A Virtual Celebration: Elementary Students Honor International Day of Peace

On Monday, September 21st, Aidan’s Elementary students joined together with people from all over the world to celebrate International Day of Peace. The holiday was created by the United Nations in 1981 and has been celebrated worldwide ever since. The day is dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace and nonviolence and is marked with a global ceasefire. It also serves as a day for all to consider how to create more peace in the world.

Deeply ingrained in Montessori's work and indeed her life was a yearning for peace, and a desire to help raise children capable of realizing the goal of peace on earth. It is because of this connection that we, at Aidan, join with so many people around the world to celebrate International Day of Peace; In previous years, Aidan students have led an in person assembly full of music, poetry, theatre, and reflection. Following the assembly, students would parade outside with handmade flags, banners, and pinwheels and round out the day with one more song.

Since we were unable to gather together in light of COVID-19, this year’s celebration was held virtually. While the celebration ran a bit differently, it still held true to all of the tenets of the day. Aidan’s art teacher, Margaret Skor, began the assembly by reflecting on the significance of the International Day of Peace, both globally and within the Aidan community. She then read the poem "Hug O' War" by Shel Silverstein, and the students joined in and read more poems of their choosing. The assembly later turned to music, and students sang ‘Light a Candle for Peace’ in English, Spanish, and Chinese. In addition, Upper Elementary students crafted origami peace cranes, which will be sent to students in France as part of an effort to spread peace by participating in a "peace crane exchange." At the conclusion of the assembly, students and teachers alike reflected on the ways in which we all can work to make the world a more peaceful place.