Briagolong Primary School is ensuring its students are well protected from the sun while playing outside.
The school has installed shade structures over the playground area with a helping hand from the Federal Government.
Local MP Darren Chester said the $16,000 project was funded with a grant from the Local Schools Community Fund.
“Briagolong Primary School was among 11 schools across Gippsland to be allocated up to $20,000 for small-scale projects,” Mr Chester said. “These local schools shared a total of $200,000 allocated to our region.
“It’s a great pleasure to be able to help some of our local school communities, including those in areas affected by drought, bushfires and the coronavirus pandemic, to realise projects they would otherwise struggle to complete.
“Protecting our children from the sun is absolutely essential, especially during the warmer months. Shade sails are a necessity for playgrounds across the nation to protect our kids from the harsh Australian sun.”
School Principal Mark Donald said the shade sails would enable students to use the playground in all kinds of weather.
“The shade sails mean students have a shaded area to play and adds to our credentials as a Sun Smart School,” Mr Donald said.
“We came together as a community to raise funds for the upgraded playground, so this grant has meant we can complete the project with the installation of the shade sails.
“Our playground is also used by other local groups for different events and this improves the safety for those children as well.
“We are grateful to the community and the Federal Government for helping us to provide students with a protected, fun playground to use during their break times.”
