DLS Jersey bring the Leavening Project into the classroom
Students and staff at De La Salle College Jersey have set an example for all by illustrating perfectly just how the global strategy of the Lasallian Institute can be successfully incorporated into our classrooms.
The Leavening Project is a recent addition to the curriculum at the school, specifically designed for our Year 12 students, and shows how the decisions arising from the 46th General Chapter can be embraced by our young people.
It is an invitation for young learners in Jersey to play an active role in shaping their community and initiating positive change. Through a series of activities, projects, and collaborative efforts, they will have the opportunity to confront social issues head-on, employing critical thinking skills and taking meaningful actions.
Leavening, which draws its inspiration from the concept of leaven—a small ingredient with the remarkable power to transform an entire batch of dough into a rising, nourishing loaf of bread (Matt 13:33). In much the same way, our Lasallian Leavening Project aspires to be the catalyst for positive change, not only within our school but also in the broader community to which we belong.
By encouraging students to not merely talk about catholic-social teaching but engage with each teaching in a practical life-giving way, it is hoped that students immerse themselves in the Leavening Project. As a result, they will not only contribute to the betterment of our community but also gain a deeper understanding of their personal values and the responsibilities they hold toward others. Along the way they will acquire valuable skills, such as teamwork, project management, communication, and organisation skills.
The key focus areas are:
1. Environment
2. Human Rights
3. Care for Those in Need
4. Well-being
5. Inclusion
Each group will have a chance to cover each subject by the time they leave school.
Last term it was a positive start for our leavening groups.
Our Inclusion group created a video raising awareness of the great work of Bedford Street Kitchen. An enterprise which provides structured education, training, and employment programmes for people with learning disabilities and/or autism. They visited their café, speaking with the people about their experiences working there. This video was then shared among their peers and younger years in our school community.
Our Human Rights group contacted Mind Jersey a local mental health charity. They organised a Mind representative to visit the school and speak with the students. They distributed leaflets and discussed the stigma surrounding mental health in men. To raise funds, they organised a raffle, seizing an opportunity to highlight the charity's mission during a live-streamed assembly raffle draw.
Our Care for Those in Need group contacted Shelter Trust. A local homeless shelter and foodbank. They organised a representative to visit the school. They ran a Tinathon competition collecting over 300 tins. Following the collection, they arranged a drop-off at the Shelter Trust. They also attended the annual soap kitchen event in the town center distributing leaflets and talking with the general public about the Shelter Trust.
Our Environment group contacted Durrell a wildlife conservation trust. This group chose to raise awareness for Durrell’s latest campaign, Cans for Corridors. They led an assembly in the Primary school and invited a representative to speak about this initiative. To raise funds, they ran a poster competition and an animal non-uniform themed dressed down day in our primary school.
Our Wellbeing group also contacted Mind Jersey. Opting for an awareness campaign and fundraiser, they ventured into the local community for a bag-packing event at the Co-op. During this initiative, they distributed informative leaflets and engaged in conversations with customers to raise awareness on the importance of good mental health and the support available in Jersey.
