Tag Archive | Laudato Si

Eco-Friendly Initiatives at ACS, Dum Dum

Aug31

Nature-loving goings-on

On 14th July 2025, a Canvas Painting competition was held in Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, showcasing the creativity and imagination of students from Middle and High school. Each group was given a different theme. Middle School students painted on the theme “My Happy Place.” Their canvases came alive with forests, mountains, rivers, flowers, birds, beaches, and seas, reflecting their love for nature and joyful spaces. High School students explored the theme “Monsoon Melody”. Their paintings beautifully capture the magic of the rainy season, with scenes like waterfalls cascading down hills, misty mountains, rainy evenings, and tranquil monsoon landscapes. The event was judged by an art teacher and two special guests. The top three participants from each category were awarded the certificate for their wonderful work.

Nature comes alive on glass

On 14th July 2025, a glass painting competition was organized at Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, for both middle school and high school students. The event aimed to promote creativity, artistic skills, and environmental awareness through the unique medium of glass painting. The competition was conducted in two categories based on the themes, “Underwater Wonder” for middle school students, where young artists brought the hidden world beneath the sea to life with vibrant colors and imaginative scenes. The artworks beautifully captured the colorful marine life, coral reefs, and the mysterious world beneath the sea. Each painting reflected imagination. Deep appreciation for the ocean life and love for nature. “The power of Nature” for the high school students, where participants expressed the majestic and sometimes destructive forces of nature through thoughtful and impactful artwork. The artwork featured images like hands holding Mother Earth, trees with human faces symbolizing nature’s soul, thunderstorms, forests, and greenery growing from mountaintops- all reflecting the deep connection between humans and the environment. The paintings conveyed strong messages of care, protection, and the strength of nature. Students enthusiastically took part in the event, using glass sheets, acrylic paints, and various tools to showcase their talent. The glass paintings were judged by an art teacher along with a guest. The top three participants were awarded certificates of excellence for their outstanding creativity and artistic expression.

Elocution Competition ‘Say NO to Plastic’

The elocution competition for the K.G. students was held on 30 July 2025 with great joy and enthusiasm. The tiny speakers came forward to share their thoughts on meaningful themes like Say No to Plastics, Save Water, and Save Mother Earth, and the importance of Solar Panels. The little ones spoke with confidence and charm. Their short and clear messages reminded everyone about the importance of protecting our environment. Though very young, they expressed big ideas – using less plastic, saving each drop of water, caring for Mother Earth, and making use of the bright energy of the sun. The competition not only boosted the confidence of the children but also spread valuable awareness. The competition concluded with applause for all participants and the reminder that even small voices can make a big difference in shaping a greener tomorrow.

Planetary Care activities at St. Anthony’s Convent School, Jaigaon

Aug31

As part of the Save the Earth project, tree plantations and various programs in favour of earth care were conducted with great zeal and enthusiasm at St. Anthony’s Convent School Jaigaon, on 04th July. The program was hosted by Class XI A, who effectively conveyed the message of the significance and purpose of Save Earth. Sriya Jha of Class XI A delivered a thought-provoking speech, emphasizing the urgent need to protect and preserve our environment. The students also presented a melodious and meaningful song expressing reverence for nature. An elegant Indian classical dance was performed by the girls, symbolizing love and gratitude for Mother Earth.

The Primary Section students charmed the audience with a delightful action song that beautifully illustrated the deep connection between trees and humans.   The main activity of the day was planting plants and trees. Each class brought plants, saplings, and pots to contribute to the school’s green initiative. In a collective effort, all the sisters, teachers, student representatives from each class, house captains, and vice-captains re-planted or re-potted the saplings, adding soil and manure, and watering them with care. To conclude the event, Sr. Elizabeth, the Superior, delivered an inspiring message, urging everyone to keep their surroundings clean and green throughout the year, both at school and in their homes and communities.

The Guides and Scouts of St. Anthony’s Convent School, Jaigaon school organized a cleanliness drive as part of the Save Earth campaign on  11th August 2025. The main objective of this activity was to create awareness about the importance of keeping our surroundings clean and to encourage students to contribute towards protecting the environment. The students, along with their teachers, enthusiastically participated in the drive. They cleaned the school campus, nearby roads, and collected plastic, paper, and other waste materials. Placards and slogans were also displayed to spread the message of cleanliness and environmental conservation. This initiative not only helped in beautifying the surroundings but also instilled a sense of responsibility and teamwork among the students. It was a valuable step towards building awareness on environmental protection and the need to preserve our planet for future generations. The event concluded with a short pledge taken by all the participants to continue their efforts in keeping the environment clean and green.

Case Study: School-Based Environmental Stewardship in India and Nepal

Jun18

English: https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/case-study-school-based-environmental-stewardship-in-india-and-nepal/

Spanish: https://plataformadeaccionlaudatosi.org/estudio-de-caso-gestion-medioambiental-en-escuelas-de-la-india-y-nepal/

Italian: https://piattaformadiiniziativelaudatosi.org/caso-di-studio-tutela-ambientale-in-ambito-scolastico-in-india-e-nepal/

Portuguese: https://plataformadeacaolaudatosi.org/estudo-de-caso-gestao-ambiental-escolar-na-india-e-no-nepal/

French: https://plate-formedactionlaudatosi.org/etude-de-cas-gestion-environnementale-a-lecole-en-inde-et-au-nepal/

Laudato Si` Seed Project in action at St. Mary’s School, Geyzing

Jun7

On 3rd and 4th June 2025, St. Mary’s Convent School Gayzing conducted an Awareness Programme as a part of the Seed Project in action in favour of the LS and in anticipation of the World Environment Day, 2025 under the tutelage of Ms. Ruby Banerjee in association with the Principal, Sr. Archana Kujur, Sr. Medlin Lakra and Ms. Bhawana Tamang in partnership with the GA and Ecology coordinator Sr. Mini. The students of classes XI and XII participated in the Awareness Programme. The total number of participants was twenty-five.

On the first day, 3rd June 2025, they were led through the prayers, prayer songs for the conservation of environment and were shown a short video based on the directives given in a letter of Pope Francis on Climate Change, it’s impact on the environment and the society, and the possible solutions that the present generation could adapt to conserve the environment to build a sustainable world for the future. It was followed by a group discussion in which the students exchanged their learning outcomes, inspirations drawn and the awareness programme’s take-home messages.

As St. Mary’s is situated in the lap of nature itself, the students were taken for a nature walk within the premises so that they could appreciate, enjoy and be thankful for this valuable gift (natural beauty) which many are deprived of. As St. Mary’s, Geyzing is equipped with a farming land, so on the second day, 4th June 2025, the students were taken to the vegetable farming area to help them relate to the impact of climate change, deterioration of environment and the contamination of land, water and air on the world and its components, be it living or non-living.

Later, returning from the outdoor activity, the students vowed to be the ambassadors and promote awareness about the necessity of preserving and conserving the environment to build a sustainable world for not only the present but also for future generations. Overall, it was a thought-provoking and experiential experience for the students.

A scenic nature walk

Feb9

On January 29, 2025, the Green Ambassadors of classes VI-IX and XI embarked on an exciting visit to Bharat Darshan Park for a nature walk along with Sr. Lemnom Mosang, Ms Shanti, and Ms Neeraj. They left school at 8:30 am brimming with excitement and anticipation and at their destination, they were warmly welcomed with scrumptious refreshments. The park, an extraordinary open-air museum, offered a glimpse into Indian history and culture. It featured stunning replicas of iconic monuments such as the Taj Mahal, Char Minar, Hawa Mahal, Meenakshi Temple, and many more. These replicas were truly remarkable because they were created entirely from recycled metal junk, including gas stoves, cylinders, electric poles, and engines.

The entire park is furnished with solar panels and other eco-friendly elements, showcasing sustainable design. The students eagerly gathered information from the staff and display boards about the materials, time, and techniques used to craft the intricate models of these monuments. The level of detail in the models left the group in awe and curiosity. Even after taking numerous photos and spending time admiring the designs, the students were reluctant to leave.

After a brief lunch under the shade of beautiful green trees and a final look at the creative artworks, the students bid farewell to the park. It was an incredible experience of both learning and enjoyment, leaving us with lasting memories of a delightful day.

ACS Barasat offers Agriculture based SUPW learning

Jul18

AUXILIUM BARASAT: In today’s world, whether you are a student or a professional, various demands and pressures consume our daily lives. We often find ourselves not only physically tired but also mentally exhausted. Feelings of despair and depression can affect us. We also recognise that gardening is a highly beneficial activity for refreshing and promoting a pollution-free environment.

ACS Barasat has incorporated into the school curriculum 2024, gardening as part of the SUPW (Socially Useful Productive Work) to keep the students refreshed and rejuvenated.

With the support of the principal, the staff is delighted to involve students from VI to XII in the gardening initiative. Class VI: Chilli plant, VII-Tomato, VIII-Eggplant/Brinjal, IX-Chrysanthemum, X-Dahlia, XI- Gourd and Petunia and XII-Pumpkin+ Dianthus.

Through this entire procedure, students will learn to prepare ideal and suitable soil for trees and the technique of planting trees properly and nurturing them to grow.

Auxilium Convent School, New Chumta : A March Towards a Greener Future

Jul15

AUXILIUM NEW CHUMTA: In a vibrant celebration of Paper Bag Day, Auxilium Convent School New Chumta took a significant step towards environmental sustainability by organizing a rally on 12th July 2024. The event aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic pollution and promote the use of eco-friendly alternatives, specifically paper bags. Principal Sr. Kanchan Bara addressed the participants, emphasizing the importance of reducing plastic usage. “We must act now to protect our environment. By choosing paper over plastic, we are making a conscious decision to safeguard our planet for future generations,” she said.

The rally commenced from the school premises, with enthusiastic students marching towards Kharpail Bazar and TCP Road. The participants carried colourful banners and placards adorned with slogans like “Say No to Plastic,” “Paper Bags: A Greener Choice,” and “Protect Our Planet.” The energy and enthusiasm of the students were palpable as they chanted slogans, drawing the attention of the local community.

The rally was led by Sr. Clara Rai and Sr. Kishori, accompanied by a dedicated team of teachers. Their leadership and commitment to the cause were evident as they marched alongside the students, encouraging them every step of the way.

Paper Bag Creation and Eco-Friendly Income generating program held at Auxilium New Chumta School

In addition to raising awareness, the students of Auxilium Convent School took practical steps to promote eco-friendly practices by making their paper bags. These handmade bags were then sold to local medicine shops in Kharpail Bazar, demonstrating a successful model of eco-friendly income generation. This initiative not only highlighted the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the students but also provided a tangible solution to reduce plastic usage in the community.

The rally concluded with a heartfelt assembly where Principal Sr. Kanchan praised the students’ efforts and urged them to continue advocating for environmental sustainability. “This rally is just the beginning. Let us continue to champion the cause of a plastic-free world and inspire others to join us in this mission,” she said.

The Paper Bag Day rally by Auxilium Convent School New Chumta was a remarkable success, demonstrating the power of education and community action in addressing environmental challenges. The event not only educated students about the importance of sustainable practices but also inspired the local community to take meaningful steps towards reducing plastic waste. The students’ initiative to create and sell paper bags to local shops added a practical dimension to their advocacy, showcasing how eco-friendly practices can also generate income. As the rally ended, the message was clear: together, we can make a significant impact and create a greener, healthier future for all.

Workshop on Sustainable Development Goals

Jul7

KOLKATA SALESIAN SISTERS DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY: A workshop on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was conducted by Sr. Alma Bilung, the Kolkata Salesian Sisters Development Society coordinator of the province, and staff member Miss Suzzane Shaw. They delivered an enlightening awareness program for both teachers and students of two schools in the North Bengal Zone: Auxilium Convent School, New Chumta on 20 June 2024, and St. Anthony’s School, Jaigaon on 25 June 2024. The objectives of this training session were to create awareness, adapt and respond to the ecological crisis, and facilitate transformative learning, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making.

The session aimed to educate students about the SDGs, focusing on their importance and implementation. The origin of the SDGs was discussed, highlighting how it came into being as a result of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. All 17 SDGs were explained in detail to the participants, emphasizing their global significance and the role of individuals in achieving these goals for attaining peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and in the future.

After the session, the students were tasked with discussing and adopting any goal to contribute to the SDGs. Unanimously, the students concluded that addressing SDG 13 – Climate Action was an alarming and urgent need of the time. The participants engaged actively, presenting their ideas through colourful chart paper presentations. They proposed various action plans and highlighted promoting plastic-free zones, litter-less campaigns, and adopting the three R’s: reduce, reuse, and recycle. The club members will monitor and ensure that the disposal of waste is carried out systematically and promote the use of pool cars as a means of transport instead of personal cars. The students’ presentations were well-received and highlighted their understanding and commitment to tackling climate change through practical actions.

The workshop was a resounding success, fostering a sense of responsibility and action towards sustainable development among students. The activities not only educated but also inspired the entire school community to take meaningful steps towards a more sustainable future.

Auxilium Convent School, New Chumta Celebrates Environmental Week with Engaging Activities

Jul5

AUXILIUM, NEW CHUMTA: Auxilium Convent School, New Chumta recently celebrated Environmental Week 2024, marking the occasion with a series of events aimed at raising awareness about environmental conservation and sustainable development. The week was filled with various activities involving students and teachers, all centred around the theme of saving the Earth.

The festivities began with an impressive PowerPoint presentation by Class XII C. The presentation highlighted practical ways to protect the environment, offering insightful tips and strategies to the students. To engage the attendees further, the students concluded their presentation by posing a few thought-provoking questions, sparking a lively discussion on environmental issues.

Despite the rain on the second day, the commitment to the environment remained strong. Students took the opportunity to clean their classrooms, demonstrating the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy learning environment. This activity underscored the message that every small effort counts towards making a significant impact.

Throughout the week, a notice board display on the theme of the environment showcased various informative and inspiring materials. This visual display served as a constant reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and featured student artwork, facts, and tips on how to contribute to saving the planet.

Adding to the week’s events, Sr. Alma Bilung, the KSSDS co-ordinator of the province delivered an enlightening awareness program for both teachers and students. Her talk focused on sustainable development and practical measures to save the Earth. Sr. Alma Bilung’s presentation provided valuable insights and inspired the audience to adopt more eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.

The celebration continued with a compelling speech by Class IX students during the school assembly. Using props to illustrate their points, the students explained the “bone and bane” of the environment in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. Their creative approach made complex environmental issues accessible to everyone.

The week concluded on a high note with a tree-planting activity. Each class planted two saplings, resulting in around thirty new trees being added to the school grounds. This symbolic act of planting trees not only contributed to the environment but also served as a lasting reminder of the student’s commitment to protecting the planet.

Environmental Week at ACS New Chumta was a resounding success, fostering a sense of responsibility and action towards environmental conservation among students and staff alike. The activities not only educated but also inspired the entire school community to take meaningful steps towards a more sustainable future.

Auxi-Green Cultural Week at Auxilium School, Dum Dum

Jul4

AUXILIUM DUM DUM: Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, organized Auxi-Green Cultural Week from 19 June to 21 June, 2024. The Auxi-Green Cultural Week unfolded over an enchanting three-day period, featuring a vibrant array of inter-house performances and competitions. This celebration of culture was meticulously organized by the various clubs, showcasing the diverse talents and creativity of our students. Every student, teacher, and even non-participants were highly engrossed in the celebration. With every performance, the competition kept getting stronger; the participants were excellent at keeping the audience engaged, teachers proud, and the judges stunned, all the while maintaining an environment of healthy competition within their peers.

The commencement of the fest was marked by the Inaugural Ceremony by Rev. Father Irudaya Raj from St. Patrick’s Church, a renowned professor of canon law. It was followed by the lighting of the lamp by Rev. Father Irudaya Raj, Sr. Superior, Sr. Stella Davis, Sr. Principal, Sr. Aruna Kispotta, Sr. Vice-Principal, Sr. Sandhya Minj, and our High School Coordinator, Miss Sujata Harish. An Inaugural Dance performance by the high school students marked the end of the inauguration and the beginning of the Auxi-Green Cultural Week.

On June 19th, 2024, the Eastern Dance Club conducted a group classical and folk-dance competition with the theme “Elements of Nature,” where the Blue House got “Earth,” the Red House “Fire,” the Green House “Air,” and the Yellow House “Water.”

The Environmental Club organized inter-house competitions: Auxi Zero Waste Warriors (Best Out of Waste) and Auxi Saviours (Poster Making) for middle school, and Auxi Environmentalists (5-minute skit) for high school. The themes were “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle,” “Sustainable Development,” and “Dreams to Save Our Mother Earth,” respectively. The high school skit competition reflected the dreams and aspirations of young minds towards protecting and preserving our planet.

The Auxi-Chef Club hosted a series of events during Cultural Week, featuring Auxi-Organic Spread, Auxi-Concoction, and Auxi-Veggie Magic. Participants unleashed their creative skills in making salads, mocktails, and carving vegetables and fruits. The high school participants showcased their creativity by carving various items, while the middle school participants prepared different mocktails and salads. The judges complimented the initiative, promoting teamwork and creativity among the students.

The Auxi-Green Cultural Week concluded with the announcement of the well-deserved achievers and winners. The closing ceremony, held on June 21st, 2024, was witnessed by the entire Auxilium Convent School. Rev. Sr. Superior and Sr. Principal expressed their views on the students’ presentations and emphasized the importance of cultural activities. The high school coordinator, Miss Sujata Harish, announced the winning houses of each event, followed by the trophy distribution. The best house award was awarded to the meritorious Blue House, with Yellow House in second place, followed by Red and Green Houses. Rev. Sr. Principal delivered a closing speech, expressing gratitude to everyone involved in the successful execution of the Auxi-Green cultural week.

The festival provided an opportunity for students to participate, indulge in different activities, be the best version of themselves and above all have great love for Mother Earth. Take care of the plants, plant more trees, and save water and electricity.