Kellys Plains Public School Principal Mark Annetts, left, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, P&C President Stella Single, and teachers Catherin Szacsvay and Bec Bourke celebrate the funding win with the school’s students.
Friday, 27 November 2020
FOR the first time in almost two years, students at Kellys Plains Public School will soon have playground equipment to climb on and enjoy, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $32,230 State Government grant to install a new nature-based play space and garden.
Mr Marshall said the new equipment will fill the gap at the school left by the playground items removed by the Department of Education for safety reasons.
“Despite the all the old playground equipment being removed from the school the Department of Education refused to replace it, instead, leaving that job to the school community,” Mr Marshall said.
“Kellys Plains is a small school with limited funds and despite some outstanding fundraising efforts, there was still a huge amount of money required.
“I was approached by P&C Association President Stella Single to help out the school community and am delighted with this result, which will ensure all 24 students at Kellys Plains will next year have an exciting, modern playground to keep active and have lots of fun.
“I want to recognise Stella and all the members of the Kellys Plains Public School P&C Association for the work they have done fundraising the additional money needed to pull this build off.
“With the playground set to be prominently located right at the front of the school I think it will bring a real sense of pride and joy to the entire community.”
Ms Single said acquiring a new playground had been the major focus of the school community and everyone was extremely excited to finally see it come to fruition.
“We have received the most amazing community support for this project, from nature play educators to our local CWA,” Ms Single said.
“The P&C has been working closely with a Sydney-based company that specialises in nature based play spaces and gardens and we are hoping to have the playground constructed early in the New Year.
“Where we can, we will source the building materials and plants locally.
“We are so thankful that so many people believe in the vision for this space, and for a wonderful future for our school, and we can’t wait to be able to share this playground with them.”