Chatham Primary School parents raises money for makeover

Parents at a primary school in Surrey Hills have raised $90,000 for a new garden and perimeter fence after realising the grounds’ playground “was very tired and needed a refresh”. Here’s how they did it.

Chatham Primary School students Murdoch, Oliver, Raf, Morgan, Kieran and Callaghan. Picture: Ellen Smith

Parents of Chatham Primary School in Surrey Hills have raised thousands of dollars for a new garden and perimeter fence.

The school’s parents club drafted a grounds masterplan to redevelop the campus over the next three to five years before raising $90,000, with the cash mainly coming from fetes, markets and walkathons.

Morgan, Kieran, Murdoch, Callaghan, Oliver and Raf playing in their new playground. Picture: Ellen Smith

Parents donated their time and expertise to finish the fence build over the Easter school holidays.

Chatham Parents Club president Belinda Dalton said they just wanted what was best for their children.

“The playground was very tired and needed a refresh,” Ms Dalton said.

“We all agreed it was great to be investing in an asset for the students.

“We’re happy to fundraise because we are committed to improving the school but we do also have the expectation that the state government will continue to provide financial support going forward.”

The new garden and fence around the Chatham Primary School. Picture: Ellen Smith

Principal Christopher Cotching said the transformation was “extraordinary”.

“The parents are creating a strong and vibrant culture for the school,” Mr Cotching said.

“It’s nothing like I’ve seen in a long time.”

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Parent Alex Evans said there had been a lack of investment from the Education Department in recent years.

First opened in 1928, Chatham Primary School with 212 students.

The original building has been extended and portable classrooms installed for the 361 students that now grace its halls.

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