The 5s Restoration

Recapturing the Original Beauty

by Marilyn Smith, Pricipal

The restoration of the Fives classroom is nearing completion with the focus now moving to the interior and the landscaping. The building that is emerging is extraordinary, recapturing the original beauty of the design and displaying an outstanding quality of craftsmanship. The room will now have a small kitchen so the children can have the fun of growing, harvesting, preparing and sharing some small part of their food.

Teachers Cressida and Paul have been talking with the children about the important features they need to have included in the landscaping and so far we have a jungle, a much bigger sandpit allowing for some serious water play and better swings, ropes and climbing equipment. There will be further consultation with them to work out how the refurbished room will be used for the remainder of the year before it is returned to its original function as the home of the Fives for 2019.

Preshil is truly blessed to have Dr Gina Levenspiel overseeing this project with such devotion and professional expertise. She has gathered a team of specialist craftspeople, all equally passionate about restoring the room to reflect Kevin Borland’s remarkable vision for progressive school architecture.

I am very much looking forward to being able to invite the Preshil community back into this treasured part of Arlington and will keep families informed as the completion date draws closer.

(Extract from Arlington news)