On January 27th, our school community joined the nation in commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day. This significant date marks the anniversary of the 1945 liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp.
The theme for HMD 2026 is “Bridging Generations”. This theme acts as a call to action, reminding us that the responsibility of remembrance lives on through all of us. By listening to these stories, we build a bridge between memory and action, and history and hope for the future.
Learning Through History
Students engaged with a special presentation designed to explain the importance of this day. We explored the history of the Holocaust (also known as the Shoah), the period during the Second World War when Nazi Germany killed around six million Jews—roughly two-thirds of the world’s Jewish population.
Students also learned about the wider persecution carried out by the Nazi regime. This included the targeting of:
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Roma and Sinti people.
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Black people.
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Mentally and physically disabled individuals.
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LGBTQ+ people.
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Political and religious groups, such as Communists, Socialists, trade unionists, and Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Lessons for the Present
The day was not only about looking back but also about recognising our responsibility today. We discussed the definition of genocide—a crime committed with the intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. Sadly, the world has witnessed further genocides since the Holocaust, including those in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
Reflecting on the famous poem by Pastor Martin Niemӧller, students considered the danger of “turning a blind eye” to hate. The core message of our assembly was that we must stand together to stop the spread of division and hostility to create a brighter tomorrow.
Our Commemorative Display
To make our remembrance visible, we have created a special display in the Bistro. All staff and pupils participated by writing down their personal thoughts on why it is vital to remember the events of the Holocaust. This collective “wall of reflection” serves as a powerful reminder of our school’s commitment to learning from the past.
Looking Ahead
In keeping with our theme of “Bridging Generations,”we are very pleased to announce that we hope to arrange a visit in the near future from a Holocaust survivor. This will be a profound opportunity for our students to hear a first-hand account of their experiences and ensure these vital stories continue to be told.
At 4:00 PM on the memorial day, many buildings across the country were lit up as a national moment of commemoration. We hope our upcoming guest speaker will further help us “be the light in the darkness.”