IGOR

On March 30, 2026, a professional development workshop for teachers and professional associates of Ivan Goran Kovačić Primary School Zdenci was held at the IGOR Center.

Read more:
https://os-igkovacic-zdenci.skole.hr/odrzano-strucno.../

Review by Principal Ivana Pavelić, M.Ed.:

"Lecture title: Strengthening Teachers’ Professional Competencies through Communication and Stress Management Strategies
Location: The village of Marindvor, Požega, Croatia, EU; IGOR Lifelong Learning Center
Duration: 4 hours
Lecturer: Igor Štavlić, M.Sc., Senior Lecturer

The lecture Strengthening Teachers’ Professional Competencies through Communication and Stress Management Strategies, held in Marindvor at the IGOR Center, proved to be an exceptionally useful and content-rich professional event intended for teachers and professional associates. The focus on practical communication skills, professional relationships, and stress management methods provided participants with concrete tools that can be immediately applied in everyday school environments.

The lecturer successfully combined theoretical foundations with practical examples, enabling a better understanding of the challenges within the teaching profession. Particular emphasis was placed on topics such as active listening, nonverbal communication, assertiveness, and the importance of emotional regulation in resolving conflict situations. Participants also had the opportunity to analyze their own communication patterns, which contributed to greater reflection and awareness of the professional competencies they develop daily.

The second part of the lecture, focused on stress management strategies, was especially valuable given the demanding and intensive nature of school work. Through practical exercises, breathing techniques, and boundary-setting methods, teachers received clear guidance on how to maintain mental health, professional motivation, and a sense of purpose in their work. Participants highlighted that this segment provided new insights into the importance of self-care as a foundation for successful work with students.

The lecture was clearly structured, dynamic, and interactive, with a stimulating atmosphere that encouraged participation, questions, and open discussion. The lecturer’s high level of expertise, as well as their approachable presentation style, was particularly emphasized.

The hospitality and well-organized informal gathering exceeded all expectations."

What was the fieldwork like?

"On March 25, 2026, we visited the IGOR Educational Center in Marindvor, where an outdoor lesson in Nature and Society was held. With the kind hosts Katarina and Igor, the field lesson with the children was led by the cheerful and patient instructor Nikolina.

We enjoyed a series of excellently designed activities and reinforced our knowledge on the topic of Orientation in Space. We used a compass, searched for treasure—in the yard, garden, and nearby forest—made a simple sundial and a water compass, reviewed natural signs that help us orient ourselves, and finally calmed down by listening to the sounds of the forest and determining from which direction each sound was coming.

We would like to thank the IGOR Center for an outstanding and professionally designed lesson. It was dynamic, engaging, joyful, and inspiring. We look forward to future gatherings with your team!"

Students of Class 3.a, Primary School Julija Kempf and their teacher, Blanka Berger

On March 12, 2026, first- and second-grade students from Čaglin who attend the B1 Home Economics activity participated in a fieldwork to the IGOR Center in Marindvor. The students were accompanied by their teachers Željka Peić and Gordana Ereiz, along with school pedagogue Ljiljana Đurđević and teaching assistant Marija Hegol.

The aim of this fieldwork was to introduce students to ingredients that can be part of healthy desserts, snacks, and occasionally sweet breakfasts. The knowledge gained was applied through the preparation of various desserts, during which students developed creativity, cooperation, and teamwork skills. Throughout the activities, they enhanced their fine motor skills, communication and collaborative abilities, as well as their awareness of the importance of balanced and healthy nutrition. They acquired concepts and information experientially – by exploring different textures, shapes, tastes, and smells of food ingredients.

Workshop 1: Sweet and Healthy in a Glass – Just My Style!

During the first workshop, students became familiar with healthy ingredients that can be used to prepare a delicious and nutritious dessert as well as a healthy breakfast. They discussed the ingredients of granola, learned what chia pudding can contain, and together prepared homemade fruit yogurt with berries and honey. The students showed great interest in recognizing the berries and nuts used in granola.

After becoming acquainted with the ingredients, they assembled their dessert in a glass, adding the prepared yogurt, granola, and fruit, and decorating the top with additional fresh fruit.

To wake up and stay active, students participated in cheerful outdoor activities – singing, rhythmic movement, and sack jumping. Afterwards, they worked in teams to search the meadow for cards containing the ingredients discussed during the workshop. Their task was to identify healthy foods and separate them from less healthy ones that are sometimes included in desserts. This activity encouraged teamwork, recall of concepts, and physical activity.

Workshop 2: Coconut, Coconut, and a Little More Coconut!

In the second workshop, students prepared raw Raffaello-style balls made from cashews, almonds, coconut flour, coconut oil, coconut flakes, and honey. They worked in teams and, in addition to preparing the sweets, had the task of creatively decorating them.

Each team came up with a name for their dessert, arranged a “photo frame” for presentation, and wrote down the ingredients used in the preparation. At the end, the students proudly presented their work and, of course, tasted the prepared sweets.

The fieldwork took place in a joyful, creative, and stimulating atmosphere, and the students returned full of impressions, new knowledge, and beautiful memories.

We would like to thank the hosts at the IGOR Center for their warm hospitality, pleasant environment, and organization of activities that enabled students to learn through experience. Special thanks go to workshop leader Nikolina Jamičić, who designed and prepared engaging and educational activities and introduced students to the importance of healthy nutrition in a creative and enjoyable way.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063828532632

Thank you to everyone who, through your participation, spread beautiful thoughts and made this festival special!
We extend our gratitude to the musicians, the Kaptol Tamburitza Orchestra (led by Ana and Tihomir Šmitpeter), Nedim Kazić and Ema Letić, the painter Marina Kovačić, the conservator-restorer Viktorija Pilon, Trudi Boršoš, Željka Martinović from the Svjetlopisi Photo Club, and Dr. Semir Osmanagić for his inspiring lecture.

Best photographs on the theme “Beautiful Thoughts”:
1st place: Ana Radolović – Quiet, Quieter, Quietest
2nd place: Melani Šimić – Whisper of the Snowy Cabin
3rd place: Marina Barić – Weekend of Freedom
👏 Audience Award: Hands – Suzana Prnjat

With beautiful thoughts, we continue into 2026! 💚