Mission school turns peace observance into lessons on creation and reconciliation

St. John’s School in Thabom, a remote mission school in northeastern Thailand, uses its annual peace observance to teach students about reconciliation, environmental stewardship, and global connections. The school, which is run by the Religious of the Assumption, serves a student body and staff from various faiths.

The school's activities for the International Day of Peace include prayer, reflection, discussions on caring for the environment, and lessons on different cultures and countries. Sister Maria Deanna Combong, RA, the school superior, said the mission school began in 2002 with a goal to help build a more just and peaceful society.

Sister Maria Deanna Combong stated that the school aims to foster a culture of peace by rejecting violence, respecting human dignity, and teaching responsibility. She added that the school also focuses on helping young people find meaning and caring for the environment as a common home.