By Colleen Strain, PYP Coordinator, Starbuck International K-8, Racine, Wisconsin, US.
This year’s Peace Day celebration at Starbuck International School was especially meaningful for me. The main message I hoped to share was simple but powerful: we are peaceful people, and we strive to be a peaceful school. That idea, symbolized in our “purple people” theme, guided everything we planned and experienced throughout the day.
Preparing for Peace Day
Our preparations began last spring, when our librarian, Elizabeth (Ellie) Liebsch, introduced us to Kristen Bell's The World Needs More Purple Schools. The story sparked something in us. We ordered multiple copies so every grade-level team could explore the book, and we even shared a video version with the middle school.
While our K–5 students connected easily with the story’s message, the middle school students adapted it in a way that felt more relevant to their age group. That flexibility, letting every student find their own entry point into peace, became the heart of our planning.
Coming together in celebration
On Peace Day, our K–5 students gathered together outside, while our middle school held an assembly in the auditorium. We had hoped to bring all 1,120 students and staff together at once, but ultimately decided spacing and safety came first.
The middle school assembly was especially moving. Several students read poems they wrote and shared their personal reflections on what peace means to them. Their honesty and self-expression were inspiring.
We were also honoured to welcome special guests from our community. Their presence reinforced our commitment to working for peace not just within our walls but in our wider community.
Unity across grade levels
One of my favourite parts of this year’s celebration was the chain-link project. Every student and teacher created a paper link and either wrote or drew their own message about peace. Each class connected their links into a chain, carried it to their assemblies, and then joined its chain to every other class's chain.
By the end, we had one gigantic peace chain, stretching across grade levels, ages, and classrooms, symbolizing our unity as a K–8 IB community. It was a beautiful visual reminder that we are all connected in our mission for peace.
Creative expressions of peace
Students showed incredible agency and creativity this year. Some made posters and art pieces; one student crafted necklaces and bracelets for staff; others wrote poems.
Our entire 6th grade created “purple people” posters inspired by The World Needs More Purple Schools, which they displayed in the PYP hallway so younger learners could enjoy them too.
Music played a big role as well. Along with the Peace Day playlist; featuring songs like Man in the Mirror (Michael Jackson), Wavin’ Flag (K’naan), Undivided (Tim McGraw), Don’t Worry, Be Happy (Bobby McFerrin), and Good Mood (Adam Levin), students waved flags, danced, and moved with joy.
But my favourite moment of all was hearing the children sing and sign Light a Candle for Peace. Our music teacher works with every student in advance, teaching them the song and its signs. When they all come together, voices and hands moving in unison, it is truly emotional. There is something indescribably powerful about children singing for peace.
What Peace Day means to me
Peace Day has always been one of my favourite traditions. At my previous school, it helped set the tone for the entire year, grounding us in the IB mission and reminding us why the IB learner profile matters.
Carrying that tradition into our new school has had such a positive impact. It brings us together in love, peace, and shared purpose. For me, Peace Day is a moment to pause and remember who we want to be, not just today, but every day.
Carrying peace forward
Peace Day doesn’t end when the assemblies do. As a newly formed K–8 IB World School, we’ve refreshed our school mission to better align with the IB mission. Sharing the message of peace through the Learner Profile is something we plan to continue throughout the year, at events, during lessons, and in our day-to-day interactions.
International mindedness helps us build compassion, understanding, and curiosity. It guides us to look at ourselves, our community, and the world with empathy. That’s the heart of our commitment to peace.
Starbuck’s ongoing commitment
If there’s one thing I hope others take away from our Peace Day celebration, it’s this:
Peace isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we live.
At Starbuck International School, we believe that peace grows through relationships, reflection, and action. And as IB learners, we work every day to build a school where every person feels valued, connected, and empowered.
Takeaways
1.Start with a simple, unifying message.
Whether it’s a book, a theme, or a phrase, students of every age benefit from having one clear idea that guides the celebration. For us, “purple people” helped everyone, from kindergarten to Grade 8, connect with peace in an age-appropriate way.
2.Let students lead wherever possible.
Poems, posters, bracelets, flags, spoken reflections—student agency brought our Peace Day to life. Give learners space to express peace in ways that feel authentic to them.
3.Use visuals to symbolize unity.
Our school-wide paper chain became a powerful representation of how every class contributes to a peaceful community. A simple hands-on activity can create a lasting impact.
4.Embed Peace Day into school culture, not just one event.
Link the celebration to your mission, learner profile, and ongoing practices. When peace is part of the school's everyday language, the event becomes more meaningful.
5.Lean on community connections.
Inviting local leaders, youth advocates, or student role models demonstrates that peace is a shared effort. Other schools planning a Peace Day celebration may find that community voices can enrich the experience and broaden the message.
