Newton Flotman Primary Academy Commemorates Holocaust Memorial Day

January 27, 2025

Pupils at Newton Flotman Church of England Primary Academy have held special events to reflect on the meaning of Holocaust Memorial Day.

On 27th January 2025, pupils at Newton Flotman Church of England Primary Academy came together to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp with a series of meaningful activities designed to educate, reflect and inspire hope.

The day began with pupils arriving in clothes of their choice, raising funds for the Holocaust Memorial Trust.  A special assembly was held, where pupils learnt about the Holocaust, its impact on millions of lives, and the importance of remembering these events to ensure they are never repeated.

Throughout the day, the whole school collaborated on an art project entitled “Light Through the Darkness.”  This symbolic piece featured a glowing candle surrounded by rays of light; each ray designed by a pupil.  In addition, Year 5 and 6 pupils each wrote a poem, to reflect and remember.

Pupils commented:

Ava, aged 6 said, “I found it interesting to learn how the children came in and out of the camps and how long they had been there’”

Marston, aged 11 said, “This day is important because of the many deaths that occurred.  This day needs to be remembered.”

Lily, aged 11 said, “You can remember the people who suffered by looking at the stars in the night.”

Staff added:

Mrs VandenBergh, Year 5 and 6 Teacher: “Holocaust Memorial Day is a time to remember the past and to learn important lessons about kindness and standing up against hatred.  Today has been a great opportunity to teach the pupils of Newton Flotman this history, so we can reflect on the shared responsibility we all have to promote equality.”

Mr Riley, Headteacher, stated “We thought that raising awareness of Holocaust Memorial Day was momentous for our children, so we could teach them the importance of learning lessons from history.  Tolerance is so important in our society then and now and it is our duty to remember and mark these days, for present and future generations.”



Categories:

Uncategorized