Classes are ‘out’ thanks to Barwon Water grant

A Colac region school has looked outside the classroom in a bid to nurture students’ curiosity and love of the natural world.

St Brendan’s Primary School, in Coragulac, is encouraging students to connect with their local environment, after establishing a teaching and activity space set among a native garden.

“The students are keen investigators and wildlife warriors,” teacher Allira Kluver said.

“Anything that moves is a source of fascination and wonder.”

The small school, north-west of Colac, has used a Barwon Water grant of $2000 to create its inviting outdoor classroom.

Students are sitting on log stools to read and do their classwork, while engaging with the surrounding native flora and fauna.

The adaptable circular space has been used for everything from quiet reflection and conversation through to all-school events and assemblies.

The initiative draws on findings that regular outdoor play and activities benefit children’s learning and development, including their physical and mental health.

Barwon Water’s General Manager Customers, Community & Strategy Laura Kendall said the organisation’s grants program helped facilitate a diverse range of innovative projects.

“We’re pleased to help facilitate activities that encourage kids to learn more about their local environment, including the role of water, to be active and connect to nature,” Ms Kendall said.

“Supporting the fantastic work of local schools and community groups is one of the ways we can enhance the prosperity of our region.

“Our grants back initiatives that provide a variety of environmental, social, and health benefits, making our communities better places to live.”

St Brendan’s, Birregurra, Colac South West and Lake Colac were among 16 schools to receive funding this year via Barwon Water’s annual grants program.

Applications for the next round of School Grants and Community Grants will open in February 2025.

Funding is available to support projects which support at least one of the following:

- Saving water for our region

- Making our community a better place to live

- Helping people to be active and connected

- Improving the local environment; and

- Encouraging social inclusion.

Further information can be found at www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/barwon-water-grants.

St Brenda’s Primary School Principal Leanne Eastman and students Liam, Jess and Declan enjoy the outdoor teaching and activity space.