KNYSNA NEWS - Nine years after the devastating 2017 Knysna Fires, Oakhill School once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship through its annual Green Day commemoration.
The campus was transformed into a sea of green as pupils and staff gathered not only to reflect on the tragedy of the past, but also to celebrate the renewal, regrowth and community spirit that define Knysna today.
As a proud Wessa Eco-School, Oakhill channelled this remembrance into practical, future-focused action. The youngest pupils at Little Oaks explored environmental care through storytelling and eco-focused lunch boxes, while the prep school embraced a multi-layered 'Green Challenge', dressing in green and learning about sustainable habits.
Through these and other initiatives, Oakhill turned reflection into meaningful action, encouraging pupils to recommit to the principles of reducing, reusing and recycling while expressing gratitude for the region's remarkable recovery.
A poignant highlight of the day was a symbolic ribbon-untying ceremony. Rather than cutting ribbons, head of school James Cross and head of college David Wright untied them from two newly planted trees, symbolising a release from old, careless habits and allowing the trees to grow freely.
The trees now stand - and will grow - as living reminders of Knysna's resilience and recovery.
Reflecting on the journey from the ashes of 2017 to the thriving community of today, Wright spoke of the importance of remembering the past while investing in the future.
"Green Day remains a cornerstone of our school calendar, allowing us to look back with immense gratitude at how our community united in the face of adversity," he said.
"By nurturing these trees and teaching our children the value of sustainability, we honour our history while actively growing a greener, more hopeful future for Knysna."
Grade Three boys proudly show off their green-themed lunches during Oakhill School's annual Green Day celebrations.
All dressed up in green, Oakhill’s Grade One to Three pupils reflected the colour of nature at the Green Day celebrations.
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