A Welcome Assembly Full of Joy
The sounds of laughter, music, and cheer rang through all corners of the field!
Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Anna Yatroussis began the Welcome Assembly by sharing a land acknowledgement. Then Lower School Music Specialist Lisa Mandelstein taught the school a song, “Sansa Kroma,” about welcoming a baby eagle into a village and the value of found family. The kindergarteners were invited through song onto the field and also into the Burke’s community.
The festivities continued with Lower School Director Margot Zahner and Upper School Director Sheena Tart-Zelvin leading the tradition of ringing in the new year with gongs, struck by the oldest eighth-grader and the youngest first-grader. As the sounds of the gong reverberated through campus, everyone felt the hum of a lively spirit in the air.
The eighth graders were especially excited for the tradition that came next—the “Wisdom Keepers” tunnel. “I’ve been waiting for this moment,” one student said animatedly. The Class of 2026 ran in pairs through a tunnel formed by staff and faculty members’ hands and arms, symbolically receiving “wisdom” from the “Keepers.” The eighth graders zipped through the tunnel, embracing and cheering together at the end.
The assembly ended with “Take Time in Life,” a song about enjoying relationships with others in life. The students, staff, and faculty all sang with gusto, with percussive accompaniment from some eighth graders and Upper School Music Teacher Christopher Borges.
Welcome to all our new students, faculty, and staff— we are so glad you are here!