Students at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Barcaldine were excited to learn their playground would soon feature an inclusive wheelchair friendly swing thanks to funds received through the Sisters of Mercy Range Endowment Fund.

The swing will make a big difference to student Elsa Nichols who will soon be able to play with her friends on the new equipment as it will accommodate her wheelchair.

Principal Anne Wachtel said the school had looked for ways to create an inclusive play setting to support activities for all abilities of students.

“In particular, we wanted to provide Elsa the opportunity to have fun and interact with her peers in the playground,” Mrs Wachtel said.

“The Sisters of Mercy founded St Joseph’s in 1896 and they are still supporting us today. Sr Rita Connor rsm is a treasured member of our school community and we are extremely grateful to the Sisters for the donation to purchase this new equipment,” Mrs Wachtel said.

Other schools in the diocese receiving Endowment funds this year were St Mary’s Catholic Primary School North Rockhampton, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Biloela and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Springsure.

St Mary’s have used the funds to commission signage detailing the significance of school buildings including Coolock Court and Mercy and McAuley Wings as well as the construction of an outdoor stage area.

St Joseph’s have purchase tricycles to support development of motor skills and coordination and a range of giant-sized outdoor games including Jenga, Connect 4, Chess and Checkers, Pick-up Sticks, and noughts and crosses to promote social communication and interaction and develop thinking skills.

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart have ordered highly anticipated library resources including new user-friendly bookshelves to house picture books and early readers, a selection of new books and a calming canoe, which is a fun alternative seating option for reading nooks where students can sit, relax and read.