A special assembly for Lower and Upper School was held to celebrate International Peace Day. Presented almost entirely by pupils, the assembly focused on why, if we want to achieve peace, we have to begin with ourselves, our school and our local communities.
Pupils from 3rd Grade emphasized that harmony begins in the playground and that we should stop all forms of anti-social behaviour. 5th Grade pupils then presented examples of how people have contributed to world peace through poetry and music. A Form II pupil read out an emotive personal reflection on the effects of bullying. Form III students showed work done with 3rd Grade pupils on the theme of respect for oneself and for others. Three IBDP History pupils then performed a thought-provoking short play about what peace meant to an army officer, a businessman and a hippy. The French Department narrated what peace meant to a Muslim. Finally, there was an explanation of the significance of Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind", which was sung by Mr. Buck who was accompanied by two pupils and a colleague on guitars.
Our Early Years pupils also celebrated International Peace Day in their campus by singing "Heal the World" and "Color Esperanza". Through their drawings they communicated how tolerance, dialogue, justice and respect are the foundations for a better world. They emphasized that peace starts with everyday habits such as sharing toys, working happily in groups and listening respectfully to each other.
Mr. David Bamford, Executive Officer of the LAHC, read a passage from the bible related to the theme of peace and the assembly finished with two gestures symbolizing friendship: shaking hands and giving hugs.