In June 2023, a wave of excitement swept through our community as a fundraising appeal commenced to rejuvenate our Middle Primary years’ play space. The vision? To transform it into the Wild Play Zone – an exhilarating, immersive outdoor environment that would ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and enhance both physical and mental wellbeing.
Designed to be much more than a playground, the Wild Play Zone sought to offer an extraordinary experience for our young learners. The fundraising effort, a testament to our community’s commitment, successfully raised an impressive $19,606.80. Parents and staff played a pivotal role in this achievement, partnering financially with the College to bring this dream to fruition.
Throughout Term 3, our students and staff watched in anticipation as the Wild Play Zone gradually took shape. However, the journey was not without its challenges. The construction team encountered an unexpected obstacle – a rock bed lying deep beneath the surface. This unforeseen difficulty added complexity to the project, but the team pressed on undeterred.
Finally, the long-awaited moment arrived in Term 4. On Wednesday, 6 December, the brand new Wild Play Zone was unveiled, ready to welcome a throng of excited children. This special day was marked by the presence of Principal Darnelle Pretorius, Mrs Sue Luce, Christian Life Committee, Mr Scott Puzey, Head of Junior School, Dr Gregg Weaver, Chief Education Officer of SCEA, and Dr Ray Bartell, Business Manager.
During the opening ceremony, Dr Ray Bartell thanked key staff members and parents for their hard work in bringing this vision to fruition and reflected on the journey, sharing a poignant story about a marri tree that fell in a storm back in 2021. In a beautiful twist of fate, this tree was repurposed and now stands proudly at the heart of the Wild Play Zone, offering a natural play structure for students.
Adding an artistic touch to the space, Art Teacher Mrs Paula Trevor dedicated several hours to creating vibrant depictions of Australian King-Parrots on the chalkboard, further enhancing the zone’s appeal.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, parents and children eagerly explored the new play area. The Wild Play Zone, more than just a playground, is a symbol of community effort and a commitment to nurturing the holistic development of our children.
