28.06.2023
Whitechurch NS Outdoor Classroom a Triumph for School and Community
The transformation of a sad and disused space into a magnificent outdoor classroom was celebrated on Monday morning (June 26) at Whitechurch National School. Two years of work culminated with the dedication of the new space by Archbishop Michael Jackson who commended the achievement which was as the result of the whole community working together.
The outdoor classroom project was developed by the school and parents’ association in partnership. Following the most recent extension of the school, an old prefab was demolished leaving behind a piece of waste ground. During Covid times the value of having outdoor space was realised and it was decided to reinvigorate the area as an outdoor classroom and sensory and wellbeing area for pupils with additional needs.
Nearly €20,000 was raised for the project and the construction was overseen by Cherry Sleeman, a school grandparent and garden volunteer, with assistance from parents and staff as well as Transition Year students from nearby St Columba’s College. In conjunction with the Creative Schools Programme, funding was received to commission artist Erika Tynan for work on a mural depicting the 200 year history of Whitechurch National School along with the parish and the surrounding area.
The Mayor of South Dublin County Council Cllr Emma Murphy joined the celebration with the pupils, members of the parents’ association, school parents, parishioners and select vestry members of Whitechurch and members of the school’s board of management.
The guests were welcomed by the Rector, the Revd David Bowles who congratulated all involved. After some rousing singing led by the school choir, Kirsty and Eli of the student council spoke about the importance of having an outdoor space they can all enjoy and painting of the new mural.
Prayers were led by Amelie and Dylan. Before dedicating the area, Archbishop Jackson said that the construction of the outdoor classroom was an important achievement. Turning to the colourful mural he said it was great to see the continuity which it depicted in representing the 200th anniversary of Whitechurch National School.
“The community came together to create this space. The classroom will be used by pupils and teachers and the mural holds together community and history. When we are outside we are part of God’s creation and are always working with creation. Care of creation is the fifth mark of mission of the Anglican Communion,” he said.
School principal Sarah Richards thanked everyone who had a part in the project and detailed its history. “This was a bit of a sad area. But the project came to fruition over the last school year when we came back after the pandemic and the pupils have really enjoyed using the transformed space. Almost all of the work was completed on a voluntary basis … and I thank everyone who helped,” she commented.
Cherry Sleeman has been visiting the school weekly to work with pupils on gardening. She described the process of designing and creating the project, including the extraction of a large granite boulder with the chance but timely arrival of a JCB. Erika Tynan described the collaboration between artist and pupils to create the mural. Both were presented with flowers to honour their commitment to the project.
