“A warm welcome to our students, both new and returning.”
The Headmistress gazed out over the countless neat rows of students that filled the auditorium. The first day of a new school year always had a certain charm, an eager energy – if not for study, at least for friends and potential fun. She always loved the opening assembly – a chance to appreciate, amongst the hectic and absurd schedule, how far their beloved school had come. She could see humans and creatures of all kinds among the seats – why she didn't even need a microphone, one of the helpful witches was projecting her voice for her.
“No doubt you are all terribly eager to get to your first classes, to hit your books...” she winked mischievously, eliciting a groan from the student body. “So we will keep this assembly short and sweet. I trust you have all found your dorms, and you'll have a chance to get settled in there this afternoon. In the meantime, class schedules have been posted on the announcement boards over there. You can find out what class you have first there. If you don't much like the idea of getting crushed, your schedule can be found in your school email.”
“Now, I want to thank you all. Not everyone believes in our school. Not everyone believes in our goals. Maybe some of you have friends, even family members, who don't approve of what we are trying to do here. Remember, you are all the bravest and the best of our kinds. You will be building our shared future, and it starts today. Our tools are respect, curiosity, and friendship. Learn how to use them well, students, and we will change our worlds together.”
After a smattering of other teacher announcements, the students were released with half an hour to find their schedules, their friends, their classrooms. The Headmistress stood with the Dean, greeting those students bold enough to attempt conversation, as the rest of the student body milled about.