CHRISTMAS came early at Sutherland's Minerva School, which can look forward to an overhaul in time for next year as a result of donations.
The school, which caters for students with special needs, received $68,000 from the community so students could begin 2015 in a modern environment.
Thanks to donations and grants from parents, carers, volunteers, businesses and clubs, the school will receive new equipment to increase students' support in their learning.
Students will benefit from a new sensory garden, which will help them develop vital social skills.
School principal Fiona Young had the idea 3½ years ago to provide a safe and interactive outdoor therapeutic space where students could retreat.
"[It was to enable them to] self-regulate and engage in calming activities," she said.
"It takes students on a journey of colour, sound, touch, taste, play and above all, imagination."
Money also went towards the upgrade and relocation of a sensory room, a redesign of a blue "calm room", where students are encouraged to self-regulate so they can re-engage in their learning programs, iPads in all classrooms, new airconditioning, new playground equipment and a new trampoline mat.