Piper’s PAC project takes flight at Clunes

Piper (Year 9, Glen Waverley) was part of the 100th Wesley group to experience Clunes in Term 4 last year, joining a legacy of students who have left their mark on the program.

For Piper, Clunes was more than just a term away from home - it was an opportunity to bring creativity and conservation together in a unique way.

The PAC (Passion, Agency, Connection) project, which is unique to Clunes, allows students to take ownership of their learning by pursuing an independent project of personal interest. With support from teachers and dedicated PAC study sessions, students develop valuable research, problem-solving and creative thinking skills. Presentation Day is the culmination of their efforts.

For her PAC project, Piper drew on her passion for conservation and design.  She researched endangered bird species endemic to southern Australia, which led her to design and create a dress inspired by the critically endangered Orange-bellied parrot. Piper used recycled and sustainable materials to raise awareness for the species’ conservation.

Piper’s project began with a simple idea: a pair of wings to capture attention on Presentation Day. However, as she delved deeper into her research, her vision evolved into an intricately designed dress with wings, crafted from satin, tulle, wire and repurposed materials sourced from local stores. The vibrant orange, blue and green hues mirrored the striking plumage of the Orange-bellied parrot - one of the world’s most endangered birds, with fewer than 50 left in the Southern Australian wilderness.

Piper spent countless hours refining her design, balancing research, planning and constructing her artwork. ‘It was a challenge, but one of the staff said, “It’s better to do something big and not finish, than do something easy just to get it done.” That really stuck with me and motivated me to push myself and put the effort in.’

The result was a stunning piece of art that not only demonstrated Piper’s creative flair but sparked important conversations about conservation. ‘I am a very visual person and have always been interested in fashion, but this project gave me the chance to explore something in a meaningful way, and was unlike anything I had ever done before,’ she said.

‘Clunes was an amazing experience - I met great people, learned so much, and the teachers were so supportive. I’d encourage any future Year 9s to embrace the opportunity.’

Her project serves as a testament to the power of passion-driven learning, proving that when given the opportunity, students can create something truly extraordinary.