Holocaust Memorial Day

Posted at 9:37 am on 9th February, 2022

Wellacre Joins HMD 2022 Memorial

On 27th January, Wellacre was fortunate enough to be in attendance at the Trafford Holocaust Memorial event at Sale Waterside. Also present were members of Trafford Council and representatives from the local Jewish community, including religious leaders. 

Year 9 students, Ciaran, Sam, Harrison, Jack H and Jack R, were accompanied by Mrs O’Neill,  Associate Assistant Principal for SMSC, to the service.  They were humbled to hear stories from the children of those who had experienced the Holocaust.

The event not only commemorated Jewish victims of the Holocaust, but other minority groups who were also persecuted, such as the Roma community. SImilarly, genocides that have occurred in the years since the Second World War (for example, Rwanda, Bosnia and Dafur) were also remembered and recognised at the event.

Mrs O'Neill, Associate Assistant Principal for SMSC, said, 

"Due to the pandemic, last year's memorial event was virtual, so we were very grateful to be able to gather with other schools this year in order to reflect and remember at this important event. 

“Our students were impeccable in the way that they showed respect to the victims being commemorated, and to those speaking at the event. As a History teacher, I believe that teaching about the Holocaust is essential, so that we can one day, hopefully, be a society free from prejudice."

Sam, a Year 9 student, reflected on his experience of the memorial event: 

"It feels wrong to say I enjoyed it, but I appreciated being there and feel I learned a lot from the speakers and hearing their stories."

Year 9 students are currently studying the Holocaust in History lessons, and those that attended the service will be encouraged to share their learning from the event with their classmates.