Dryden Street Primary School showed off the fruits of its labour when it held a market day to sell produce from the first harvest of its school garden.
The Cedric Joubert Memorial Garden, named in honour of the late school principal Cedric Joubert, was unveiled in March (“School food garden honours late principal,” Thursday March 17). Mr Joubert was a former pupil of the school who taught there for over 30 years, including a four-year stint as principal, before his death from Covid complications in February last year.
On Friday April 29, staff, pupils and the Salt River community were able to buy produce from the first harvest, including spinach, lettuce and spring onions. Beetroot, carrots and herbs are expected to follow shortly.
Principal Stanton Smith said it was a very exciting venture not just for the school but the community as well. He said the project had been two years in the making and they were happy to see it come to fruition.
Mr Smith said some of the produce would be used for the school’s feeding scheme and the rest would be sold to raise extra income for the school. The aim was for pupils from the environmental clubs to eventually help run the garden, he added.
Mr Joubert’s widow, Salome, said his legacy lived on in the garden and it meant a lot to the family.
“It is heart-warming to see the effort and the work they have put into the garden. It speaks to Cedric’s life and how he always encouraged his pupils,” she said.
Resident Nadia Agherdine praised the school’s initiative and said she was excited to try the harvested produce.
“We need more of these gardens in our community and our schools as this is a win-win for the school, residents and pupils,” she said.