Elizabeth Hernandez and Michelle Van Buuren
The month of May offers a unique opportunity to reflect, create, and take meaningful action— especially at ISN, where our deep connection to the natural world drives a strong commitment to ocean conservation and sustainability. This month highlights three important environmental milestones: Endangered Species Day on May 11, European Maritime Day on May 20, and the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22. Together, these events invite us to explore the health of our oceans, celebrate biodiversity, and deepen our sense of environmental responsibility.
Throughout the school year, ISN students have embraced the theme of Water and Oceans, transforming their environmental concerns into powerful works of art. Through creative expression, they’ve raised awareness about vital issues such as habitat destruction, pollution, and biodiversity loss—concerns that align closely with the themes of May’s environmental observances. Whether highlighting the need to protect endangered marine life or reflecting on our maritime heritage, students are responding thoughtfully and creatively to the global call for awareness and action. May at ISN is not just about raising awareness—it’s about inspiring action and shaping a sustainable future.
Art with a Purpose: Water as Medium and Message
This vision comes to life in the work of Grade 12 student Ludovica, whose striking art explores the complex relationship between humans and the sea. Her series—featuring realistic recreations of a starfish, fish, seashell, and turtle—draws attention to the fragile beauty of marine life and the threats it faces. Using photography, painting, and mixed media, Ludovica blends depth, texture, and surrealist influence to craft an immersive experience.
Her exhibition, which resonates with the goals of European Maritime Day, is divided into two powerful themes: one celebrating the ocean’s dynamic beauty, the other critiquing environmental damage through symbolic underwater scenes that contrast idyllic ocean imagery with stark depictions of pollution and human harm.
As Creative Arts Coordinator Nalinka Kalder explains, “Ludovica's central aim for her Visual Arts exhibition was to engage with issues of an environmental nature, focusing on water and the sea life within it. Her exhibition highlights the importance of environmental stewardship in our world today. Her passion for the subject, driven through her ESS course and love for Art, allowed her to engage in a range of artistic processes to bring her ideas to life.”
Junk Kouture: ISN Shines on the Global Stage
Also making waves this May is ISN’s Junk Kouture team, recently selected for the 2025 Urban Final in Paris. Guided by Director Mrs. Mel Curtis, Grade 11 students Isabela, Julia, and Erik designed Amphitrite, a breathtaking gown inspired by the elegance and resilience of jellyfish. Named after the Greek goddess of the sea, the piece powerfully connects marine beauty with the urgent need for environmental protection.
Amphitrite highlights the plight of endangered sea turtles, which often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish—a tragic consequence of ocean pollution. Grade 11 student Isabella explains, “Our dress—entitled Amphitrite—aims to spread awareness about plastic pollution in the ocean by highlighting the striking resemblance between jellyfish and translucent plastic bags. We did so by creating a garment resembling the organism with an emphasis on plastic. The corset of the dress is made using newspaper and wallpaper paste while the base of the skirt was created from donated hotel duvet sheets. Our design embodies three Sustainable Development Goals: SDGs 12, 13 and 14.” Through fashion, the team delivers a compelling ecological message, reminding us of the critical need to protect marine life, which resonates deeply with the goals of Endangered Species Day.
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The craftsmanship behind Amphitrite reflects a thoughtful blend of creativity, resourcefulness, and environmental consciousness. Students experimented with upcycled materials and sustainable techniques—like papier-mâché and fabric dyeing—to mirror the movement and appearance of ocean life. From the layered textures of the skirt to the translucent, wave-like accents made from cling film and repurposed plastic, every design choice reinforced their
marine theme. Carefully selected embellishments such as pearls and a custom-made necklace added the final touches, turning waste into a meaningful and visually striking tribute to ocean conservation.
ISN Director Mrs. Mel Curtis, suitable for the second year of the ISN’s Junk Kouture Team said: “I’m incredibly proud of our students for transforming creativity into a force for change. Amphitrite is more than a stunning design—it’s a powerful tribute to the ocean and a compelling call to protect what’s most fragile. By reimagining discarded materials into something meaningful, our team highlights the urgent threats to marine life and reminds us that advocacy and artistry can go hand in hand. When young people lead with vision and compassion, they don’t just create—they inspire action.”
A Call to Action
As we celebrate May’s environmental milestones, the students of ISN remind us that every voice and every action matters. Whether through science, art, or everyday choices, we each
have the power to protect the oceans and the countless species that depend on them. Let’s take inspiration from their leadership—and keep the momentum going.
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