Op Shop Swap Brings Boarding Together
Our boarding community recently turned sustainable fashion into a lively and competitive event with the Op Shop Swap – a clothing swap filled with laughter, clever bidding strategies, and a shared goal to give back.
What began as a simple idea became a creative way for boarders to refresh their wardrobes and support sustainability. The event also raised $230, which will go towards a new Bluetooth speaker for the boarding house.
How it All Began
The inspiration came from a fond memory.
“When we were in Year 7, the Year 12s organised a clothing swap,” the boarding leaders explained. “It was so much fun. We wanted to recreate it for everyone.”
The leaders decided to bring back the concept with a fresh twist, creating the Op Shop Swap – part sustainable fashion, part fundraiser, and all about community spirit.
Peg Bidding: A Creative Spin on Shopping
This wasn’t your standard op shop. Clothes were auctioned off, with students purchasing laundry pegs in three different values:
- $1.00 peg
- $2.00 peg
- $5.00 peg
Pegs were clipped onto clothing items they wanted, with multiple pegs sparking spirited ‘bidding wars’. If more than one peg appeared on an item, the winner was drawn from a hat.
“It was hilarious,” said Clancy. “The $5.00 rack had all the most popular clothes. Students hovered nearby, ready to add more pegs if someone else showed interest. Some even tried hiding items to improve their chances!”
The top-selling item? A White Fox jumper that went for $25.00 after attracting five or six pegs.
Preparation and Teamwork
Initially scheduled for the end of Term 2, the event was postponed due to low donations. However, a well-timed email from Jane Murray, Director of Boarding, to parents during the holidays turned things around.
After the break, clothing donations poured in. “We had so much clothing,” the leaders shared. “Even after the event, we had eight bags left to donate to a local charity.”
The leadership team worked together seamlessly:
- Addison kept track of the funds.
- Gabby managed the cash desk.
- Clancy, Bella and Marni encouraged bidding and helped boarders to shop.
The boarders’ dining room was transformed into a pop-up op shop, complete with extra tables to hold the overflowing donations.
A Community Event
Beyond the fundraising, the biggest success was the atmosphere.
“The best part was seeing everyone together,” Gabby reflected. “So many boarders came and stayed the whole time, laughing, chatting, and enjoying the day. It felt like the whole boarding community came together.”
The success of this year’s event has already sparked conversations, with future leaders keen to keep the fun going in the future.
Sustainable Fashion Meets Boarding Spirit
The Op Shop Swap was not just about secondhand fashion. It was also about teamwork, sustainability, and strengthening our boarding community. With money raised, clothes reused, and everyone leaving with a smile (and perhaps a new outfit), the event was a win for everyone.
- BoardingHouseActivities, BoardingSchoolCommunity, ClothingSwapFundraiser, Featured, OpShopSwap, SantaMariaCollegeBlog, SocialResponsibility, Student-LetInitiatives, SustainableFashioninSchools
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
