If you’ve wandered past Montmorency South Primary School’s playground this year you would likely have noticed a LOT of activity. During 2024, the playground has undergone an amazing transformation with a new sensory play area, Gaga Pit, two playground platforms complete with double slides, and a revamped friend-ship (which was already there but in need of a makeover).
The success of the project is all down to the incredible hard work of the Montmorency South Primary School (MSPS) administration headed by Principal Keyla Jeffers, and the MSPS Parents and Friends (P&F) Association. This project really shows how focused fundraising efforts along with a strong partnership can transform school playgrounds and strengthen the school community.
MSPS Parent’s & Friends President Bianca Dhollander shared with us all of their fundraising efforts over the year and the way the school used those funds to create new play spaces for students.
Set clear outcomes for fundraising efforts
Bianca explains that it was so important to get clear on what the school was raising funds towards. Setting specific targets for their playground improvements and regularly updating the community on their progress mean that enthusiasm and support was high for every one of their events.
"We used to just say that the events were organised to ‘improve our playgrounds’. However, by stating what kind of playground was actually coming, where, for which grades etc - it became a real goal,” she says.
It was also important to get feedback from the school community on the type of fundraising events they most wanted. At the end of 2018, the P&F heard feedback that having a lot of events on the calendar was too much for families.
The committee decided to focus on bigger events that the entire family could come to, such as the school fete. They also decided to drop smaller fundraisers such as the pie drive and the hot cross bun drive, and to alternate the annual Halloween Disco and Movie Night.
Freeing up the schedule means the P&F now has time to organise two fetes a year.
Castle and Cubby helped the school restore their beloved "friend-ship", which was then painted in the school colours by the MSPS Parents and Friends.
Fundraising means more than raising funds
The P&F's approach to fundraising goes beyond just collecting money. They focus on creating events that build community such as the school fete.
"Our very first fete in March 2020 was such a success. Community spirit was extremely high, as it was described as a last hurrah before people disappeared for months."
The event raised an impressive $26,000 and also gave people lots to remember during the lockdown period that followed.
Likewise, the 2023 fete provided a much-needed opportunity for the community to reconnect.
"There was a sense of relief and people could reconnect and decompress," says Bianca.
It all comes together in 2024
The result of this focused fundraising effort is a fully-transformed school playground. Five newly developed play areas have given life to the school's outdoor space. From slides to mud kitchens, and even a restored boat, the new playgrounds offer diverse experiences for the school's 600+ students.
“Jonathan’s wealth of knowledge and willingness to walk around the school grounds to discuss options really made all the difference!”
"Now that all 5 areas are finished, there have been many many happy faces around the school," Bianca says.
“The whole process was just so easy! Castle and Cubby knew we preferred not to disturb the students too much, so zoning areas off would not be ideal. Their willingness to make everything work has just been amazing.”
Tips for school fundraising from the MSPS P&F
For schools looking to embark on something similar, Bianca recommends setting clear goals, communicating progress regularly, and seeking expert advice when planning playground layouts.
“Oh and include your students from the start! From prep to year 6 - as they are the ones who will be playing on the playgrounds."
This project shows how with clear goals, great communication, and a focus on community engagement, schools can achieve remarkable improvements for the whole school community.
"This whole project really was many years long and definitely a dream come true,” concludes Bianca.
Collage provided by the Montmorency South Primary School P&F showing the projects undertaken through their fundraising efforts.