This Erasmus+ Project will take place from 10th – 16th April 2018, uniting 37 young astronomy enthusiasts from Bulgaria, Germany, Macedonia, France, Portugal, Scotland and Romania. Together with their teachers, they will join in some workshops, sky observation, discussions and other astronomy related challenges. You are welcome to follow the events on the school website, in the photo gallery and on FB. /Alenka Battelino, project coordinator/

Working Day 1:

The second day arrived. For some, it started quite early, because we already gathered in Matija Tomc hall at 7.45. We were first addressed by professor Battelino and we also received a welcome from our headmaster Simon Feštanj.

After introductory words and group photoshooting, we went on a tour around St. Stanislav Institution. Our group began the path in Kregar atrium, where we viewed current exhibition. Then we continued to the resting place at the classes of first years. On our way there, we also checked the products from ancient days and the word ran about the Latin classes on our school. We proceeded to the second floor, where we got to know the science classes and exchanges, on which our school participated in last few years. Guests got really exited, when we arrived at the exhibition of quotes from Harry Potter and the works of Jane Austin. Then we carried on to the school chapel, where we told the guests about spiritual life on gymnasium. On our way to St. Stanislav Chapel, we went past the library and the photos of our senior students. In the chapel, we checked the Rupnik mosaic, and talked a bit about the history of our school. After that, we descended to the gym, which was very crowded. Somehow we managed to squeeze thru the crowd to the small gym, where we talked about sport class. A lot of our Portuguese guests were absolutely excited, when they saw our large climbing wall. When we finished our tour, we returned to the Matija Tomc Hall, where the physics teachers had a short meeting. We were too early, so we sat on the stairs before the hall and started to talk. We talked about different topics, most interesting was the climate in Portugal. Soon we got interrupted, as we had to return inside the hall. There we were presented workshops that will take place on Thursday and Friday. The enterprise contest was also presented. After the presentation the guests got divided for enterprise contest and then there followed a short concert of a mixed choir.

The guests got few minutes of free time after concert, but then they were presented the afternoon activities. At noon they departured for the city centre, where a tour around Ljubljana followed. The tour started at Prešeren Square, where students again got divided in four groups. One group first visited Križanke and National University Library, from there they went to the town hall and then carried on to the Zmajski bridge. They also visited the Ljubljana castle, to which they went on foot. After that they returned to the Prešern Square, where they did some sightseeing by themselves and were later picked up by their hosts.

I also spoke to some guests and they were willing to share their opinion on the day: Maria Martinis from Portugal: About Ljubljana I liked the most Three bridges, ice-cream is very delicious and of course, Mexican restaurant was my favourite part. It’s really beautiful city, especially the river, and it’s nice that it’s not too full of tourists. And of all day my favourite thing was meeting new people. Helene Plautin-McShane from Scotland: I found the day very interesting, and I liked the organisation and that the professors knows, what they are doing. I also liked the choir. Catherine Chambers from Scotland: I most liked the walk in the city and observing Ljubljana, where I found everything very beautiful. /Nika Oven/

The visit took place from 4th – 7th March 2018 and included thirty students and Andrej Černigoj, one of the consultants of Lojze Peterle, Member of the European Parliament. The purpose of the excursion was to get acquainted  with the functioning of the European Union.  Every participant of the excursion had to present one part of Belgium or Brussels, which gave us a good insight of the country and city of our visit.

The first day was dedicated to the visit of the European quarter, which proved to be one of the highlights.  Firstly, we visited a special memorial with the Slovene national anthem written on it in all the languages of the European Union. We were proud to sing the Slovene anthem. Afterwards we were given a speech by Jurij Mesec, who works in the representative body of Slovenia. Because we were right before the building of the European Council, our guide Andrej told us a bit about the council and its activities.  The visit to the European Commission followed, where we were guided by the members of Violeta Bulc’ Cabinet, who is the European Commissioner for Mobility and Transport. We looked at the big hall, where we received answers to all of our questions concerning the internship and other job related enquiries. For the  visit to the European Parliament we were greeted by members of Franc Bogovič’ office. He explained all about the daily routine in the Parliament and we also met Lojze Peterle, who gave a very inspiring speech. He talked about directing Slovenia onto the right path, that it seems not to be foun yet. Afterwards we also helped him choose the school that will visit Brussels next year under the sponsorship of his Cabinet. After that we visited two interactive museums, the first one being the House of European History. We very much liked this museum and only wished we had had more time to look through it thoroughly. The visit to Parlamentarium was even shorter, however, we managed to watch a very interesting interactive movie. For the end we visited Atomium, which is one of the symbols of Brussels. It charmed us with its size. In the evening we enjoyed a common dinner. On Tuesday morning we visited a beautiful medieval city called Brugge. It has a hint of Englishness, which we liked as much as its amazing chocolatiers. Afterwards we went to of the Northern Sea coast. We spent the afternoon in the center of Brussels. There we took a look at the main square and the peeing boy. Some of us spent some time tasting Belgian fries and famous waffles. But nothing compares to the Museum of cocoa and chocolate, where we indulged in all possible Belgian chocolates. To round up our excursion we also visited Waterloo. /Katarina Brezovar, year 3/

We are happy to announce the spring exchange with 22 students accompanied by two teachers from Saumur, France. It will take place form 6th-9th April 2018, with water (l’eau) as the fil rouge of the meeting. Naturally, this would not be possible without visiting Lake Bled, The Ljubljanica river and some other points of interest related to water tourism. French students will be accommodated with the Slovene families.

The exchanges between both schools has now been going on successfully for more than 15 years. Being an active member of Institution Saint Louis is especially appreciated by The Diocesan Classical Gymnasium graduates who have the opportunity for a few-month stay at school, thus gaining a first-hand insight into French school environment.

As usual, the aim of the exchange is to discover local ways of life, language, culture and, last but not least, to hang out with French peers and promote friendship among nations. Daša Deželak Obrč and Barbara Cergolj both teachers of French at the DCG, are in charge of the exchange. /Lily Schweiger Kotar/

The concert was organised by the Polish Embassy in Ljubljana and St. Stanislav’s Institution with hosts Paweł Czerwiński, the ambassador of The Republic of Poland to Slovenia and Archbishop of Ljubljana Msgr. Stanislav Zore. The event took place on 22nd March 2018 to honour the 450 anniversary of St. Stanislaus’ Kostka death and the centenary of the end of WWI. Among prominent guests were HE Marshal of The Senate of the Republic of Poland Stanisław Karczewski and the president of The National Council of the Republic of Slovenia Alojz Kovšca. The Marshal of The Senate was accompanied by a 30-member delegation including senators, guardsmen and other important guests.

The concert which started with the national anthems of Poland and Slovenia was organised jointly by The Music School of St. Stanislav’s Institution and The Diocesan Classical Gymnasium. The students presented some Polish and Slovene compositions along with poetry recital.

Firstly the Archbishop Zore reflected in his welcoming speech upon St. Stanislaus’  motto I am born for greater things in the light of WWI victims and the Institution’s turbulent history, concluding with the wish that »we all become peace makers«. Stanisław Karczewski pointed at the common fate of the Poles and Slovenes. In the course of history, both nations lost their states, striving to keep the national identity alive. He also congratulated to all teachers, counsellors and parents of the young in St. Stanislav’s Institution, who try to pass on the values that the young Stanislau Kostka cherished so fervently. Andrej Košca said in his speech that St. Stanislav’s Institution laid foundations for the Slovene educational system. Strangely enough, the Institution was founded in order to educate the young but classes were brutally ended by both great wars.  But man proposes, God disposes and the Institution today again serves its primary purpose. /Lily Schweiger Kotar/

As customary the graduates spend the week before Palm Sunday in Rome discovering the beauties of the eternal city. Especially from the perspective of Ancient Rome – its hisotry, arts, life and language – it is a perfect place for study.

Every year one of the highlights is the holy mass in St. Peter’s Square on Palm Sunday celebrated by the Pope. This year, on the 33rd World Youth Day, Pope Francis encouraged the young not to be silenced. He explained: »Dear young people, you have it in you to shout.  It is up to you to opt for Sunday’s “Hosanna!”, so as not to fall into Friday’s “Crucify him!”…  It is up to you not to keep quiet.  Even if others keep quiet, if we older people and leaders – so often corrupt – keep quiet, if the whole world keeps quiet and loses its joy, I ask you: Will you cry out? Please, make that choice /…/.«

Hopefully the young of the world will gather the strengh with Jesus to be able to unite themselves with God, thus joining light and darkness, joy and suffering in their everyday tasks. /Lily Schweiger Kotar/

In February 2018 the community of St. Stanislav’s Institution bid farewell to the long serving director Roman Globokar and welcomed the new leadership of Anton Česen. At the farewell mass Mr. Globokar accentuated that »he is actually leaving home, not only changing jobs«, which adequately summarizes how he felt about his life and work at St. Stanislav’s Institution. Since 2001 Roman Globokar served the institution as a teacher of Religion and culture, school chaplain, taking over the directorship in November 2005. At the same time, he taught also at the Faculty of Theology at the University of Ljubljana, where he continues his teaching position and research work.

He will be remembered for many achievements and qualities, but he feels in particular strong about three features of his work. Firstly, there was the coordination of tasks in all six constituent parts of the institution, especially in terms of common educational and spiritual direction as well as effective interaction among the priests’ work. This was closely connected with the second goal, namely with building of community. The number of employed has almost doubled in the last 12 years, so underpinning of common traits in reflection and action was of utmost importance. Comprehensive growth of every individual in the physical, intellectual, relational, social and spiritual sense has always been at the heart of the interest of governing body of St. Stanislav’s Institution. The third point is the aspect of creativity, which is more important than knowledge itself. This includes thinking out of the box, being open for challenges, accepting a different world and daring to search for innovative solutions.

Mr. Globokar is grateful to God for having brought him to St. Stanislavs’ Institution. “I have never been in search for my personal benefits, tough I received them in great abundance.  From the very first day, the institution felt like home. I am proud to see the Alojzij Šuštar Primary School and Good Shepherd Kindergarten to prosper. But most importantly it fills my heart with joy realizing that the beauty of newly devised buildings positively influence the employees, pupils, parents and visitors.”

Roman Globokar feels confident about the future of St. Stanislav’s Institution. “Nothing is ideal in this world”, he reflects, “but the fundamental atmosphere is inspiring and productive. Mostly I shall miss teaching in The Diocesan Classical Gymnasium. I believe it is imperative to discus with the young ethical and social questions.”

Luckily, there will be plenty of opportunities for Mr. Globokar to work with the young in the future. He will work in the field of the university ministry, offering extra knowledge on Christian humanism, thus enabling a development of the Christian view of man and the world we live in. This brings about the understanding of no confrontation between faith and intellect.

On behalf of the entire community of St. Stanislav’s Institution, I would like to express our sincere thanks to Mr. Globokar for his dedicated work and commitment. May God continue to bless him! /Lily Schweiger Kotar; partially adapted from the interview by Z. Candellari/

Ana Šubic has joined twenty-eight other students from all over Europe for winning the 2017-2018 translation contest for secondary schools ‘Juvenes Translatores’! Ana translated from English into Slovene. Two other students from the DCG, Ana Schrader, who translated from German and Martin Rode, translating from Spanish, received a special mention for their translation. The 60th anniversary of the signature of the Treaty establishing the European Community was the topic of the texts which young translators from across Europe had to translate.

We all agree that Latin, which all of the above-mentioned competitors have been learning now for the third year, contributed to the excellency and accuracy of their translations. Alenka Battelino, the teacher of English at the DCG, is Ana Šubic’s mentor. In April 2018 Ana will travel with her to Brussels to collect the award for the most accurate translation of Slovenia. This year The Diocesan Classical Gymnasium has competed for the fourth time in a row and won the competition three times! Well done indeed!

The Contest in Numbers

For the 11th time since 2007, over 3000 students from across the European Union translated texts, this time on the subjects of languages and translation. They could choose from any of the 552 possible combinations between any two of the EU’s 24 official languages. Students used 152 language combinations. All winners chose to translate into their strongest language or mother tongue, as the official translators in EU Institutions do.

The Commissioner Günther Oettinger, responsible for Budget and Human Resources at the European Commission congratulated the winners, parents and teachers, pointing out that “This is a great initiative combining two of Europe’s greatest values – language diversity and youth talent.« The aim of the contest is to promote language learning in schools and give young people a taste of what it is like to be a translator.

The Slovene Context of Juvenes Translatores

On the national level, there were 35 students competing from eight Slovene high schools. There were six contestants from the DCG, translating from English, German and Spanish. Peter Jakša, Language Officer from the Representation of European Commission in Slovenia, congratulated warmly the students, mentors and the headmaster Simon Feštanj on the outstanding success of the school. The obligatory languages taught at the DCG are Latin and English, some students take also classical Greek, but all have to choose a third foreign language from German, French, Spanish or Russian. /Lily Schweiger Kotar/

St. Stanislav’s Institution was honoured by the visit of Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Gautam Rana from the Embassy of the United States in Slovenia. He paid a visit on 31st January 2018 and firstly addressed the pupils of Alojzij Šuštar Primary School and afterwards engaged in the panel discussion with the students of the Diocesan Classical Gymnasium. The topics considered were wide-ranging and complex. To start with, he presented his job of Deputy Chief of Mission and daily work schedule and then we moved to the article by Nicholas Kristof in The New York Times which we were advised to read and was connected thematically with St. Stanislav’s Institution annual slogan “Where are you going?”. After that, it was time for students’ questions, which were well prepared and pertinent, as Mr. Rana pointed out. Some of them were actually tough to answer. The conversation went on about world politics, the rise and dangers of AI and robots, relations between the US and rest of the world, migration issues, the EU policy. What positively surprised me mostly was his optimistic view that humankind has never had it so good and only our pessimism or ignorance are holding us back. That is why Mr Rana accentuated the utmost importance of education and knowledge, as two key elements that constantly change the world we live in. It seemed this interesting conversation could continue on and on, but we were sadly time limited. All in all, we enjoyed the good atmosphere brought about by Mr. Rana’s nice, relaxed and knowledgeable attitude. The students were definitely not left empty-handed. /Amadej Pavšič, year 4/

Mark Loborec (year 2), the student of The Diocesan Classical Gymnasium was awarded second place at an International English Competition Best in English, which took place on 30th November 2017. There were 17. 612 high school students from 29 countries participating in the competition, which consisted of three parts: grammar, listening and reading comprehension. The competition was organized by a not-for-profit organization Institute for Competencies Development with the help of a language school AKCENT International House Prague. Mark found the competition interesting and said he was lucky, as the tasks seemed to be quite easy. He had a hunch that he would be successful, but was not quite sure about such a good result. Mark’s mentor was Tatjana Jarc, teacher of English at The Diocesan Classical Gymnasium.

We are proud of Mark’s success and congratulate him upon this fantastic achievement! /Lily Schweiger Kotar/

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” /Luke 2:10–12/

Let the Christmas message of joy, courage and peace fill our hearts. Allow the light of the newborn Jesus to illuminate the darkness of our lives and liberate us from our fears, prejudices and wrong decisions.

Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year 2018.

Roman Globokar, Ph. D., Director