Ship's captains (From left) Denise Thomas (PPL), Jackie Ward (AP), Julia McLean (APRE) and Katherine McKay (Principal) at the official opening of the school's nautical themed playground
Preppies Lucas Hodge and Arion Tatton steer the boat back to school
AFTER weeks of social isolation at home the opportunity to shout “ahoy there matey", climb nets and steer a boat was in store for youngsters returning St John Vianney's Primary School, Manly, as they explored their new “nautical" playground.
Assistant Principal for Religious Education Julia McLean said the return of Prep and Year 1 students and the completion of the playground was perfect timing.
“We decide to combine two celebrations into one and officially open the playground with some pomp and ceremony as we welcomed our students back," Julia said.
“A prayer of blessing was offered, a ribbon was cut and a bottle of 'champagne' (soda water) was broken on the boat's bow," she said.
Julia said the dream of a new playground for the school by the bay began in late 2019.
After consulting with students, parents, and staff it was decided a nautical theme was contextually fitting and a design from Everything Outdoor Playgrounds won the community's approval.
Julia said the three classes of Preppies moved effortlessly around the space to the credit of designers Andrew and Tahnee from Everything Outside, who joined the opening celebrations.
“They explored everything on offer with sheer delight on their faces."
“Now we're looking forward to the return of the rest of our students and their reactions on their faces when they see our fantastic new playground," she said.
Ship's captains (From left) Denise Thomas (PPL), Jackie Ward (AP), Julia McLean
(APRE) and Katherine McKay (Principal) at the official opening of the school's
nautical themed playground