Garrafrauns NS celebrated the opening of Sensory Garden
IT was an exciting day for the local community in Garrafrauns, who celebrated the opening of a sensory garden at their local school on Friday, June 19.
Inspired by the African Keyhole gardening technique, the sensory garden at Garrafrauns National School, Dunmore features a circular raised bed with seating on the inside and a circular pathway on the outside with various sensory plants on the sides.
A willow dome woven in the garden is among the favourite spaces for the pupils who were sitting inside on bean bags, enjoying the nice weather.
“What I loved about the keyhole gardening concept was the sense of a circle, inclusiveness and togetherness,” explained Principal Claire Fitzsimons.
She told The Tuam Herald that the garden has been designed in a way that it also works as an outdoor classroom along with a gathering space for the local community.
“This is just the start of a blank canvas. I would like our pupils to take over and develop it the way they would like.”
The sensory garden was inaugurated by Principal Fitzsimons and some past pupils of the school, who were part of the initial plans for it.
One of the past pupils is Hannah Posse, whose vision board with flowers, garden and willow trees served as the initial inspiration to plan a sensory garden in the school.
“I used to make these vision boards as a young kid and now it’s great to see the garden come to life exactly the way I would have imagined,” said Hannah.
“My younger siblings and cousins are still studying here, and I believe they will be having great fun. I believe a space like this helps the students calm down when they get overwhelmed in school,” she added.
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CLAIRE Fitzsimons, Principal of Garrafrauns NS, with pupils Imogen Keaveney and Emily Clarke at the opening of the sensory garden. All photos: Ray Ryan RAY RYANImage 2 of 10
PUPIL Jaden Charles at the opening of sensory garden at Garrafrauns NS. RAY RYANImage 3 of 10
FREYA Kennedy and Ruby Tierney enjoying the willow hub. RAY RYANImage 4 of 10
CUTTING the tape were Lilly Kearney, Megan Healy, Sophie Healy, Claire Fitzsimons (Principal), Eva Daly and Erika Diskin. RAY RYANImage 5 of 10
CYRIL, Ursula, Ethan and Amber Greene beside the plaque unveiled at the opening of the sensory garden at Garrafrauns NS. RAY RYANImage 6 of 10
PAST teachers Ann Hosty, Chris Healy and Mary Murphy enjoying the sunshine at the opening of the garden. RAY RYANImage 7 of 10
AT the opening were Jimmy, Mary, Brenda, Jake, Ellie and Lauren Nestor. INSET LEFT: PUPIL Jaden Charles at the opening of sensory garden at Garrafrauns NS. RAY RYANImage 8 of 10
THERE is a variety of ornaments and plants in the garden. RAY RYANImage 9 of 10
AT the opening were Sinead Posse, Emily Cheevers, Hannah Posse and Jessica Posse. RAY RYANImage 10 of 10
MEMBERS of the Parents Committee Angela Slattery, Sinead Posse, Brendan Nestor, Katie Canny and Catriona Flaherty. RAY RYANFourth class pupil Saoirse Mullins has been an active participant in the development of the beautiful garden and said that she is looking forward to having somewhere calm and colourful to spend some time.
“It was really nice to get involved in planting the herbs and flowers. I would love to have more outdoor classes around the fountain,” she added.
The Garrafrauns Green School Committee also played an important role in the successful establishment of the sensory garden.
“They helped build the willow dome alongside Monique Augustin, Brigitte Grude and Tina Kelly,” noted Principal Fitzsimons.
“The school is now 50 years old and with this sensory garden we are acknowledging the past while building for the future,” she added.
Built with the money raised from last year’s Gerard Greene Memorial Truck and Tractor Run, the garden at Garrafrauns National School is a great example of community spirit.
“A total of €20,000 was raised through the fundraiser, but due to the parent’s support and donation of materials, we have been able to save some of it.
“This remaining amount will be used to kit out the sensory room and Operational Therapy (OT) being built as extension of the school,” explained Ms Fitzsimons.
She thanked the Greene family, the Parents’ Association and the local community for their help and support through the years.