Our community will be adding one more class, and thus one more tree. The Banyan will be our eleventh classroom, an offshoot of Little People Pine. As MST goes through a little growth spurt, we thought we would give this Newsletter a name as well: Komorebi.
Komorebi, 木漏れ日 in Japanese, means the light that filters through the trees in a forest. The image is fitting for the newsletter, which collects stories that filter through the classroom trees. From hard-working Eucalyptus middle schoolers clearing the arduous path to adulthood to curious Pine toddlers just beginning their lives, these are stories of light and shadow dancing, everchanging fleeting moments. Quiet, stillness and movement.
Some of our stories this year included bees and cats. Willowers grew during adventures in the forest and snowy mountains. A former Ginkgo family sent updates from Hollywood. Parents threw our biggest party, the Spring Fair. Eucalyptus threw a couple bashes themselves to raise money for the larger community. MST connected with the global community in a myriad ways. We found rich life stories like the swordmaster watching over us. Or a parent stitching us together.
We have enjoyed putting together all of these wonderful stories. It has been a joy to capture these events from our vibrant community, from the smallest moments of growth to the grand celebrations that bring us together.
Our stories are also the small unwritten ones that happen every day. A Sequoian writing their name for the first time, an Oaker having their first chat in English, a Piner showing a younger student how to put on their shoes. A Ginkgoan finally mastering the 8s on the multiplication table, a Willower breathing through a moment of anxiety, or a Eucalyptan observing wildlife visiting the rooftop garden.
In the busyness of the end of the school year, let us take a moment to breathe in the beautiful patterns of light and shadow that our forest community has made.
—Wind, Maria, Jake