Education is never the work of one person alone. It is a shared journey in which every encounter, every relationship and every experience shapes lives and opens new horizons. Throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, the San Carpoforo Institute in Como embraced this vision through its annual theme, "Fai la tua mossa" — an Italian expression meaning Make Your Move. Inspired by the harmony, purpose and strategy of a chessboard, the theme reminded the entire educational community that every person has a unique place and an indispensable role. Like each piece on a chessboard, every child, educator, parent, member of staff, alumnus and friend contributes to a greater purpose. Every move, however small, matters, for it helps build a community where faith, learning and service come together to transform lives.
Guided by the educational vision of Saint Marie Eugénie, San Carpoforo continues to believe that education transforms both individuals and society. As a bilingual Italian-English school enriched by the Cambridge educational pathway, it prepares students to engage confidently with an increasingly interconnected world while remaining deeply rooted in the Gospel and the values of the Assumption. Throughout the year, learning extended far beyond academic achievement, becoming an experience of faith, creativity, dialogue, service and communion.
The year began with the celebration of the Eucharist on the International Day of Peace, placing Christ at the heart of the school's mission. It was an invitation to understand education as a vocation to build peace, foster dialogue and prepare young people to become compassionate leaders and responsible citizens. This vision continued to inspire weekly Advent and Lenten reflections, family celebrations, educational visits, creative projects, sporting activities and the meaningful inclusion of children with diverse abilities, affirming that every child has a place on the great chessboard of education.
The joy of community was beautifully expressed during the Christmas celebrations, when the traditional Christmas Carol Concert brought together families, teachers and students in an atmosphere of gratitude and wonder. Through music, drama and artistic performances, the children shared not only their talents but also the deeper message of hope, peace and the joy of the Incarnation. For many parents, it became one of the year's most moving moments, witnessing the confidence, creativity and growth of their children.
Among the year's most memorable celebrations was the Feast of Saint Marie Eugénie, which invited the entire school community to rediscover the richness of the Assumption charism and the life of the sisters. The children prepared thoughtful and often delightful questions for the sisters about their vocation, family, community life and mission, creating a joyful dialogue that revealed religious life as a generous response to God's call.
The celebration culminated in an extraordinary project prepared by the secondary students. Divided into groups, they explored the history, spirituality and educational mission of Assumption schools across the world. Through creative presentations, music, drama and cultural displays, the school community travelled virtually through Europe, Asia, Africa and beyond. More importantly, the students discovered that while cultures, languages and traditions may differ, the Assumption family shares one spirit, one educational vision and one mission of transforming society through education.
This international perspective was further strengthened through the Assumption Plus formation programme for staff across the Assumption schools in the Province of Europe, including Belgium, Italy and Lithuania. Through a virtual journey across the Assumption world, educators encountered different countries, cultures, languages and ministries while deepening their understanding of the Congregation's educational mission. More than professional development, the programme renewed their commitment to accompany young people with wisdom, compassion and hope, reminding them that to educate is to participate in a mission that extends far beyond the walls of one school or the borders of one nation.
Following the enriching experience of participating in the 2025 LOKOUMI Summit in the United States, San Carpoforo had the honour of hosting the 2026 LOKOUMI Summit in Como. The summit welcomed schools, students and educators from thirty countries, transforming the school into a vibrant meeting place of cultures, friendship and service. Beginning with the Eucharist in the Cathedral of Como, the four-day programme offered opportunities for community outreach, cultural exchange, educational collaboration, artistic expression and moments of gratitude amid the beauty of Como and its lake. More than an international gathering, it became a living witness that education flourishes when it inspires young people to transform compassion into action and differences into genuine friendship. As one San Carpoforo student beautifully expressed during the opening ceremony: "Despite the distance, we share the same dreams and the same responsibility. This summit transforms ideas into action and strangers into friends."
The academic year concluded with moments of profound gratitude as the school celebrated the milestones of its students. The joyful graduation of the youngest children into primary school, the transition of Grade Five pupils into middle school and the sending forth of the graduating secondary students all became signs of growth, hope and new beginnings. Their immersion experience in an Assumption school in Spain beautifully affirmed that wherever the Assumption is present, the same spirit of faith, learning and service continues to unite young people across cultures and nations. Even after the classrooms closed, the educational mission continued through the summer sports programme, where teamwork, resilience, friendship and joyful discovery remained integral to the formation of every child.
Indeed, the chessboard remains open. New moves await, new dreams are ready to unfold and new generations are waiting to discover the joy of learning, serving and growing together. The story of this academic year reminds us that Assumption education knows no borders. Across classrooms and cultures, languages and nations, it continues to form hearts that seek truth, minds that embrace wisdom and lives committed to the transformation of the world. As one community within the larger Assumption family, San Carpoforo gives thanks for the privilege of sharing in this mission, convinced that every person is welcomed, every gift is treasured and every faithful step contributes to God's dream for humanity. On the great chessboard of life, every move made with love becomes part of a much greater story — a story of communion, hope and the quiet transformation of our world.
It's your turn — make your move!
Assumption Sisters Como community