Middle- and lower-division students and faculty at Notre Dame gathered near the main entrance of the school today to celebrate the International Day of Peace. The group stood before the school's peace pole, an internationally recognized symbol of peace.
First celebrated in 1982, the International Day of Peace takes place annually in September and is a time dedicated to the absence of war and violence and a day for strengthening the ideals of peace among nations as well as to consider how to create a more peaceful world in our own communities.
“We started with a mass that included seven middle division students reading the prayers of the faithful in foreign languages, including Arabic, German, Polish, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese,” said Katherine Thomas, who is a grade 6 science teacher and an MYP coordinator. “Then the middle division proceeded outside for a rededication and blessing of the peace pole. Prior to today, in religion class, the students have been creating bird houses on which they wrote how they would make their own home a house of peace.”
Thomas said the students placed the bird houses in the ground around the peace pole.
The following readings by students also were part of this morning’s ceremony:
“Today is the 35th Annual International Day of Peace; a day to strengthen the ideals of peace both within countries and among all nations and peoples, and to consider how to create a more peaceful and non-violent world.”
“International Day of Peace is celebrated each year on September 21st; however, each of us has a role and a responsibility to help create a world where peace can prevail everyday.”
“The peace pole is a symbol of hope for the world and is inscribed with the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in several different languages. It can be found at churches, schools, libraries and homes, and there may even be one in your own neighborhood. There are thousands of peace poles around the world and the people who planted each one have done so in dedication of bringing peace to their community. We will now rededicate our peace pole with a blessing from Father Ron (Nikodem).”
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.