Scottish Catholic Observer

Pupils of St Winning’s Primary School, Kilwinning, had the beautiful garden blessed by Fr Gerry Magee, parish priest of St Winin’s Church near the school.

The garden was the idea of headteacher Claire Milson, who wanted a peaceful place for pupils to escape to amid busy school life, where they can pray in peace and quiet with their friends.

Chance to pray

Mrs Milson said: “We decided to create the Faith Garden to give our children of all faiths and none the chance to pray and to give them a place that’s good for their mental health.

“We’re just back from the October break, but lots of the children have already been asking if they can go out and see it which is lovely.”

School pupils painted and decorated their own stones which are on display in the garden featuring positive messages or symbols such as crosses, and the school gardening club helped bring the plot to life by planting flowers.

The garden is open to all staff, pupils, teachers and carers who want a quiet place to pray.

It sits outside the secretary’s window, meaning that while it will provide a private and peaceful place for the pupils, staff can keep an eye on the garden to make sure all is well.

Focus on Christ

“I just felt we had to have something in place for our parents and children to spend time with God and to help them focus on their Christianity. It’s a different way for them to pray,” Mrs Milson said.

“Children sometimes have their own issues outside of school, so this gives them a chance to breathe and to know there’s Somebody who is there to listen to them.”

Fr Magee blessed the garden before the school broke up for the October holiday.

He said: “I think it’s a great idea. It’s a space where they can go for quiet time, and there are not many places like that in schools.”