Alex Hill's Vienna Woods State School and The Salvation Army create a Grandad’s Garden

Inspired by the book I Grow in Grandad’s Garden by author Brian Andrew, the school with The Salvation Army created their own path to teach children four life lessons in a fun way.

Students can walk through the garden to sit on the think and thank seat, walk on the let go log, stand on the cross over bridge and talk at the dream table.

About 11 volunteers, including past students, helped create the space during the school holidays.

Principal Jacqueline Fiedler said the garden worked well with their positive learning program to make a different for students’ wellbeing.

“If children are in a good head space then they are ready to learn,” she said.

“Children at our school come from a range of backgrounds and you never know what has happened that morning that could affect their learning.”

Chaplain Carol Cock said the garden and book were being used as learning tools after discovering I Grow in Grandad’s Garden that aligned with their school values.

“It’s a beautiful way for children de-stress,” she said.

“All classrooms have read the book so if someone needs to leave class, they now have a space to help them work through their emotions.”

The Salvation Army co-ordinator Sharon Kruger said students were excited to explore the garden on the first week back.

“The prep students were overjoyed when they saw it and we have seen parents being taken by their children to see the garden in the mornings,” she said.

“Students are also contributing ideas to improve the garden – they are wanting to add plaques for each stage.”

Ms Kruger said in the next stage of the garden, she planned to include plants and plaques to the garden.