Penola Primary School students are enjoying the recent addition of a gazebo in their nature play space.

Penola Primary School Principal Anna Copping said the gazebo was an undercover space for students to meet, chat and play and could also be an outdoor learning area for classes.

The gazebo was a relatively expensive addition to the area, so the Student Representative Council at the time wrote letters to local businesses asking for help to support the construction.

Bendigo Bank and Beach Energy generously donated two-thirds of the funds and the SRC hosted fundraising events to cover remaining expenses, including discos and dress up days.

The nature play area was two years in the making and was brought to life by students with the guidance of SSO and groundsman Matt Crewe.

Ms Copping said Mr Crewe had been “instrumental” with his working group ‘Matt’s Crewe’ and he worked with students so they could use their literacy and numeracy skills to solve real-life problems during the construction of the nature play area.

Ms Copping said the student’s involvement with the development and construction gave them a sense of ownership and a feeling of connection to the school.

“It’s really rewarding and the students are quite excited about it,” Ms Copping said.

“Especially some of our younger students who have seen it grow from the very first starting point up until completion.

“It’s a very busy area now and kids love being out there, it’s very well utilised.”

Ms Copping said they chose colours and products that would blend into the space over time and all the plants were natives, including many indigenous plants.

Students designed plaques to display alongside the plants which include information such as the type of plant and how it was used in indigenous cultures.

“It’s also an educational opportunity for students,” Ms Copping said.