In a ceremony featuring song, dance, and spoken word, the San Domenico community gathered to celebrate the new school year and reflect on this year's theme: “Love creates space where everyone belongs.” Our Upper School senior class representatives opened the ceremony with a joyous welcome, followed by international students who expressed the same sentiment in Thai, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Czech, Ukrainian, Spanish, Serbian, and Portuguese. 

Echoing the central theme of love and acceptance in community, event emcee and Director of Philosophy, Ethics, and World Religions Mirza Khan shared, “In this moment of history, the country and the world feel very divided. And yet we have an opportunity to create a harmonious community here at school.”

Head of School Paul Sanders also offered a thoughtful reflection and sage advice to our students heading into the new year. “Take the time to notice the beauty of the world around you,” remarked Mr. Sanders, gesturing to the hills surrounding campus. “Take the time to imagine what you can do to make the world a better place. And choose to both be great, by working hard and aspiring for greatness, and to be good, whether by being a good neighbor, classmate, friend, or colleague.” 

Assistant Head of School Brian Davis reminded us all of how lucky we are to be part of a community whose intention is to uplift and inspire, and challenged the community to commit to each other. “Change first starts with commitment. Can we commit to ourselves as fellow students to uphold our School’s values, to support one another, and to embrace the differences that make this community so rich and unique?”

Other highlights from the morning program included a moving piece by the Upper School Dance Ensemble, a Third Grade Chorus rendition of the Beatles’ “All You Need is Love,” and an original reggae tune performed by eighth-grader Kailash B. ’29.

The gorgeous weather seemed to reflect back to one and all how lucky we are to be on campus and begin this year’s important journey, together.