On 27 January, we are marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day by honouring the victims of the Holocaust. With deep respect, we remember the suffering of six million Jewish victims and millions of other victims.

Teaching about Holocaust and its lasting impacts is very important. Not only does it sharpen students’ knowledge of historical events, it also inspires critical thought in students and teaches them a valuable lesson in human rights. It gives them an opportunity to discuss the themes such as intolerance, identity, fear, loss, courage, forgiveness and hope.

On this day, we have also found a way to bring the stories and the voices of Holocaust survivors into our Year 8 English classroom by reading Jars of Hope, a narrative nonfiction picture book written by Jennifer Roy. The book tells a true story about how one woman saved thousands of Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto. After reading the book, students discussed Irena Sendler’s good deeds and why she can be referred to as a true hero. They were invited to write their opinions in a form of an essay or a letter addressed to the heroine. The collection of their writings are published in an online book titled Letters to Irena Sendler. Check the link or the QR Code below.

"Heroes do extraordinary things. What I did was not an extraordinary thing. It was normal. You see a man drowning, you must try to save him even if you cannot swim." Irena Sendler

https://bit.ly/3D5NWq7