This Friday (27 January) marks the anniversary of the liberation of the most infamous concentration camp, Auschwitz in South-West Poland. Approaching such a challenging topic with young children is never easy and it is with sensitivity and support that we have been able to help children build their knowledge of the events of the Holocaust. 

Recognising the importance of remembering events that have changed the world is a powerful way to help remind ourselves of the humanity that we wish to see in ourselves and in others. 

In his chapel service this week, Rev. Little shared the story of the children who were saved by the Kindertransport mission and how ordinary people were able to accomplish extraordinary feats of heroism.

During our assembly this week, we will be continuing to focus on ordinary people and how their stories have had an impact on the events of the past. People like Anne Frank, who went into hiding; others such as Bern Koschland who managed to escape, and some people, like Susan Pollack, who were taken but managed to survive. 

Talking to children in clear and simple, age-appropriate terms about tough subjects empowers them to begin to formulate their thoughts about the difference they can make. 

After the Holocaust, the world said ‘This must never happen again!’ But sadly, similar crimes have happened in many countries around the world, and still happen today. This is why we have to learn about what happened, remember it on Holocaust Memorial Day, and think about how we can make a world where people aren’t discriminated against.

We will be sharing messages of how we can use our voice to stand up for what is right and speak out against hatred and prejudice.

And our assembly will end with this video of hope shared by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust:
 

Wishing you all a restful weekend with your families,

Miranda Norris
Head, Felsted Prep