Students at the Fraser Woods Montessori School on South Main Street gathered in a large circle on the school athletic field on the morning of September 21 to observe the 2018 International Day of Peace.

Holding hands with one another and teachers, the children, ranging from preschoolers to eighth graders, repeatedly sang the lyrics to “Light A Candle For Peace.”

School music teacher, Yun-Kyung Kim, led the well-behaved students in song, walking about the interior of the large circle of people formed by scores of students and directing the sequential singing by different age groups. The event was held in conjunction with the United Nations-sanctioned holiday that is held each September 21.

Pairs of older students held brightly colored peace flags along the rim of the circle as the children sang.

Following the music, Head of School Chris Robertson spoke with Fraser Woods students about why Maria Montessori focused on the goal of peace and the importance of peace.

Montessori schools located around the world have observances of the International Day of Peace at times that are scheduled so that the song is sung continuously by students around the world for 24 hours. Newtown is located in Zone 34 of the planet for the synchronized singing event.