Throwing shade on the playground

Ranford Primary School recently unveiled its latest playground addition – a new shade structure.  

Built in response to feedback from the community, the steel shade structure was completed in Term 1 at a cost of around $90,000, via contributions from the Australian Government Schools Upgrade Fund, the school’s P&C, and Helping Hands Network.  

Ranford Primary School also provided some funding to the build.  

There was a small opening ceremony to mark the completion of the project, with students, staff and project sponsors invited.  

Raising the funds for the project was a long journey. Applications were made and declined for several community grants over a seven-year period.  

However, the bulk of the money needed was finally secured in 2022, when the school was granted $50,000 from the federal government.   

It’s a hit with the students. 

“I like the new shade structure because when it's really hot and we play on the metal, we don't get burnt,” said Savannah, a Year 2 student at the school.  

The shading of the playground is not just a win for Ranford students. 

It’s also a boon for the local community, as the playground and Ranford Oval are also used by locals in the City of Canning, making it publicly accessible all year round. 

“It is wonderful to see the number of children who enjoy playing in this area of the school daily,” said Ranford Primary School Principal, Kylie Godfrey.