The transformation from pupil to eco-warrior became a bit more entertaining for pupils at Dunnikier Primary School this week following a challenge from Byron Hairdressing to create accessories from Easydry eco-friendly towels.
What started as a focus for the school’s forthcoming Fashion Show on 9 November, and is designed to help Dunnikier’s drive towards becoming an eco-school, has now evolved into a full-blown community project.
Following a suggestion from Dunnikier’s headteacher, Lesley Main, art students from Adam Smith College have paired up with pupils to help them create funky accessories in just a few weeks from the disposable eco-towels.
‘The pupil are really enthusiastic about the event and the various opportunities they are being offered. It will be a great example of a community working together and we are indebted to Byron and New Look [which is providing the clothes] for their support, and to the Adam Smith College staff and students for agreeing to work with us on this project,’ said Ms Main.
So far the students have visited the school twice to advise and support the creation of the accessories, which must be ready to be judged by Byron’s owner, Ronnie Marshall, on 6 October.
‘This is a good example of creativity, conservation and our youth working together,’ said Yvonne Kirkwood, art and design tutor at the college.
Byron became involved in the fashion show when its organiser, and Byron client, Donna Kennedy, asked the team to do the adult models’ hair on the night. Ronnie was intrigued when he found out it would also have an eco element, to help Dunnikier achieve its goal of becoming a Green Flag school.
‘It is marvellous that the children are so passionate about the environment and I want to encourage it,’ said Ronnie, who convinced Easydry to donate the towels for free. ‘We’ve been working on reducing our carbon footprint for a few years. Two years ago we adopted the biodegradable and ultra-hygienic Easydry eco-towels in the salon so we didn’t have to burn energy and waste water washing hundreds of towels every week. I thought it would be fun for the pupils to create items that would actually feature in the fashion show.’
This will be the third fashion show organised by the school and its supporters, and will feature clothes from New Look as well as hair by Byron. Students from Adam Smith will also be demonstrating their burgeoning skills by doing make-up and the children’s hair.
‘The children really enjoy doing the fashion show, which helps us raise much-needed funds to buy smartboards and new TVs,’ said Donna, who is a parent helper and a member of the parent fundraising group. ‘We have been collecting raffle prizes from local businesses and we are hoping for a sell-out show on the night.’
Tickets for the Dunniker Primary show are available from the school.
