An unused outdoor space has been transformed into a sensory garden at ECG Secondary College to improve student life.
Students were involved from start to finish in its creation, including co-designing, pitching ideas, creating budgets, planting, setting up the gazebo, creating mosaic stepping stones and undertaking artwork.
Located at Community College Gippsland (CCG) in Warragul, ECG is a registered independent specialist school which provides alternative secondary education for students aged 15 to 20 years.
CCG chief executive officer Dale Gemmell said ECG was uniquely suited for students "who don't fit the regular school system", and student wellbeing was of ongoing concern.
"The sensory space aims to create a calming and therapeutic environment for our students, and we are delighted to share its completion," Mr Gemmell said. "This space will be greatly appreciated by our learning community, providing a much-needed refuge for students to visit in times of stress and anxiety."
The sensory garden was created to provide a tranquil space to support students in resetting and relaxing before they return to their classroom. It aims to stimulate physical senses, improve and develop physical, emotional and mental health, provide therapeutic value, and encourage children to explore and enjoy the outdoor environment.
The project was a collaboration between CCG RTO trainers, Special Trades Training Pathways (STTP) students and ECG students as part of their learning under Vocational Education and Training Delivered to School Students (VDSS).
Mr Gemmell also praised "generosity and the support of the businesses and community for bringing this project to fruition."
Jana Group marketing director Helen Mogensen, viewing the finished sensory garden, congratulated the students and staff involved in the design and construction of the wonderful space.
"It has been a pleasure to be involved with a committed group of people who advocate and care for the education of all people," Ms Mogensen said.