Sensory play area takes pride of place in Oristown NS

In 2021, Oristown National School took on the challenge of gaining an Amber Flag, part of an initiative from Pieta House to raise awareness for around mental health and wellbeing. The school flag committee, which consisted of third and fifth class members, focused on a number of goals, one of them being an outdoor sensory area.

Then principal Ann O’Kelly Lynch suggested the area behind the water tower.

Teacher Ellen Cummins explains: "Once we had the space we got to work on planning what we would like in the area. We made a wish list and presented it to the parents council. They were also hugely supportive and offers of helped rolled in.

“Without the supportive nature of the staff and community none of this would have been possible. A huge thank you to all those who donated to the online fundraising page and also those who showed up on site to help move materials and lend a hand where possible."

Thanks were expressed to Robert Duignan who volunteered his time and expertise to help with the ground work and paving, and to Thomas Reilly who designed and created the outdoor classroom and the tepee where the children enjoy reading, and the bridge where the children are always using the imagination to play different games on.

"Thank you also to Darragh and Nicki Browne for providing the materials and for being so understanding and accommodating; to Paul and Alison Ward for all their advice and support throughout the project; to Gary Anderson who volunteered his time, knowledge and expertise, and a special thank you to John Collins and all the crew at JP Paving and landscaping from Dublin who we contacted on facebook and they offered help when we ran into trouble," said Ms Cummins.

“I would also like to thank Michael and Dean Rooney from MLR Landscaping who provided the flowers and built the lovely raised beds.”

All this was done voluntarily. Katherine Murtagh’s talent is on display in the music area where she created a bright colorful space for the children to explore different sounds.

“The whole project would not have been possible without the organisational skills of Patricia Doyle and all the volunteers on the parents council who gave up a lot of time ensuring the project was on track.

“Last but not least thanks to Gerry McGarry for painting the wall under the outdoor class. It has really brightened up the area."

After the project was complete the name ‘Suaimhneas’ was given to the garden meaning ‘peace’ which is very fitting for the space.”