Year 8 Eco-Fashion Show 2026

On Thursday 24 September, our Year 8 students presented their creations at the annual Eco-Fashion Show, the culmination of a term of research, planning, designing and creating. Parents and whānau enjoyed an impressive display of creativity, ingenuity, and teamwork as students showcased garments made from recycled and repurposed materials.

The project began with an investigation into the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion. Students explored how the clothing industry affects the environment, the working conditions of those involved in garment manufacturing, and the importance of making more sustainable choices as consumers.

Using this knowledge, students worked collaboratively to research materials, develop their designs and learn practical construction techniques. They were challenged to create original garments using recycled or repurposed materials, with entries in four categories: Book Theme, Red Carpet, Sci-Fi and Wearable Art.

The evening provided an opportunity for students to showcase the results of their hard work. From upcycled clothing to imaginative uses of everyday materials, the garments demonstrated considerable creativity and resourcefulness. Students also developed valuable skills in problem-solving, collaboration and perseverance as they worked through the challenges of turning their ideas into finished designs.

Our judges, Liz Walker DP and keen fashionista and Carolyn Tepou, technology teacher, had the difficult task of selecting first and second place in each category, as well as choosing an overall winner. The standard of entries was high, with students demonstrating both creativity and attention to detail.

Category Results

Book Theme

• 1st Place – Esther Byford, Aria Cataloni, Izzy Upton
• Runner-up – Anya Beck, Isabel Budd, Amelia Blessen 

Red Carpet

• 1st Place –Maeve Franklin, Sophie Hayward, Clarisa Rishi
• Runner-up – Sophie Faller, Alessandra de Martin, Anastasja McLean

Sci-Fi

• 1st Place – Fernandyne Pajarillaga, Sammi Zhao, Sophia Zhang
• Runner-up  – Lara Young, Grace Walker, Frankie Lovegrove

Wearable Art

• 1st Place – Chloe Xiang, Juliette Tomlinson, Lorraine Lam Hang
• Runner-up – Jellaena Salangsang, Katie Kim, Adena Lim

Overall Winner – Chloe Xiang, Juliette Tomlinson, Lorraine Lam Hang

Thank you to our judges for giving their time and expertise, and to the teachers and staff who supported students throughout the project and helped organise the evening. We also appreciate the support of parents and whānau, both during the preparation of the garments and at the show itself.

The Eco-Fashion Show was a fitting conclusion to our inquiry into fast fashion and sustainability, giving students the opportunity to apply their learning in a practical and creative way.

Poutama Reo: Celebrating our Level 1 Milestone

Poutama Reo has reached a milestone, with 430 students and 25 staff now approved for Level 1 (Ngā Uri a Tāne) badges. This participation is something our Carmel community can be proud of.

The student assessor team received their badges at Wednesday’s assembly, with presentations for other students who have completed Level 1 planned during atawhai on Thursday. These badges recognise learners’ achievement and make their progress in te reo Māori visible across our school.

Thank you to Matua, our student assessors and the staff supporting learners through the programme. Their time, encouragement and service help create opportunities for others to learn and participate.

Congratulations to everyone who has completed Level 1. Each badge marks a step forward in our shared journey with te reo Māori.

Celebrating Janine Liwanag’s Success in the Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition

Congratulations to Janine Liwanag, who has been awarded a Silver Award in the 2026 Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition — an outstanding achievement in an internationally recognised writing competition.

This year’s competition received a record-breaking 53,840 entries from across the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries, making Janine’s recognition a particularly wonderful accomplishment. The competition celebrates the creativity, ideas and voices of young writers across the Commonwealth, encouraging them to use the power of writing to express themselves and make a difference in their communities and beyond. Janine’s success reflects her creativity and talent as a young writer, and we are delighted to celebrate this achievement with her. We hope it inspires her to continue developing her voice and pursuing further opportunities in writing.

Congratulations, Janine! We are very proud of your achievement and look forward to seeing where your writing journey takes you next.