Spearheaded by Art Captains Chloe and Elektra, in collaboration with the Executive Director Artemis Programs, Sally Bailey, and Community and Environment Captains, Rose and Lydia, the competition challenged students to reimagine old sports uniforms (which were replaced by our new Sport and Activewear Range in 2024) into entirely new outfits.

This upcycling project not only diverted textiles from landfill but also encouraged students to explore the environmental impact of fast fashion and the value of reuse.

In talking with Chloe, she emphasised that “ever since joining the school in Year 5, it has always been [her] dream to have a House Art competition at School.” She shares that she and Elektra were able to make it happen this year by planning early.  

This upcycling project not only diverted textiles from landfill but also encouraged students to explore the environmental impact of fast fashion and the value of reuse. Rose reflected that “these [acts] of sustainability are crucial, as 92 million tonnes of textiles end up in landfill every year. To be responsible for the disposal of [our old] uniform is to understand every possible donation, repurposing and removal pathway.”

Each House selected their materials from a collection of retired sports uniforms, then set to work cutting, sewing and stitching their visions into reality. The culmination of their efforts was a lively fashion show at a School assembly in early May, where students proudly showcased their creations to the Merton Hall community. Both Chloe and Rose admitted this was their favourite part, seeing their friends walk ‘the runway’ and watching the “younger girls get excited seeing the older students ... wearing their handmade outfits.”    

But the initiative didn’t stop at fashion. In a parallel activity, all Merton Hall students in Years 7 to 12, participated in a House Art challenge to create an artwork by the whole House, to the theme, ‘It’s a Jungle out There’. This collaborative artmaking experience brought students from all year levels together, fostering mindfulness, creativity and inter-year connections. It was a fun reminder of how art can be both expressive and unifying. Chloe shared that it was great “to see each House working together to create a different piece.”  

Congratulations are in order for Taylor House, who won the Art category, and Blackwood House, who triumphed for the Textiles competition. Their achievements reflect not only creativity but also the strength of leadership and collaboration within their Houses. Chloe reflected that she’s “learned how much time and energy goes into making something like this happen ... and the importance of clear communication and organisation”.

One of the wicked problems in the world today is fast fashion, where accessibility, affordability and style are valued ahead of sustainable practice.

This initiative is a shining example of how Melbourne Girls Grammar facilitates enriching experiential learning opportunities into the broader educational journey. Through projects like this, students have experienced first-hand the importance of seeing value in clothing and how it can be repurposed successfully to extend its lifespan. They have also developed essential skills, while also forming new social connections through collaborative problem-solving. Through involvement in this project and in the organisation of other community-minded events like 'Clean Up Australia Day' and the 'Walk for Women', Rose hopes to leave behind a legacy of caring for the planet and demonstrate to younger Grammarians that small actions can make a difference in their community.  

By embedding sustainability and social responsibility into our culture, Grammarians are empowered to become thoughtful and ethical women of action. “Clearly climate change is an ongoing issue in our society,” Rose asserts, “therefore learning and implementing any [sustainable practices] is so important.” She adds, as “the next generation, we are able to make a difference”. This inaugural competition was an opportunity for students to lead with purpose, learn through doing and make a tangible impact on their community and environment.

As a school committed to blending learning with action and encouraging growth and learning through participation, we see initiatives like the House Art and Textiles competition as vital to nurturing not only the minds, but also the values of tomorrow’s leaders. As Chloe concluded, “you never regret getting involved".

We are pleased to share that as part of this project, existing, unused stock of the old uniform range has been donated to the Rotary Club of Melbourne's 'Donations In Kind', a major recycling operation. Second hand stock has been used as detailed above, and also donated to the School's Art department, Technologies department and to AH Recycling, who collect clothing items and soft toys and transport them to those in need throughout Africa and the Middle East.