Closing 2024 with Gratitude and Song: Our Last Community Meeting of the Year

Yesterday, we gathered for our final Community Meeting of 2024, a heartfelt and joyful way to close out the year together. These meetings are a treasured tradition at The Marylhurst School, where students come together in their family groups—multi-age groups that encourage older students to mentor younger ones and foster strong connections across grades.

The theme of gratitude and appreciation for differences was woven throughout the morning. Leif Gustavson, our Head of School, read the beautiful and thought-provoking book Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña. This story invites us to reflect on gratitude, finding joy in unexpected places, and celebrating the unique perspectives that each person brings to the world.

Afterward, Teacher Liam brought us all together through the power of music with a sing-along to the folk classic "Red River Valley." With his guitar leading the way, voices of all ages filled the room as we sang:

"From this valley, they say you are going,
We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile.
For they say you are taking the sunshine
That has brightened our pathway a while."

It was a poignant moment that captured the warmth and connectedness of our Marylhurst community.

As we move toward winter break and prepare to welcome the new year, gatherings like this remind us of the importance of building relationships, sharing experiences, and taking time to reflect on the joy we bring to one another’s lives. We are grateful for this incredible community and all the ways we learn and grow together.

Here’s to a bright and inspiring 2025!