Despite the high number of wet days experienced at Ebor each year, playtime outside the classroom at Ebor Public School will become an all-weather event.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The play area will soon be enclosed with a covered outdoor learning area (COLA) after Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced the school will receive $90,000 from the state government to pay for it.
Currently, the area at Ebor Public School can't be used in the cold months or during wet weather, which means students have to stay indoors.
READ ALSO:
Mr Marshall said enclosing the play area would give the school an additional building for use during community events and natural disasters, like the Black Summer bushfires.
"Ebor was one of the areas worst bushfire affected villages, with flames literally licking the back door of buildings on the edge of town," Mr Marshall said.
"Since that event, the community has rallied and put its efforts into enhancing infrastructure that will support locals safe during similar future events."
P&C President Sally Marsden has worked with Principal Lee Rose to develop a plan which will allow the COLA to be turned into a functional multi-use learning, play and community space.
Ms Marsden said the enclosed COLA would be an important addition to the facility.
"Since the bushfires and breaking of the drought, it has felt like there hasn't been a week when the children haven't been kept inside due to bad weather," Ms Marsden said.
"Enclosing the COLA has been a project on the P&C's priority list for a number of years, as we have wanted to create a space where children can burn off energy with active play during recess and lunch, no matter the weather conditions.
"The school is a gathering place for our community and I think the enclosed COLA will enhance that, by giving locals somewhere to hold meetings and come to in the event of another disaster.
"On behalf of the school and wider community I want to thank the State and Federal Government's for this generous support," Ms Marsden said.
Mr Marshall added Ebor Public School would also receive a new roof as part of the State Government's roof replacement COVID-19 stimulus program.
"Ebor is no stranger to the wet weather that rolls in from the coast, and so it's important the facility has a roof that can stand up to inclement weather, doesn't leak and protects the structural integrity of the building," Mr Marshall said.
"Ebor Public School was identified for the program based on the need of the school and community benefit.
"The program will utilise the Local Trades Scheme, a new online platform allowing local tradespeople to engage directly with government to bid for maintenance work at schools."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark armidaleexpress.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @ArmidaleExpress
- Follow us on Instagram @armidale.express
- Follow us on Google News