7 minute read
Going above and beyond. How one teacher made a difference.
“Our involvement in the Exchange Project at The Nest over the past four years has allowed students to build confidence, develop practical skills, and connect with the wider community in ways that are both empowering and enduring”, Jo Smith, Mitchelton High School
While seeking work experience placements for students she case managed, teacher Jo Smith contacted The Nest in Everton Park, on the advice of a friend who volunteered. In speaking to The Nest CEO and Founder, Roz Holt, about the Exchange Project, Jo stumbled upon a golden opportunity.
“Roz’s passion for the program really stood out, and I was immediately intrigued. Within days, I visited The Nest and it quickly became clear that this was a space where our students could feel welcomed, valued, and inspired. It wasn’t long before I had a group of enthusiastic Mitchie students eagerly participating”.
In an article in our October 2024 issue of ZIGZAG, we retraced the history of how the Exchange Project mentoring program was inspired by The Craft Nest Project, a business run by Roz prior to founding The Nest Community. It was this experience where Roz realised the social impact that craft, intergenerational connection and skill sharing could have on women. It inspired the foundation of The Nest in 2014 and eventually the foundation of the Exchange Project in 2021.
The objective of the program is to give the opportunity to vulnerable teenage girls to be mentored by skilled craftswomen to learn how to make by hand. Since 2021, more than 40 volunteers from our community have shared their skills with over 250 vulnerable girls.
Sadly, after 23 years at Mitchelton High School, Jo Smith is moving on to a new career and this month we ’ ve had to say goodbye to her and the wonderful Mitchelton participants. We launched an Expression of Interest for a new partner this year and received several enthusiastic applications. The challenge can be how to accommodate an alternative program within a large, structured organisation like a high school where there are multiple demands on resources - human and otherwise.
In the end it comes down to how much individuals like Jo Smith advocate for the needs of students.
“My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that education should be inclusive, flexible, and responsive to the diverse needs of all learners. Over the past 23 years at Mitchelton State High School, I have taught across mainstream, learning support, and special education settings, always striving to create meaningful learning experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom. While I value the importance of structured lessons and foundational skills, I firmly believe that students gain a richer, more valuable education when they are offered a variety of programs and real-world opportunities”.
While The Nest’s old location in Everton Park offered a homestyle experience, complete with veggie patch and chickens, Jo says the new Brendale location and working in the Gladys Mary Studio, gives the ‘ wow ’ factor
“The Gladys Mary Studio is modern, spacious, and purpose-built. The Nest Haberdashery next door is impressive and gives Spotlight a run for its money. The open layout allows all the girls to work together in one large, shared space, which adds to the sense of community and collaboration”.
What has been most heartening to hear is that Jo’s dedication to providing students with experience beyond the classroom has paid off.“Yes, I’ve witnessed many strong connections form between Mentors and participants over the years, particularly when a Mentor and student have worked closely together on a shared project. Some of these projects have spanned several weeks or even an entire term, allowing time for trust, collaboration, and mutual respect to truly grow.
These one-on-one experiences often give students a strong sense of purpose and pride in their work. As a result, the impact has been clearly visible back at school.Teachers have reported that students were eager to showcase their creations to peers and staff, often bringing in items they’d made to share and celebrate. There has also been a noticeable improvement in engagement.
Beyond confidence and social development, students have built an impressive range of practical and personal skills during their time at The Nest. These include fine motor skills through hands-on craft work, enhanced communication through regular interaction and teamwork, and improved problem-solving as they plan, adapt, and complete their projects. They’ve learned to follow multi-step instructions, manage their time, and take initiative skills that are invaluable both in and out of the classroom. The creative and supportive environment also fosters independence, responsibility, and perseverance. Many students have grown in their ability to receive and apply feedback, and these gains have translated into improved behaviour, participation, and a greater sense of self-worth at school”.
Over the last four there have been highlights the projects students have undertaken. From Indigo dying on the verandah in Everton Park to upcycling garments like their old ‘Mitchie’ school uniform. One student even threw themselves into making a Halloween costume, showing incredible creativity and flair.
As of Term 3 2025 we will be welcoming Craigslea State High School as our new School partner and as a farewell from Mitchelton State High School, Jo posted this on social media:
“Thank you to Roz, Monika and the wonderful mentors for your support and belief in our students. The lessons they have learnt and the relationships they have built through the Exchange Project will stay with them for a lifetime. We wish the next school who participates in this inspiring program all the best may your students gain as much joy, growth, and connection as ours have”.
We have mutual admiration for the contribution Jo has made to the success of our program. When Roz was asked to reflect on her time getting to know Jo, she commented:
“It’s very sad to say goodbye to Jo and the girls from Mitchelton but we’ll be forever grateful that she took the leap of faith to join the Exchange Project in its infancy. The girls’ enthusiasm to be involved came from Jo. She embodied kindness and through small actions she added immense value to the program. She wasn’t just there to supervise, she came as an active participant, mirroring how the girls should behave. Her care even extended to numerous home-baked treats each week, showing the heart she poured into the program. We wish Jo all the best in her new role and are proud to have been part of her teaching journey”.
The gift of giving, like Jo has, is that you also receive. When asked if there was a special memory that she would take with her, Jo said:
“One standout of the program was watching a student spend months designing and sewing her own formal dress with the guidance of a skilled mentor. It was an ambitious project that took patience, skill, and perseverance. Seeing her walk into her formal wearing something she had made with her own hands was an unforgettable moment”.
