Sensory space to support wellbeing

THE development of Loreto College’s wellbeing precinct is set to include the construction of a sensory garden pupils and staff can retreat to.

Director of marketing and development Judy-Ann Quilliam is also a Sensory Garden Appeal fundraiser. She said this project responds to a school priority; supporting the wellbeing of all students.

“The wellbeing precinct will be a one-stop place students can go, with College counsellors, a learning support hub, and the sensory garden wrapped around it,” Ms Quilliam said.

“Loreto’s always been renowned for our beautiful gardens, but this one will be designed to appeal to all of the senses, with all plants and elements designed to enhance touch, smell, sound, and sight experiences.

“The pod chairs will move around, it will be a tranquil place, and a private corner space where students can sit quietly with a teacher, or by themselves. It’s all about wholistic wellbeing, which a lot of our families and past pupils see as a need.”

Designed by Wattle Flat’s Thomson Hay Landscape Architects, everything in the garden, whether built or natural, will be highly considered, including a combination of aromatic plants, and some without scents.

“Many plants have been chosen because when their leaves are touched or squashed, smells are released.

“The sound of water is a very important part of a sensory garden, so we’ll have a water feature. From a sight point of view, we’re including lots of different textures, shapes, colours and patterns throughout,” Ms Quilliam said.

“There’s a growing need to support students from a wellbeing perspective now. What students have been through in recent years has been pretty tough for them, so dedicated areas like this are a huge step in the right direction, letting them know that they’re safe and supported here at school.”

With the quiet space set to benefit current and future students, Sensory Garden Appeal fundraisers are reaching out to the community to financially support the project.

They are a quarter of the way to their $80,000 goal, and are keen for the broader Loreto College family, and Ballarat community, to read about the results of sensory gardens and how they can make people feel.

Visit bit.ly/3g75nf2 for more information or to make a donation.