By CASEY NEILL
A DRAB wall at a Springvale school is now a sensory showpiece.
For the past few months Pakenham artist Belinda Conibeer has worked with Springvale Park Special Developmental School art teacher Katina Vryonis on a 17-metre mosaic.
The mural is the backdrop to a sensory garden and has a native animals theme.
“We both had the same sort of idea – animals and birds and bugs and things from the local area that the kids might see,” Ms Conibeer said.
They unveiled and celebrated the finished artwork at a grand opening on Monday 25 August.
“It was great to see it finished and to stand back and go, ‘wow, we did that’,” Ms Conibeer said.
“It’s my biggest mosaic yet.
“I feel part of the school. There’s going to be more projects in the future.
“The kids finding a piece that they worked on – that’s the best.”
Students helped to create three large butterflies that feature on the wall, which also contributes to the sensory garden through round pebbles, cup handles and 20 ladybirds hidden in the design.
“It’s full of colour, too,” Ms Conibeer said.
Principal Jackie Lowther said the school had a sensory garden at its previous location in Noble Park.
“We find it so beneficial for our students,” she said.
“It provides opportunities for our students, who have mild to profound disabilities, to explore the environment using all of their senses.”
GPT Group, Australian Native Landscapes, Bunnings Warehouse Springvale, other businesses and the school community helped to make the project a reality.
“All the plants are edible and there are all different textures and smells and the colours,” Ms Lowther said.
“There’s a lovely gazebo where the kids can sit and enjoy the garden and some musical pieces in the garden.
“The mosaic is on an existing wall, a tired-looking wall at the back of the gym.
“It’s all wheelchair accessible, including the gazebo.”
Ms Lowther said the space provided informal and explicit learning opportunities.
“They can find things in the garden,” she said.
“You can ask ‘can you see the butterflies? How many are there? What colour are they?’.
“It was very exciting for us as a school community.”
