The 27th of January marks the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. To honour this solemn occasion, students from the Rights Respecting Group have created a powerful commemorative display. The display showcases a collection of books that explore the tragedy of the Holocaust, reminding us of the importance of remembrance and the responsibility we all share to learn from history and ensure that its mistakes are never repeated.

Throughout the week, 13 classes visited the library for a special lesson centered on White Bird by R.J. Palacio. This powerful graphic novel beautifully illustrates the importance of standing against cruelty and recognising our collective responsibility to challenge injustice. While White Bird tells a poignant story set during the Holocaust, it also serves as a lens to explore broader themes such as bullying, kindness, empathy, and resilience.

Designed for S1 and S2 students, the lesson takes place over two or three library periods, blending discussion, analysis, reading, and creative activities to deepen students’ understanding and engagement with these important themes.

For additional context and engagement, students also watched the trailer of the book adaptation. This multimedia element provides a visual and emotional perspective on the story, helping to bring it to life and inspiring students to explore the novel or graphic novel further.

To bring the lesson to life and encourage participation, the final activity involves creating origami birds. These birds will be added to our Holocaust memorial display, transforming it into a vibrant, participatory tribute. This hands-on task allows students to connect their creative expression to the themes of hope and remembrance, reinforcing the importance of learning from history and standing up against injustice.

This lesson is not only an opportunity to educate students about the Holocaust but also a chance to instill values of kindness, compassion, and courage while emphasising the importance of standing against discrimination in all its forms. By combining literature, film, art, and hands-on activities, we hope to create a meaningful and lasting learning experience for our students.