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From top, wooden pallets were recycled to create mini gardens against a retaining wall. Painted tiles have turned a boggy unused area into a place that children can use at playtime.
A Dr Seuss-inspired Truffula Oasis, a metallic scarecrow called Bolt and a colourful interactive wall are among the projects that have added colour and fun to Gulf Harbour School’s outdoor areas.Students throughout the school have been working on creating interesting, colourful and interactive areas for play and learning to brighten up the grounds.
The school opened in 1998 and assistant principal Charlotte Brown says it was due for a makeover.
Her idea of getting the students involved was taken up with enthusiasm. Teachers visited the Kaipara Sculpture garden for inspiration and classes came up with projects to reflect the culture and values of the school in its outdoor areas. The results reflect around a term’s work and the support of Mitre 10.
At a special Inside Out open day on September 10, parents/caregivers and the community were invited to take a stroll around the school and view the children’s work – most of which will remain permanently in place.
Formerly unused areas such as spaces under stairs, retaining walls and cloakrooms have been given a spruce up with gardens, and painted signs. Sandpits and planter boxes are freshly painted and decorated.
Charlotte says that the students learned a lot from working on the projects and the completed additions have helped them take ownership of, and pride in, their school.
