On Friday 28 July 2023, the Anglicare Foster Care and Adoptions Centre in Telopea celebrated the launch of a new outdoor facility designed and built in conjunction with The King’s School.
“A partnership was established in 2021 between Anglicare and The King’s School to provide students with genuine, age-appropriate service learning opportunities that would benefit the students and the broader community,” says Headmaster Mr Tony George.
For the past 18 months, students at The King’s School have participated in a project to upgrade the outdoor space at the foster centre. The project has involved several faculties across the School, with students from both the Preparatory School and the Senior School contributing.
“The King’s School recognises that to equip students with the tools they require to make an outstanding impact on society, education must happen through authentic and tangible service learning experiences,” says Mr George.
Staff and Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students from Visual Arts, Industrial Technology, VET construction and the Preparatory School contributed by creating different elements of the sensory garden. The result is a new outdoor space which will provide a calm, positive and secure environment where children will meet their foster parents for the first time.
While the project forms part of the Service Learning program at the School, many students gave additional hours during lunchtime and after school to achieve the best results for Anglicare and the many families they support in the local community.
“Through the Service Learning program, students are becoming aware of the local issues and develop a sense of accomplishment and an attitude of service,” says Mr George.
The partnership with The King’s School and Anglicare will remain strong, with plans for the School to continue the upkeep and maintenance of the garden into the future.
