A select few students attended a solemn and moving Holocaust Memorial Service, which was held on Monday 27th January, to mark the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust. The service, which was opened by the Mayor of Ramsgate Councillor Patricia Moore, provided an opportunity for reflection and remembrance of the millions of lives lost during one of history’s darkest periods. All other students also watched a recorded memorial service in their lessons this week.
Patricia Moore commented on the event, “We have so much to learn from the Holocaust and from the more recent genocides about building a future free from hatred and fear. History teaches us that while racism and prejudice do not always lead to genocide, genocide begins with small acts: propaganda, the “othering” of communities, and dehumanisation. Today, we have an opportunity to recommit ourselves to creating a better future- one where no person faces prejudice or persecution because of their faith, ethnicity or identity.”
The Holocaust, orchestrated by the Nazi regime between 1941 and 1945, resulted in the genocide of six million Jewish men, women, and children, alongside millions of other victims, including Romani people, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and political dissidents. The service honoured the memory of those who perished while reaffirming the importance of learning from history to prevent future atrocities.
The school trip emphasised the importance of Holocaust education, ensuring that future generations understand the impact of hatred and discrimination. Teaching students about the Holocaust helps them grasp the consequences of unchecked prejudice and propaganda. It helps develop critical thinking skills and encourages young people to challenge misinformation and bigotry in their own communities. Remembering this history is essential in preventing future atrocities and promoting a world built on tolerance, diversity, and respect for human rights.
The service continued with a prayer from Reverend Catherine Tucker, Priest-in-charge of the Parish of St Laurence-in-Thanet.
Our very own student, Mason, read an extract about Catherine Duleep Singh, the Sikh princess who provided refuge to many individuals fleeing persecution. Her story served as an inspiring example of compassion and bravery in the face of injustice, reinforcing the importance of standing up for those in need. Mason’s motivation for reading this extract comes from his own family connections to the Holocaust. Last year he wrote a report at school about his great-great-grandparents' experience of the Kindertransport, which was a rescue mission that would transport children from Germany to England where families such as Mason’s would sponsor the children and would take care of them. Mason’s report highlighted the personal impact of the Holocaust on his own family history.
The service was held at St. Laurence due to its connection with a Holocaust survivor who is buried there. This special bond between the church and the survivor adds a poignant layer of meaning, as it serves as a place of remembrance for those who endured unimaginable hardships. It’s a fitting tribute to honour the memory of those who experienced the Holocaust and to reflect on the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
Upon arrival, all participants were given a stone, a symbolic gesture rooted in a well-known Jewish tradition practiced in many parts of the world. This tradition represents a physical connection to the planet and the natural world, as the stone links us to the earth from which we all come. Each participant was invited to lay their stone in the centre of the church, offering a moment of reflection on what the stone represented to them personally. It was an opportunity to pause, think deeply, and consider the meaning of the stone—whether as a symbol of remembrance, connection, or a reminder of the shared human experience. This act of laying the stone served as a powerful, shared expression of unity and contemplation.
Our students demonstrated exceptional behaviour and pride in representing the school during the event. They showed great respect, maturity, and consideration throughout, with many attendees praising their positive attitude and the professionalism with which they presented themselves.
Thank you St-Laurence-in-Thanet church for inviting us to remember and reflect. We truly appreciate the opportunity to come together and remember what matters most.
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