Mary’s Mount Primary School last week celebrated the launch of their new nature playground, Loquat Grove on 20 October with an aim to provide a fun, creative and social environment for students to be one with nature. Photo: Natashya Fernandez.
Mary’s Mount Primary School last week celebrated the launch of their new nature playground, Loquat Grove, with an aim to provide a fun, creative and social environment for students to be one with nature.
The event on 20 October was inaugurated by Maggie Dent, one of Australia’s leading educational and parenting consultants and blessed by Kalamunda Parish Priest Father Antony Suresh.
Assistant Principal Loretta Hackner welcomed everyone to the much awaited day and said that it was an exciting occasion for the school community.
“It is a day where we publicly open Stage one of our adventure playground and unveil the name of this magnificent space. Today is also the day where we say thank you to the many people who have worked on this playground, especially our coordinators, Kate MacRae and Faye Valli,” she added.
The event was inaugurated by Maggie Dent, one of Australia’s leading educational and parenting consultants and saw students, teachers, parents, family and friends attend. Photo: Natashya Fernandez.
An advocate for children’s need for play and interaction with nature and the environment, Ms Dent said that she was thrilled to be present for the occasion.
“In an age of digital dominance, the need for play opportunities outdoors and with nature are essential, not only for physical coordination, but also for problem-solving and emotional benefit,” Ms Dent said.
While the first ideas for the playground began in 2015, with the help of the students from year six (now year eight), surveys were conducted and plans were drawn up on what they wanted in the playground, Mrs Hackner explained.
“In these early stages, it was important for us to know what the students wanted as much as it was important for us to have the student’s input. And while the initial stages commenced with the addition of veggie garden beds, building of a timber fort, inclusion of fallen logs for climbing and exploring and climbing ropes up the sturdy loquat and jacaranda trees, these were all aspects that brought much excitement to the children who were keen to broaden their indulgence in imagination, creativity and exploration.”
The event was blessed by Kalamunda Parish Priest Father Antony Suresh, and saw students, teachers, parents, family and friends attend. Photo: Natashya Fernandez.
Mrs Hackner said that none of this would have been possible had it not been for the combined efforts of the Mrs MacRae and Mrs Valli, including the many other volunteers, parents and students who spent weekends toiling away to make it what it is today.
Students walked together with Ms Dent through the playground, and took turns explaining its various parts, including the veggie garden, climbing ropes, tower of terror, outdoor classroom, fairy garden, noughts and crosses, waterway, mud kitchen, loose parts play area, and tunnels.
Special mention was also given to Year six student, Sienna Glazebrook, for her initiative of the name of the playground, which is a native Chinese flower.
Mrs Hackner concluded by saying that the opening of the playground is a reflection of the communal excitement and pride for the school.
“I believe that with this official opening, we have a safe and welcoming area for children of all ages.
“I believe that we have created a place where kids can reconnect with the outdoors via unstructured play and discover the fun and beauty of nature for themselves,” she concluded.
