School’s out – partnership provides outdoor classroom

Students at Flinders View Primary School in Port Augusta will soon be learning in an outdoor classroom, through the support of an exciting new partnership with SA Water.

Students and teachers will move beyond the four walls of a classroom to learn and grow in their bush garden, which is being enhanced as part of SA Water’s 2022-23 Pirku-Itya (Reconciliation Partnership Program).

Pirku-Itya is a Kaurna word meaning ‘for community’, with the annual program providing funding for grassroots community events and projects run by not-for-profit organisations that contribute to reconciliation in South Australia.

The school’s Aboriginal Education Teacher Danielle Barnes said having the ability to build a space that creates a sense of connection, inclusion and belonging for students is incredibly important.

“We are excited for the children to experience learning in a unique setting that supports their development and builds a relationship between school, community and Country,” Danielle said.

“The bush garden is a central part of many of our school activities and will feature in events that celebrate reconciliation and cultural pride as part of Reconciliation and NAIDOC Weeks.

“By establishing the new Flinders View Primary Outdoor Classroom, we are inviting our students to connect with nature on a deeper level by engaging in learning that flows out of the classroom door.”

SA Water's General Manager of Strategy, Engagement and Innovation Nicola Murphy said the open-air classroom will become an important new learning hub that will positively impact students’ health and wellbeing.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the bush garden transform into an outdoor learning space, with the installation of tables and chairs as well as interactive signage that explains the uses of various plants in traditional and modern Aboriginal culture,” Nicola said.

“It’s exciting to support an initiative that provides important connection to culture and work with groups like the Flinders View Primary School who, like us, are dedicated to taking meaningful steps towards reconciliation.”

The partnership is one of six established across South Australia as part of Pirku-Itya this year, ranging from the revitalisation of Tauondi Cultural Ground in Port Adelaide to the creation of a native, drought resistant garden around the Yappala Art Gallery in the Flinders Ranges.

More information on Pirku-Itya is available at sawater.com.au.

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