School’s new project sure to get tongues wagging

Many hands have made light work of a school project dedicated to providing a safe place for students to chat and remain mentally healthy.

Work on Cooinda Primary School’s “conversation corner” wrapped up last week and students are now being encouraged to use the space to have meaningful conversations with their peers.

What was once a “dead corner in the school” has been transformed into a bright and colourful space thanks to contributions from Bunnings Warehouse and Dulux who supplied paint, a shade sail and benches for the area.

The school’s art teacher bought the space to life with colourful paintings across the walls creating an “amazing backdrop” and the gardener installed the lawn and bolted the benches to the ground.

Variety WA also gave the school money to purchase an R U OK? bench and some Act Belong Commit signs.

Teacher and coordinator of the school’s ABC program Megan Cooper, said the construction of the corner had been a “real team effort”.

“It’s brought the school together in a really positive way,” Mrs Cooper said.

“It just looks stunning.”

A poem written by students also features on the wall, along with a painted “blackboard” that students are encouraged to share positive messages on.

Mrs Cooper said she was optimistic about the positive influence the space would have on the school community.

“Hopefully it will have a very positive effect and it will encourage that healthy conversation and enhance our mental health efforts and outcomes,” she said.