V. osnovna skola Varazdin was our host between 3-5 of October 2023 in Varaždin, Croatia for the third learning activity organized under the Well Project „The Welcoming Environment for Leading and Learning”. The project, co-funded with European Commission support and coordinated by Město Otrokovice, will upskill school leaders, representatives of school boards, school founders, municipalities, school inspectorate and other institutions active in education in creating a positive school environment where all pupils´/ students´ needs and talents are recognized and supported.

The focus of this three-day event was to delve deep into the third project result which comprises a methodology that aims to equip school leaders with practical, proven, and user-friendly methods for planning, management, and cooperation to contribute significantly to the creation of a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment.

Distinguished representatives from schools and educational spheres in each partner country, namely the Czech Republic, Portugal, Romania, and Ireland, were active participants in this enlightening activity. Their collective goal was to engage in sessions that revolved around crucial themes such as school counseling for well-being, the restorative power of mindfulness in nature, and the integration of formal and informal practices that involve being in and connecting with the natural world.

The event was further enriched with specialized workshops, each addressing key topics vital to holistic education. These workshops explored the “Alphabet of Feelings,” delved into the delicate issue of mental health, and examined the art of mindfulness, with a special focus on educating the whole child, gradually and in sync with their evolving needs at various stages of growth. One of the highlights of this endeavor was the exploration of how teachers can learn from their students.

During this training activity we collaborated with school counselling staff from Centrul Judeţean de Resurse şi Asistenţă Educaţională Timiș, but also with enthusiastic students actively involved in other projects implemented by our team!

Disclaimer: The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.