands-on fun rolled into a single memorable day, and says the deeper point is inclusion: the setup gives every Kindergarten student the chance to participate and make memories together, whatever their family's circumstances.
The tradition also reflects the board's stated commitment to nurturing, welcoming and inclusive school communities, where students can learn, grow and thrive.
Moments that outlast the season
In a note shared on its website, the board credited Carter with going above and beyond for her youngest learners, and framed her pumpkin patch as a reminder that education is about more than lessons and learning outcomes — it is also about creating moments of joy, building connections and making sure every student feels they belong.
The pumpkins, of course, only last the season. The board suggests the memories and the sense of belonging Carter creates for her students will last considerably longer.
