​ST Mary of the Cross, Windsor, has added a pond to its growing list of sustainable eco-systems students can access and explore throughout the school grounds.

Fitting within the school's fruit and vegetable garden, the pond has been filled with native fish, water plants, snails and tiny endangered tadpoles.

The raised fish pond, built by school parent Thomas Dooney from Urban Botanicals using a repurposed bath tub, was installed during the holidays.

It was raised on a platform for better viewing, safety and so cane toads could be kept away.

Principal Matt Beacroft said the students loved visiting the pond.

He said native tadpoles were being released into the ecosystem over the next couple of weeks and students would be involved in tracking their growth through photos and observations.

Matt said the students are also growing lettuce to feed the tadpoles as part of the school's sustainable unit culminating in the release of the frogs into the local waterway.

“This hands-on ecosystem allows students to interact with nature and watch the development and life cycle of the native wildlife evolve.

“Students are now exploring how the form of living things enables them to function in their environments.

Matt said the new addition was part of the school's goals to ensure student engaged with sustainable eco systems and aquaculture.

“It's also great fun.

“The kids were so excited to come back from holidays to see it." 

Matt thanked Mr Dooney for sharing his vision in bringing the pond to life. 

“With the ever growing need to support our environment, St Mary of the Cross is proud to do to its part in creating an ecosystem that builds knowledge and awareness to students and the school community," he said.

Year 5 student leader Eli Watson said having the pond really helped students understand the importance of aquaculture.

“It's a great way to keep animals like the Golden Bell Frogs from becoming endangered," he said.

Students also used the Australian Museum's Frogid Project ID app (https://australianmuseum.net.au/frogid-project) to learn more about the description, noises, habitat and biology of different frog species on their iPads and for up-to-date pictures.