Students in the PDWRS HeadStart class hosted a function this morning to reopen the fountain in the Garden of Harmony between the Alexander Wing and Rosalind Park.
The long-term project has seen HeadStart students restore the fountain to its former glory under the guidance of their teacher Karen Green, and Mick Thoren from the Maintenance Team.
The original Garden of Harmony Project was driven by former Student Council Vice-President Claire Ormerod and fellow council member Sandra Jacka both from the Class of 2000. Claire spoke to students via video at this morning’s reopening ceremony.
“Working on the garden all those years ago was a big part of my Year 12 experience and the lessons I learnt have carried through to today,” she said.
“It’s wonderful to see new life being breathed into the garden for the next generation of students to enjoy.”
Today’s event also included video presentations by Year 12 HeadStart students who have already completed their studies and are now working full-time as apprentices or trainees. They were introduced by their Year 11 classmates.
Students from BSSC’s EAL Program were also in attendance and gave a welcome to guests in an array of different languages. It was great to see HeadStart and EAL students enjoying each other’s company over morning tea and a game of cane ball in the Harmony Garden.
Principal Dale Pearce thanked the HeadStart class for creating a space that students and staff will enjoy for many years to come.
“It connects together so many things,” he said. “Not only the skills learnt by Head Start students, but the connections made with the many cultures within our college—the connection to environment—and the connection to the history of the college.”
The garden is once again a tranquil place for study, relaxation and contemplation—just as Claire and Sandra first envisioned.
Headstart students also created a plaque that is installed beside the fountain, telling the history of the garden and fountain.
