... the project
The "Quiet Quarters" project aims to establish a dedicated zone within the school where students can engage in mindfulness practices, relax, engage in reading and reflect away from the hustle and bustle of regular school activities. The area will be designed in such a way to promote mental health, reduce stress, and improve the overall well-being of students by offering a serene environment conducive to relaxation and introspection.
... what are the aims of the project?
1. Promoting an Integral Ecology
Laudato Si stresses the importance of an integral ecology, one that respects not only the environment but also human dignity and culture. By creating spaces that encourage mindfulness and reflection, the project helps cultivate an inner peace and awareness that can lead to more thoughtful and sustainable behaviours, aligning with the encyclical's vision for a holistic approach to ecology.
2. Encouraging a Culture of Care
The encyclical advocates for a "culture of care" which includes caring for oneself and others, along with the planet. The mindful spaces encourage students to take time to care for their mental health, which is essential for fostering a broader ethic of care towards the environment and other people.
3. Connection to Nature
While Laudato Si focuses significantly on the environment, the encyclical also explores how disconnecting from nature can contribute to a breakdown in understanding the interconnectedness of all creatures. The project's incorporation of natural elements in decor and perhaps through the inclusion of plant life or natural imagery can help reconnect students with nature, thus promoting the values of environmental stewardship emphasized in the encyclical.
4. Educating for the Future
Pope Francis emphasizes the need for education that teaches us to care for the environment and guides us towards sustainable habits. The mindful spaces not only serve as places for personal growth and relaxation but also as educational tools that subtly encourage students to reflect on their own lifestyles and their impacts on the world around them.
5. Promoting Simplicity and a Reflective Lifestyle
The encyclical discusses the value of simplicity and a reflective lifestyle, which stands in contrast to a culture driven by consumerism and disregard for the environment. By providing a space for students to pause, reflect, and engage in mindfulness, the project supports this call for a simpler, more contemplative way of living that can lead to greater respect for our common home.
... how do they align to the five core principles?
1. Promoting an Integral Ecology & Concern for the Poor and Social Justice
Laudato Si calls for an integral approach that respects the environment and human dignity. The Lasallian principle of Concern for the Poor and Social Justice resonates with this call, as creating mindful spaces can foster a compassionate community that cares for its most vulnerable members, promoting mental health and well-being for all students.
2. Encouraging a Culture of Care & Respect for All Persons
The culture of care advocated in Laudato Si includes caring for oneself, others, and the planet. This aligns with the Lasallian principle of Respect for All Persons, as the project aims to provide a nurturing environment where all students feel valued and supported, reflecting a deep respect for each individual’s dignity and well-being.
3. Connection to Nature & Faith in the Presence of God
Laudato Si emphasizes reconnecting with nature as a way to appreciate the creation and reflect on our role within it. This mirrors the Lasallian Faith in the Presence of God principle, where the mindful spaces enriched with natural elements can serve as areas for spiritual reflection and recognition of God’s presence in the natural world, enhancing students' spiritual growth alongside their ecological awareness.
4. Educating for the Future & Quality Education
The encyclical's emphasis on education that promotes sustainable habits is paralleled by the Lasallian Quality Education principle. Mindful spaces facilitate an educational approach that integrates academic, emotional, and spiritual learning, aiming to cultivate responsible, thoughtful citizens prepared to tackle future challenges, particularly in sustainability and ethical living.
5. Promoting Simplicity and a Reflective Lifestyle & Inclusive Community
Laudato Si promotes a simpler, more reflective lifestyle to counteract a culture of consumerism. This concept is deeply connected to the Lasallian principle of creating an Inclusive Community. By encouraging mindfulness and reflection, the project helps foster a community where simplicity is valued over materialism, and where every student, regardless of background, can find peace and a sense of belonging within the school.
Project Preparation
Overview
The "Quite Quarters" project, funded by the Lasallian Leavening Fund, aims to establish a dedicated space within the school that fosters mindfulness, relaxation, reading, and reflection. This initiative also incorporates a student-led farming club, promoting sustainability and ecological awareness.
Site Inspection and Measurements
As part of the preparation phase, students conducted an initial site assessment:
Inspection: Students explored the designated area, evaluating its suitability for transformation into a quiet space.
Measurements: Using measuring tools, they recorded the dimensions of the space to inform the design and layout planning.
Environmental Conditions: Factors such as natural light, ventilation, and accessibility were assessed to optimize the space for its intended purpose.
Design and Planning Phase
Briefing Session: Students were introduced to the project’s objectives, including its alignment with the Lasallian Core Principles and the ecological commitment emphasized in Laudato Si.
Brainstorming and Conceptualization: Students collaborated to propose ideas that would ensure the space serves its intended purpose. They explored:
- The integration of natural elements (e.g., plants, wooden structures)
- Comfortable seating and quiet zones for reading and meditation
- A designated area for the farming club, where students could cultivate plants and vegetables.
Drafting the Design: Using their measurements and ideas, students sketched preliminary designs, considering:
- Aesthetic and functional aspects of the space
- Accessibility and inclusivity for all students
- Sustainable materials and eco-friendly features
Presentation of the initial designs to the Head of School
The initial designs for the Quiet Quarters project were officially presented to the Head of School, who reviewed and approved the proposed plans. The students' thoughtful approach to integrating mindfulness spaces and sustainable elements was commended, marking a significant step forward in the project's development. With this approval, the team is now set to proceed with the next phase of implementation.
Prepping the area
The designated area for the Quiet Quarters project has been thoroughly cleaned and prepared, ensuring a suitable foundation for the next phase of implementation. With all debris cleared and the space organized, the project is now ready to move forward, bringing the approved design plans to life.
Steps Ahead and Launch
Minor fittings still need to be installed to complete the space, and from October the garden will also be attended to through a dedicated mid-day break club. In the meantime, students are already making good use of the quiet area together with their teachers, enjoying it as a calm and welcoming environment.
Credits:
Created with an image by jef 77 - "La cascade du Rummel est une chute d'eau du massif des Vosges située sur la commune de Lepuix dans le territoire de Belfort. Très beau site naturel, frais, calme et reposant."