Stitching Kindness

This term, our Year 7 & 8 students have embraced the spirit of Service Learning through a heartwarming initiative, the Buddy Project. We partnered with our younger learners in Year 1 and 3 to create something truly special: upcycled fabric creatures! Learning Through Upcycling was at the core of this project with a focus on sustainability and creativity. Students explored the concept of upcycling, transforming old fabrics and textiles into new, imaginative soft toys. By repurposing materials that might otherwise go to waste, students learned about environmental responsibility and the power of giving new life to old things.

The Buddy Project was also about building community and connection. Our older students took on mentoring roles, guiding their younger buddies through the design and creation process. Together, they brainstormed creature ideas, selected fabrics, and stitched with care. From patchwork to rainbows, each creation is a unique expression of teamwork and imagination. Throughout the project, students developed a wide range of valuable skills to develop their personal and social capability such as;  

• Textile techniques like cutting, stitching, and embellishing

• Collaboration and leadership through mentoring and teamwork

• Empathy and communication as they worked closely with younger peers

• Creative problem-solving in designing and constructing their creatures

The project is a celebration of connection with the student working hard towards the final showcase, which will prove to be a joyful celebration of creativity, kindness, and community. Seeing the pride on the faces of both big and little buddies throughout the term was a reminder of how powerful learning can be when it’s shared. The creatures will hopefully be kept as cherished mementos of friendship and the joy of making something meaningful together. We are proud

of our students for embracing this project with open hearts and open minds. Their work has not only brightened our classrooms but also strengthened the bonds across year levels. Well done to all our Buddy Project participants—your stitches have sewn more than fabric; they've sewn connection, care, and creativity!