The community of St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, Milton, gathered in celebration when the Bishop of Wollongong, Most Rev Brian Mascord DD, visited to officially bless and open their new Outdoor Learning and Healing Space on 16 November, 2023.

The ReGROW, ReNEW, ReDISCOVER and ReUNITEproject, funded by the Australian Government, aims to help the school community heal from the effects of the devastating fires which ravaged the area in 2019-2020. 

Director of Schools, Peter Hill, said the new outdoor spaces will play a critical role in supporting students’ learning and wellbeing.

“Learning and wellbeing are inseparable, and contribute equally to helping students develop personal and sociable capabilities to sustain their health and wellbeing,” he said. “Particularly in the aftermath of the black summer bushfires, it’s vital that we take a proactive approach to building resilience, confidence and self-efficacy to equip St Mary’s students to become engaged and successful lifelong learners.” 

The project, a result of collective efforts from members of the St Mary’s school and wider Milton community, includes the construction of a range of multi-functional, sustainable outdoor learning and community spaces— including an interactive ‘Story Walk’ path, a mud kitchen, sustainable garden beds, and a sensory play space—that focus on healing and improving student’s mental health and wellbeing. 

Under the guidance of Uncle Phil Butler, a local Indigenous community member, students and staff were involved in the development of the ‘Story Walk’ path, which tells the local story of Pigeon House Mountain (Bulgan). Totem Poles, designed by students to capture the story, were hand-painted by a local Aboriginal artist. Produce grown in the new garden beds will be used in the school canteen, and as part of the school’s Stephanie Alexander kitchen garden program. 

Principal, Laurinda Nelson, said the development of the space allowed the school  and wider community to come together to create something positive. 

“This grant was a wonderful opportunity for our community to rebuild and heal after the devastation of the Black Summer Bushfires’ she said. “After so much pain, we wanted to come together in this space in a hopeful and joyful way. Our playground provides an opportunity for community to gather in connection with the environment through play, embrace of the traditional story of Balgan (Pigeon House mountain) in our story walk, and provide an opportunity for students to grow, harvest and prepare their own food, developing  lifelong skills will set them on a path of sustainability and environmental stewardship for life. We are truly blessed.’