YK Pao School’s 7th annual Eco Fair returned on April 16! A five-hour affair organised by the Pao School Parent Teacher Association (PTA), it was a wonderful day of bazaars and performances.
Unique to this year’s event was the introduction of class booths. Classes decorated their own 12sqm space and displayed their used items for sale. Pao School parent, PTA member and Eco Fair organiser Rosita Wu explained the change: ‘Rather than have students set up individual booths, this year we encouraged them to work together as a class to sell second-hand items. This was not only more fun, but it made the entire process a collaborative effort from start to finish.’
To further encourage students to exercise creativity and to increase their awareness of environmental protection, the 2016 Eco Fair also showcased creative booths in which students gave amazing rainforest tours, organic farm demonstrations as well as sell their plant crafts, handmade bags and cushions using recycled materials, DIY fans and more. The packed auditorium was also the site of informative, environmentally-focused workshops, including aquaponics and a special report on cafeteria leftovers.
A highlight of the Eco Fair was the amazon-themed ‘Trashion Show’ organised by Pao School’s Art Coordinator Kellie Benefield. Open to all Pao School students from both primary and secondary campuses, students made wearable art using recycled materials and proudly took the stage to showcase their designs. Performances by Pao School’s ‘Rainforest Ensemble,’ Extension Programmes ballet group, Year 2 hip-hop dance troupe ‘We Will Rock You’ and Pao School’s musical groups – the ‘Grasshoppers,’ and ‘Mr Dom’s Rock Band’ rounded up the fantastic occasion.
Over the years, the Pao School Eco Fair has grown from a second hand bazaar to a feature showcase of creativity and an event that brings the Pao School community together and gives Pao School parents the valuable opportunity to get more involved with the school and their children’s learning and their efforts to better understand the importance of protecting the environment and practice environmental protection in their daily lives.
