On Thursday morning after drop off, Preprimary, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary students and faculty gathered in the gym to take time to reflect on peace. Children placed candles around an image of the world in the center of the room and sang two songs that they had learned about peace. Flowers were laid around the globe and later, students gave the flowers to the adults around the room, a beautiful reminder of the moment.

I asked the parents each to say the word for peace in a language they spoke. “Peace” (English), “Mir” (Russian), “Hépíng” (Mandarin), “Heiwa” (Japanese), “Shaanti” (Hindi), “Paix” (French), “Paz” (Spanish), “Salam” (Arabic), “Shalom” (Hebrew). These words were shared around the circle of some 40 adults. You’ll notice, for example, that “Salam” and “Shalom” sound unsurprisingly pretty similar. Maybe that should tell us something about our shared values.

It’s powerful when the routines of school are interrupted for a gathering like this. Kids remember the different moments far after they are over. Our hope is that “peace,” no matter the language or culture, continues to resonate beyond Torit’s walls. Our hope as educators is that we slowly change the world for the better, one child at a time. Thank you for supporting that effort, whether you were able to be there in person or in spirit.

And thanks to Dounia, Fatima, Nakia, Sherla, Yiting and all the adults who helped make the event possible.