Nuriootpa High School is pleased announce a range of upgrades to inclusive education spaces thanks to the provision of over $8,000 in funding provided by the Trustees of the Rotary Club of the Barossa Valley Foundation Inc.

The generous financial support will fully fund multiple projects which will further enhance and support inclusive, engaging and accessible features across the Inclusive Education Centre (IEC) playground and outdoor areas.

“We cannot adequately express our gratitude for their support. Their contribution will create lasting benefits for our students, improving accessibility, communication, engagement, wellbeing, and opportunities for meaningful participation for years to come,” said Ms Beth Brown, Director of Inclusive Education at Nuriootpa High School.

Communication boards will be installed throughout the playground to support Augmented Alternative Communication (AAC) users and students who are still developing language and communication skills.

“The boards will provide students with additional opportunities to express their needs, make choices, engage with peers, and participate more independently in play and social interactions,” explained Ms Brown.

Outdoor experiences will also be enhanced for wheelchair users and students with mobility challenges through the installation of raised garden beds. The new garden beds will be used to establish a butterfly garden and to grow herbs to incorporate into cooking and life-skills programs, providing meaningful learning opportunities while promoting sensory exploration, environmental awareness, wellbeing, and student ownership of the space.

A specially designed outdoor xylophone will be installed to provide students with opportunities for creative expression, regulation, sensory exploration, and collaborative play within the playground environment.

Painted pathways and games to encourage movement, coordination, social interaction and imaginative play will also be added through a student-driven project to create a more vibrant and welcoming environment.

“These projects simply would not be possible without the extraordinary generosity and community spirit of the Rotary Club of the Barossa Valley Foundation Inc. Their willingness to invest in our students and support Inclusive Education within our school is truly remarkable,” reflected Ms Brown.