Giving Thanks Assembly Celebrates the Spirit of the Season
The shorter, cooler days of fall are inspiring us to reflect on the year and take stock. Given the challenges of 2020, our community has stepped up in ways that have deepened connection, strengthened trust, and confirmed a commitment to core values. The stress-tests of 2020 have, in their own unorthodox ways, heightened our appreciation of one another and gratitude for what we have.
At today’s assembly, Mark Stanek spoke about how thankful he is for, among other things, 11 weeks of on-campus learning. He particularly acknowledged the faculty, staff, families, and students, whose support, flexibility, and resilient spirit have made the fall term go especially well. Erica Pernell offered a Land Acknowledgement, a tradition of showing respect and acknowledging the indigenous people who lived on the land for thousands of years before colonization. “We must be intentional,” she said, “about what we celebrate and how.” Students from Beginners to Grade VIII shared some of the things they are thankful for, ranging from “my family” to “Earth,” and a whole lot in between! (Click here for the video.) The Music Department set a fitting tone with three audience-participation songs of gratitude, one of which included American Sign Language. And the Beginners charmed everyone with their performance of the Turkey Gobble dance.
We are grateful for our Shady Hill community and we wish you a restorative and healthy November break.
The shorter, cooler days of fall are inspiring us to reflect on the year and take stock. Given the challenges of 2020, our community has stepped up in ways that have deepened connection, strengthened trust, and confirmed a commitment to core values. The stress-tests of 2020 have, in their own unorthodox ways, heightened our appreciation of one another and gratitude for what we have.
At today’s assembly, Mark Stanek spoke about how thankful he is for, among other things, 11 weeks of on-campus learning. He particularly acknowledged the faculty, staff, families, and students, whose support, flexibility, and resilient spirit have made the fall term go especially well. Erica Pernell offered a Land Acknowledgement, a tradition of showing respect and acknowledging the indigenous people who lived on the land for thousands of years before colonization. “We must be intentional,” she said, “about what we celebrate and how.” Students from Beginners to Grade VIII shared some of the things they are thankful for, ranging from “my family” to “Earth,” and a whole lot in between! (Click here for the video.) The Music Department set a fitting tone with three audience-participation songs of gratitude, one of which included American Sign Language. And the Beginners charmed everyone with their performance of the Turkey Gobble dance.
We are grateful for our Shady Hill community and we wish you a restorative and healthy November break.
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Assembly of Giving Thanks
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