The opening of the Playground on Saturday 17 June was an unqualified success. The Playground was formally opened by the Hon. Minister for Education and Training before a substantial gathering which included;
Mr Stephen Price MLA – Member for Forrestfield;
Dr Tony Buti MLA – Member for Armadale;
The Major of Gosnells, Cr Olwen Searle JP;
The Deputy Major of Gosnells, Cr Julie Brown;
Ms Sue Cuneo, Regional Executive Director – Department of Education and Training;
Representatives from the Disabled Children’s Foundation;
Representatives of the School Council and P & C, and
Many present and past staff members.
Most importantly the event was attended by approximately 200 people consisting of students and their families including parents and siblings, staff and their families and other community members. It was particularly heartening to see people from a wide age range, with diverse needs joyfully sharing the playground. Feedback, both during and since the event, confirmed my view that the day was a wonderful community event.
I would like to pay special tribute to all those who attended as well as those involved in the detailed planning that went into this event. I am very proud of the many staff members who were in attendance; their help ensured that all our visitors thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
In a media statement about the event comments attributed to the Hon. Minister, Sue Ellery states that:
“The benefits of engaging the senses and using motor skills are immeasurable for students with disability, and range from increased confidence to improved social skills and enhanced co-ordination.
“Kenwick School’s specialist facilities and teaching make a world of difference to students with disability who attend the school from across the southern and eastern metropolitan areas.”
This statement really supports our perspective that the “Play-For All” Playground is a gigantic leap forward for the current and future students of Kenwick School. It is the culmination of our community’s long held desire to ensure that our students have access to a state-of-the art, inclusive playground that they deserve. A playground is specifically designed to challenge all students and facilitate the development of their physical skills and encourage sensory exploration required for their healthy growth and development.
Watch and share the Video
If you would like to see more of the Playground, the Department of Education and Training’s Media Unit has produced a terrific video. It is published on the Department’s Youtube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Alternatively you can type the “Kenwick School Play-for-All” into your favourite search engine and the video like should pop up. Please feel free to “like’ and “Share” the video to get this positive story out there.
In closing I will take the opportunity to wish you all a terrific and safe holiday break. I will see all students back on Wednesday 19 July.
Kind regards
Mark Watson
