Fairy good idea by Limerick schoolgirls to cultivate garden

PUPILS in Hazel Curran’s second and third class in Doon Convent NS wrote a letter full of imagination and compassion to the Limerick Leader.

They put pen to paper to spread the word about their fairy garden.

“We decided as a group that it would be a great idea to make our very own fairy houses and magic doors and place them in various locations around our school garden.” Demonstrating wisdom far beyond their years, they said: “We strongly feel that all schools should have their very own fairy garden as it encourages children to enhance their imagination, creativity and also helps to reduce anxiety and stress for children.”

They recently participated in the Green Ribbon Campaign and had their very own workshop with Anne Hayes and Aodhnaid Lennon from EmployAbility Limerick.

“During the workshop we learned about the importance of mental health, wellbeing and discussed ways in which we can reduce stress not only in school but in our daily lives. Following on from this meeting we decided that it might be a good idea if we came together as a class and made our very own fairy garden.

Spending time around a fairy garden is a fantastic way to reduce stress. It also encourages bonding with classmates and is great source of vitamin D. Building your very own fairy garden can also give you a great sense of accomplishment. What better way to build your own self esteem?” say the girls.

They wrote the letter to the Leader encourage other schools to create their own fairy garden. 

“We’d like to thank Mr Walsh, our principal, for his participation and co-operation with our school fairy garden. We look forward to enrolling some exciting and magical students at Doon Connent NS in September 2019!” they concluded.

Ms Curran said she was very proud to state that it was the children themselves that approached her with the idea of building a school fairy garden.

“As a teacher I’m extremely proud of my second and third class for utilising their leadership skills and creative talents in relation to this initiative. It was amazing to witness their cooperation and collaboration in relation to the fairy garden project. I feel honoured to be a part of their project,” said Ms Curran, who strongly believes that effective interventions in relation to wellbeing and positive mental health require a multidimensional approach.

“Children have a powerful role in the creation of a wellbeing culture therefore it makes sense for them to be given opportunities to contribute their own ideas into how their school lives can be further enhanced,” said Ms Curran, who thanked Mr Walsh, all the staff and parents for providing and assisting in the creation of the fairy houses.