St. Peter’s Primary are delighted to share the progress of their Lasallian Leavening Fund project which has been a huge success.
In recent years they opened a new Chapel space within the school, and since then, have been working to develop both the Chapel and the prayer areas it supports. The aim has been to provide children with meaningful opportunities to engage with prayer and liturgy, and they identified the need for additional resources to make this possible.
With the guidance of Lasallian Leaders, the project leaders have carefully chosen items that encourage participation and deepen spirituality. These include mini statues of Jesus and Mary, holding crosses, hearts, stones, pebbles, and prayer cards. They have also purchased materials and cloths for prayer tables and stations placed around the school as an extension of the Chapel, enriching Lasallian Spirituality throughout the school environment.
Beyond the Chapel, the school is committed to bringing the sense of peace and the reality of being “In the Holy Presence of God” into their outdoor spaces. Recognising that playtimes can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for the most vulnerable children, St Peter’s have begun creating a safe and reflective outdoor area where pupils can go to make friends, talk, and pray.
To start this project,they purchased Arbours, which have been placed in a quiet corner of the school grounds. These were selected by a core group of Lasallian Leaders. Within these Arbours, the plan is to paint key Lasallian quotes, such as those that our children are holding, reminding students of our shared values and faith. With additional support, it is hoped to develop this space further by surrounding it with flowers and natural beauty, fostering calm and gratitude for the world God has given us.
This is a work in progress to make it a truly reflective sanctuary. The Arbours were used as part of the ‘Ethos’ day where they delved deeper into the teachings of St. John Baptist de La Salle and what it means for them as a Lasallian school. St Peter’s have three Arbours now to develop a prayer corridor in the outdoor space. This will be worked on further in 2025- 2026, with children’s’ ideas and input being at the core of each decision.
This project not only supports prayer and spirituality but also demonstrates that we are working in line with the mission of the Lasallian Leavening Fund by:
Promoting awareness of Catholic Social Teaching by finding places of sanctuary for those most vulnerable in the community. Young Lasallians will recognise those who need support and be a helping hand, or reach out through prayer for others.
Encouraging spiritual formation among children and Young Lasallians.
Giving young Lasallians ownership of their projects.
All at St Peter’s are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this initiative and benefit from the generous fund. They look forward to the continued growth of the Chapel, outdoor prayer spaces, and the faith life of our community.