Bathurst MP Paul Toole said the school had been successful with its application for a Community Building Partnership (CBP) grant.

“As a school teacher, I know the importance of providing different avenues for learning, including environments that excite and inspire young people,” Mr Toole said.

“We are all individuals and learn in different ways. Sitting inside a classroom for hours on end is not always the greatest way to learn.

“Allowing children the opportunity to be outside in the fresh air, feeling, touching and doing can be the greatest way to learn and retain information.”

Mr Toole took a tour of the school to see the many changes taking place.

“This school has evolved so much in the past few years, I almost didn’t recognise it because of all the changes that have been made to the internal fitout as well as the gardens and playground areas,” he said.

“It’s a credit to the dedicated staff of St Philomena’s and the school community.”

Principal Louise Davies said the outdoor learning area would be positioned adjacent to the new infants classrooms.

“With the help of our very generous Parents and Friends Association and wider school community, we’re hopeful of having this wonderful area completed by the end of this year,” Mrs Davies said.

“While we have made many changes to our indoor learning environment, it just makes good sense to make the most of our beautiful outdoor space, creating something unique we can open up for the children to further learn and develop in.

“We as a school community are so very grateful and can’t wait to share this space with our children and families.”

If you are a community-based organisation with a project that will benefit your group and the wider community, visit the website at www.communitybuildingpartnership.nsw.gov.au to learn more about the program.

Applications for the 2018 program will be called for in May this year.