Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
School falls silent to honour Holocaust dead
Memorial tributes
Emotional pupils at an Airdrie secondary school were in a sombre mood as they gathered together to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.
Caldervale High’s S1/2 reading group The BOOKies led the moving tributes by lighting a candle in remembrance of the millions of people killed in the Holocaust – and other genocide atrocities over the years.
Social subjects teacher Pamela Thomson introduced the historical and political background to the Holocaust before pupils watched a short film and presentation about standing up to persecution, which promoted the theme for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day, “How can life go on?”
The keen- to- learn students were also able to study a display of materials and were introduced to a selection of fiction books based on the Holocaust.
A Caldervale High spokesperson told the Advertiser afterwards: “This was an important opportunity for the school to honour those who lost their lives during the Holocaust.
“Hannah Cockburn, an S2 member of The BOOKies was asked to light a candle on behalf of the group and a moment of silence was observed, during which the group were able to reflect on what they had heard.
“Although much of the material was very difficult to see and hear, it is vital for them to understand the past and why it is so crucial to pay tribute to the victims of such a horrible atrocity.
“We would like to give our appreciation to all of the pupils for their hard work and organisation, and for embracing the event with the poignancy, respect and understanding it deserves.”
The BOOKies group meets every Friday lunchtime in the school’s Library Resource Centre and new members are always welcome to attend.