Learners of EcoKids Primary and EcoCampus College cheered in excitement as the school’s newly erected Legacy Bell chimed for the first time across the placid waters of the Sand Pan, on July 6.

With the start of the second half of the school year, learners gathered not only to kick off the new term but to usher in a new chapter in the school’s history.

Established in 2018, the school was founded by sisters Anita Fitzgerald (head of campus) and Teresa Edwards’ (English head of department), with a vision to create a learning environment where children’s individuality is celebrated and practical learning moulds enquiring minds, shaping a generation of youth who remain committed protecting nature.

With its core values firmly set as its foundation, the school has formally unveiled its crest and song, ‘Together we grow.’

Overcome by emotion, Teresa took to the podium during a special assembly unveiling the school’s crest, taking the time to explain the meaning of each element, which will become part of the school’s identity.

“A crest is not just a picture, it is a promise,” she said.

“It carries the story of who we are, what we value and what we aspire to become.

“A crest is a symbol of belonging, saying this is our home, these are our people and this is what we stand for.”

She continued by saying the shield signifies the protection and pride towards learning and earth itself, while the leafy vines depict support and strength growing through knowledge and deeply rooted in nature.

“The light bulb and book work hand-in-hand. Together it signals that learning is not just an activity but a shared destiny,” she said.

“The two symbols anchor the crest in the school’s academic tradition, showing growth begins with understanding.”

The new motto, Terra Cura Futuri, according to Teresa is a solemn promise that the school and its learners honour earth, act with care and shape the future.

“Tradition is not about being old fashioned, it is about remembering where our story started,” she said.

“A school’s strong roots and traditions, such as what is we are celebrating now, says you were part of our growth, development and history.”

As silence fell across the assembly, Grade 11 learner Luyolo Khoali sang the school’s song, for the first time, drawing enthusiastic cheers.

Ushering in EcoKids’ new chapter, Partick and Katie Fitzgerald tolled the legacy bell, signalling the birth of new traditions which aim to serve generations to come.

ALSO READ: WATCH: St Dunstan’s achieve dream of building dedicated school hall

ALSO READ: WATCH: Tune the chanters in celebration of Benoni Pipe Band’s 50th anniversary