Crafting Connections

St John's College, Lismore, Year 12 students collaborated with St Joseph's Primary School, Alstonville, to design and build a cubby house and stage, strengthening community ties and leaving a lasting legacy of generosity and collaboration. (1 April 2025)

Bringing together learning and community, St John’s College, Lismore, partnered with St Joseph’s Primary School, Alstonville, for a real-world construction project that put students’ skills into action. As part of their Certificate II in Construction Pathways course, Year 12 students from St John’s designed and built cubby houses for St Joseph’s, applying their classroom knowledge to create something lasting for younger students to enjoy.

Inspired by the Tiny Town playground initiative, the project aimed to provide engaging new play spaces at St Joseph’s. Despite some weather-related delays, the cubby houses were completed in time for Term 2, 2024.

Guided by VET Construction teacher Mr Gerard Ritchie, the students took the lead on all aspects of the six-month build, from design to material selection and construction. The result was a high-quality cubby house and stage that will serve as valuable additions to the school’s outdoor learning and play areas.

‘The kids were quite ecstatic. They were really interested. I was focused on the build, but they were wholeheartedly into what we were doing,’ said Year 12 student Declan.

The project strengthened the connection between the two schools and highlighted the value of collaboration and service.

‘The gift of the cubby and stage from Woodlawn has been a powerful reminder of the strength and beauty of our Catholic school communities when we come together in service,’ said St Joseph’s Principal, Kurt Challinor. ‘It’s a living example of love in action, and we couldn’t be more thankful.’

Building on this success, the schools are now planning to transform a nearby picnic hut into another cubby house, continuing the spirit of shared learning and community contribution.