In the times we live in, people are doing things that they would never have thought of doing before – and this certainly fits that narrative.
Portarlington BNS are developing a very special space that will be used as an outdoor classroom.
Located on the grounds of the school, the ‘Trinity Loop’ will be four separate areas: The Sensory Garden, The Outdoor Classroom, The Vegetable Garden and The Wild Willow Woodland.
On Friday, boys from Junior Infants, Senior Infants, 1st, 2nd and Arc classes all planted a tree for the new Portugese Laurel hedge that will form the perimeter of the new space.
Principal Pat Galvin unveiled the plans recently and explained how the idea was originally inspired by a parent of one of the pupils.
He said: “The central piece of the garden is the Trinity Loop, which Barcelona based artist, Anaisa Franco, has been commissioned to create as part of the Percent For Art Project.
“Our Public Art Committee of Stephen Terry, Rachel Rafferty, Sandra O’ Neill, Ann O’ Neill, Eileen Ryan and Curator Rina Whyte, are delighted to be working with Anaisa and hope to have her stunning interactive piece installed later in the year.
“This is a very exciting project and will hopefully provide many years of fun and learning for the boys.
“Never before has there been more of a need for the boys to have access to quality outdoor education and adventure.
“The garden project has developed from a plan that Sandra O’ Neill, a parent of one of our boys, created for us when we were initially looking for another space for the boys to enjoy.
“Having sown the seeds of creativity, Ms Rachel Rafferty, has developed Sandra’s plan to incorporate the Trinity Loop and four interconnecting spaces, in our very own natural wonderland.”
Pat is now appealing for sponsors or donors to get in touch to help drive the project forward.
He said: “Over the coming weeks and months we will be actively on the lookout for any sponsors or donors who would like to be associated with this amazing project.
“If you are in a position to do so, or know of someone who would, please do not hesitate to contact myself or Mr Terry.
“We will also be in contact shortly with some fundraising ideas for our boys and their families.
“Your continued support on initiatives such as this, is what makes them possible and gives your boys the best possible setting for their learning and wellbeing.”
Check out some great pictures from the launch below:
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