The term 2 learning mentor class challenge was based around our term value - Kia Whakaute, Be Respectful.

The challenge was to produce a wearable arts costume that represented this value. Learning mentor classes designed and created over the course of the term, ready for the year 9-13 assembly this week.

During the assembly, a model from each class presented their entry on our GP Hall "catwalk". An explanation of the thinking behind each entry was also presented.

Mrs Jane Anderson and Ms Charlotte Davis were our judges on the day and had a very difficult job as the students, and staff, had put a lot of effort and thought into their entries.

Third place went to LM-JB-CH, modelled by Oliver Auld. 

"Our design is respectful to the environment because we are using recycled materials. The dress uses plastic baleage wrap and flowers which shows how one is damaging the other. The flowers represent the environment and the baleage wrap represents all the rubbish that is prevent them from growing.

The chainmail vest uses recycled bottle tops and this shows how we need to recycle now that China is not accepting our rubbish any more.

The hat is made out of a political party sign. This represents how we believe the government is not doing enough to protect the environment."

Second place went to LM-JW-MB, modelled by Mr Mick Butler.
"Our design shows Kia Whakaute for Mother Nature. The front of Mother Nature captures the essence of Oxford - her bodice consists of Mt Thomas, Mt Grey and Mt Oxford which also represent our school values. From the mountains the rivers flow blue, clean and fresh - this is water from our mountains which flows into our green pastures. We have a mixture of green and brown leaves to represent how beautiful the changing seasons are at this time of year in Oxford. The front of Mother Nature is how we want our unique environment to look - the representation of our clean and beautiful image. However, the back of Mother Nature reflects our reality. The mountains in Oxford have now turned red to symbolize the cruel destruction that we are causing through the pollution we throw into the environment. Mother Nature is weeping and her rivers run blood red against a backdrop of black plastic bin liners. Her purity is held captive in a fishing net. Caught in the net is the rubbish we collected from our school grounds. The length of the trail is a reminder that we still have a long way to go before we truly show Kia Whakaute for Mother Nature. "

First place went to LM-HL-CH, modelled by Jaden Dew.
"In our Learning mentor class we think respect means Sharing for example hot glue guns, we even shared them with other Learning mentor groups! We showed respect by using teamwork and patience. We also showed respect by being caring to each other. Respect was shown by using cooperation, and working with new people that we might not usually work with!
Our Wearable Art is using mostly found or recycled materials. We chose a peacock, with its feathers and vibrant colours to represent nature, and the back of its tail is blackened and dark to show the effect of humans on nature and the environment. The rubbish and waste is damaging the Peacocks tail, and it is slowly dying."

First place winners will be treated to a Learning Mentor cooked breakfast for their prize.

Well done, everyone!