THIS Experience: Communal Meal

Jescil Ann T. Oriol

JANUARY 16, 2026

Imagine this: adolescents transforming the class tables to lunch tables, some getting the

plates, spoons, and forks, and carefully arranging it on the table. Others, getting the platter of

food in the kitchen, while others are transferring their packed meals to a plate. Soon enough,

everyone found a “spot”, saying grace, and eating together. When done, each student brings

their own plate and utensils back to the kitchen, washes them, and returns to help reset the

room into a classroom that is conducive for learning. This is what 11:45-12:45 PM lunch

time looks like in our school, the Temple Hill International School (THIS). There, we call it

Communal Meal.

At Temple Hill, the communal meal is rooted in Montessori principles: holistic development,

independence, social responsibility, and grace and courtesy. As Dr. Maria Montessori

emphasized, mealtime is not only about nourishing the body, but also about cultivating life

skills and deepening social connections.

This practice also echoes a strong aspect of Filipino culture: the importance of gathering

around the table as a family. Much like a family meal, our communal lunches foster

belonging, strengthen bonds, and nurture a sense of shared responsibility among students.

Take it from Maffine Go, an eighth grader, who reflects: “I believe that the communal meal is a

great way to teach students responsibility. With a few more improvements that are already

being processed [by us adolescents], I’m sure it can be better. I have definitely been able to

make conversation and talk to people I usually don’t, thanks to the communal seating. It’s great

that I’m able to do so while still being around my usual circle.”

In a time when issues like mental health struggles, isolation, and bullying continue to rise,

schools are called to create intentional practices that address these challenges. Temple

Hill’s communal meal is one such response. It is an educational experience that brings

together teachers, staff, and students to support not just academically, but socially and

emotionally as well.

Temple Hill International School, located in Project 4, Quezon City, serves students in the 2nd

plane (Grades 1-6) and 3rd plane (Grades 7-SHS) of The Philippine Montessori Center. _______________________________________________________________________________________

About the Author:

Teacher Jes is a science teacher since 2016, and has been part of the THIS Community for four years. She had a background in Campus Journalism (News Writing) during her Elementary to High School years. She did not expect her feature article to place 2nd in the competition as she considers herself a novice writer.